News

The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC), in partnership with the Architecture and Infrastructure Committee (AIC) of the Federal CIO Council is developing a Geospatial Profile guidance document for the incorporation of common geospatial capabilities in the business processes of government as developed through agency Enterprise Architectures. A Community of Practice, also convened as an FGDC Working Group, is developing the Profile document along with ancillary best practices for implementation for public review in early Fall 2005. An interactive "Wiki" site has been created to store all documentation for this initiative, and is available for public engagement.

More information can be found here..

You can review the charter here.

Get a copy of the standard here.

This article reports on a 2005 study commissioned by the Federal Geographic Data Committee of the US Geological Survey that identifies obstacles to metadata development and strategies for overcoming those obstacles.

Read the article here.

• Geospatial Modernization Blueprint Charter
• Charter Amendment for Geospatial Line of Business Activity
  
• Geospatial Modernization Blueprint Factsheet
  

• Summer 2006 FGDC Newsletter [PDF 562KB]
  

This 66-page handbook provides a brief, useful “best practices” guide for writing and developing marine boundaries within a geographic information system framework for federal, state, or local marine managed areas. The handbook was a two-year development effort created by the Federal Geographic Data Committee’s Marine Boundary Working Group.

Please go to the following Web site to request printed copies or download the .pdf version.   Also, please feel free to distribute the URL to anyone who might be interested.

http://www.csc.noaa.gov/products/mb_handbook/

Topics

• The Global Spatial Data Infrastructure Association Conducts An Extremely Successful 9th Meeting In Santiago, Chile
• Department of Interior Enterprise Architecture (IEA)
• Outstanding Service award for Milo Robinson
• FGDC Welcomes New CAP Coordinator - Gita Urban-Mathieux
• Iowa Holds Metadata Retreat
• Successful CAP Metadata Workshops continue with Northern Arizona University
• American Indian Activities within the USGS Central Region
• New Tribal Relations course at USGS
• Community Driven Studies with the Navajo Nation
• Alan W. Voss - Retirement
• New Jersey Dives into Metadata
• The National Map, an online, interactive map service.
• 2007 Upcoming Conferences

Spatially Speaking is a new opportunity to communicate monthly with participants of the FGDC and is designed to provide updates on the activities of the FGDC.  Subcommittees, workgroups, and other FGDC participants are asked to prepare brief updates monthly and submit content on activities, decisions, opportunities, and actions no later than the 20th of each month to Alison Dishman, adishman@fgdc.gov.

View the May 2007 update here.

The NGAC is being established by the Department of the Interior and the Federal Geographic Data Committee as an advisory body under the Federal Advisory Committee Act.  The NGAC will provide advice and recommendations from partners and stakeholders on national geospatial programs.  The NGAC will report to the FGDC Chair (Deputy Secretary Lynn Scarlett), and USGS will provide administrative support. 

Nominations are due by June 28, 2007. 

The call for nominations is available at http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1666.

Read or download the 2006 FGDC Annual Report here.

Topics

• National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) honors Ivan DeLoatch of the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC)
• Geospatial Modernization Blueprint Update
• 26 Projects Granted 2007 CAP Awards
• National Spatial Data Infrastructure Cooperative Agreements Program
• Updates on the FGDC Steering Committee and Coordination Group Meetings
• Spatially Speaking: Geospatial Line of Business
• The Common Solutions Team Update
• Emergency Response Success Stories

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Geospatial Management Office (GMO) is committed to enabling implementers of the DHS Geospatial Data Model (DHS GDM) v1.2 with practical tools and solutions.

A new Oracle Spatial 10g user implementation guide, an open-source JAVA-based data migration tool (ESRI Shapefile to Oracle Spatial 10g), and a data dictionary have been added to the DHS GDM v1.2 suite of
solutions.  With this release, DHS allies receive very practical tools designed to accelerate implementation of the DHS GDM v1.2.

The DHS GDM is a standards based, logical data model to be used for collection, discovery, storage, and sharing of homeland security geospatial data. The model will support development of the Department's services-based geospatial architecture, and will serve as an extract, transform, and load (ETL) template for content aggregation.

Please find and download these new DHS GDM v1.2 solutions on this page.

2008 NSDI CAP is closed for proposal submissions.

Proposals will no longer be accepted for the 2008 National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) Cooperative Agreements Program (CAP).  Once closed, the proposals will be reviewed and announcement of the awards will be made in early February.  For more information please see the 2008 NSDI CAP schedule. 

For more information on this program, please contact Gita Urban-Mathieux: burbanma@usgs.gov or 703-648-5175.

For further information on FGDC NSDI CAP Grants: www.fgdc.gov; contact the FGDC Secretariat, c/o U.S. Geological Survey, 590 National Center, Reston, VA 20192; telephone 703-648-5513; fax 703-648-5755.

Topics

• Carol Brandt Receives NSGIC Dedicated Service Award
  
• Framework Web Services Online
  
• 10th Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI-10)
• Fifty States Steps Forward
• Geospatial One-Stop Update
• Virginia’s Metadata Buzz
• FEMA Disaster Grant and FGDC Metadata Training Success Story with Bishop Paiute Tribe, CA
• Coeur d’Alene Tribe Works with County Governments on the Idaho Collaborative Roads Project

View the offical press release for more information.

This FGDC Secretariat is pleased to announce the selection of the 2008 NSDI Cooperative Agreements Program proposals.   A list of the awarded projects can be found here.

For more information on this program, please contact Gita Urban-Mathieux: burbanma@usgs.gov or 703-648-5175.

Read or download the 2007 FGDC Annual Report here.

Topics

• Fifty States Initiative: North Carolina Conducts GIS Study
• Sonoma Ecology Center’s University Metadata Training and Regional Outreach
• EPA and Partners Geospatial Metadata Implementation Project
• Geospatial Metadata Workshop Yields Model for Regional NSDI Coordination
• 08 NSDI CAP Awards
• North American Profile of ISO 19115:2003, Geographic information–Metadata
• The 10th Global Spatial Data Infrastructure Conference Trinidad, 25-29 February 2008
• Metadata Training for Earth Science and Cyberinfrastructure Communities
  

Topics

• National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC) FY 2009 Updates
• 2008 NSDI CAP Accomplishments
• 2009 NSDI CAP
• FGDC Welcomes New Employees
• Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Geospatial 2009 Conference
• Metadata training integration with geospatial courses at George Mason University.
• EPA Wins Government Computer News Award for Metadata Solutions

The Circular A-16 Supplemental Guidance [PDF 1.8MB] was “endorsed” by the FGDC Steering Committee in December, 2008 with 21 agencies voting in favor (none opposed) [PDF 41KB].

Circular A–16 Supplemental Guidance provides the foundation for a portfolio management approach to nationally significant geospatial data themes and associated datasets under the auspices of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A–16.  It sets the framework for a lifecycle-based portfolio management and reporting process intended to increase the transparency of the development and maintenance of nationally significant datasets.  It provides a standard lexicon for use in this process.  It offers a decision process for adding, modifying, or deleting specific themes or datasets from Appendix E of OMB Circular A–16 based on alignment with long-term national strategies or goals, specific business requirements, benefits, and costs. We thank the Lifecycle Working Group for this achievement. The product has been transmitted to OMB for final review.

Juliana P. Blackwell has been named the new director of NOAA’s Office of National Geodetic Survey where she will oversee NOAA's responsibilities for the nation's spatial reference system. She is the first woman to head the nation's oldest federal science agency which was established by President Thomas Jefferson in 1807 as the Survey of the Coast.

Click  HERE for the complete story.

The newest version of the EPA Metadata Editor (EME), version 3, is now available for download on EPA's public National Geospatial Program Web site. The EME allows users to efficiently create and edit geospatial metadata records that meet Agency and federal government requirements. EME v3 is replacing EME v2.1 which was released in July of 2007, and was downloaded by over 1,800 users from EPA; federal, state, and local governments; universities, nonprofits, and the private sector. EME v3 contains all the functionality of v2.1 plus many extras that were requested by users during requirements gathering efforts. A list of the new capabilities of EME v3 can be found at the Web site under the FAQ section. Users can also get access to on-line video training and the EME source code from the Web site. For more information please contact Michelle Torreano (torreano.michelle [at] epa.gov, 202-566-2141).

MARCH 6, 2009 — It is on the horizon, very soon federal agencies will have access to a single ordering schedule for geospatial software. Released on Friday March 6, 2009, under a broad initiative supported by the Department of the Interior (DOI), many Federal agencies will be able improve their efficiency and save taxpayers money by consolidating their purchases of geospatial technology under the government-wide Geospatial Line of Business (LoB).

Partnering with General Services Administration, a new SmartBuy Agreement will be available for the first time to state, tribal and local governments. Qualified GSA Schedule 70 holders will find the new RFQ on the GSA Advantage website (www.gsaadvantage.gov).

The Geospatial (LoB) Common Services Work Group, composed of representatives from across the Federal community, worked with the General Services Administration (GSA) SmartBUY Team to implement a multi-vendor Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) - that will provide small, medium, and large government users a common portfolio of geospatial technology options.  Types of software within the scope of the RFQ include computer aided design, web-based visualization, imagery analysis, geo-coding, national and international road networks, and geospatial analytics and modeling.

For vendors and agencies alike the new Geospatial SmartBUY Agreement will help reduce costs and streamline administration, while improving access to high quality commercial geospatial software, packaged data, and other support products.  This SmartBUY will make geospatial technology more accessible while bringing transparency to the purchasing process. 

Please contact Stephen Bell (703-306-7595)  if you cannot locate the RFQ at stephen.bell@gsa.gov.

For more information on this program, please contact Lew Sanford Jr.: lsanford@fgdc.gov or 703-648-4152. For further information on Geospatial Line of Business activities: www.fgdc.gov/geospatial-lob.  

Topics

• Fifty States Initiative
  
• 2009 NSDI CAP Awards
  
• EPA and Partners Metadata Training and Outreach Project: Increasing Transparency and Accountability across the Nation
  
• What’s In a Name? Ask the U.S. Board on Geographic Names
• Q&A about External Standards
• Laurentian GIS Collaborative GIS Web Mapping
• Connecticut River Watershed Stream Information Tool
  

The Cadastral Data Working Group of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proud to announce the availability of our Cadastral Geodatabase.  This GIS data reflects the boundaries of the entire National Wildlife Refuge System, as well as the parcel data.

http://www.fws.gov/data/Cadastral.htm

This data is current as of May 1, 2009.  A revised dataset, reflecting updates and any needed corrections, will be posted in November 2009.

For those of you that desire data for a specific Region: in ArcMap, select using the attribute FWSREGION.  The Regions are listed by name and Region number in the Unique Values.

The design and compilation of the cadastral geodatabase is the result of many years of effort by FWS Cartographers and GIS Specialists.  We will continue to populate the remaining feature classes, which will provide very detailed info regarding the land and water the FWS manages.

To learn more about the FWS Cadastral Geodatabase: 

http://proceedings.esri.com/library/userconf/feduc09/papers/vandegraft_cad_gdb_for_fws_9-1-08.pdf

Agency Contact: Doug Vandegraft, Chief Cartographer Email: Doug_Vandegraft@fws.gov

The Congressional Research Service has published a report entitled "Geospatial Information and Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Current Issues and Future Challenges".

Author, Peter Folger.

CRS report number R40625.

Download [PDF 961 KB]

The FGDC has just released new guidelines for Geospatial Strategic and Business planning. These guidelines replace the 2006 edition. The guidelines are to help states as they move toward improved statewide geospatial coordination. These guidelines were developed to support of the FGDC Fifty States Initiative.

View the guidelines.

BURLINGTON, MA, August 24, 2009 – The Carbon Project announces the availability of an open source dashboard for Geodata.gov, the federal government's information service for maps and data. The free application enables "at-a-glance" visualization of geospatial assets and monitoring of Geospatial One-Stop (GOS) search functions from desktop PCs.

The GOS Dashboard is available as a free download at http://www.thecarbonportal.net

A video preview is available at - http://thecarbonproject.com/Videos/GOSGadget1/GOSGadget1.htm

The Carbon Project will also host an initial online workshop on August 31, 2009 to promote community dialog on the functions of the dashboard with NSDI users and developers. If you wish to participate please contact info@thecarbonproject.com.

"The GOS Dashboard is designed to integrate Geodata.gov search and access functions into enterprise users desktops, and make geospatial data and services more open and transparent," said Doug Nebert, Senior Advisor for Geospatial Technology at the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC).

"The GOS Dashboard is powered by GeoRSS and builds on our experience developing applications for Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI)," said Nuke Goldstein, CTO of The Carbon Project. "The Dashboard is based on Microsoft Gadgets and enhances common RSS functions with the ability to configure searches, view geodata footprints on a mini-map, and access desktop GIS applications from ESRI and other vendors directly with the data people find."

The GOS Dashboard is part of the 2009 National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) Cooperative Agreement Program (CAP) and will be jointly designed in support of governmental activities by The Carbon Project, the US Army Corps of Engineers and other FGDC representatives and based on key business requirements. 

About The Carbon Project

The Carbon Project is an innovative, high-energy software and technology company specializing in spatial data infrastructure applications and innovative geosocial solutions. The Carbon Project serves professionals, software developers, government agencies and businesses that develop mapping solutions or use geospatial data. Headquartered in Burlington, MA with offices in Virginia, The Carbon Project is a privately owned company backed by individual investors. For more information please visit: www.TheCarbonProject.com.

Results of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure Cooperative Agreements Program were recently featured an August 10th article in Government Computer News.  NSDI CAP recipients highlighted included Inside Idaho, the Missouri Spatial Data Information Service (MSDIS), and DuPage County, Illinois.  To read the full article by Patrick Marshall please go here.

To provide insight into how the Fifty States Intiative has improved coordination on geospatial matters, and thereby impacted the growth of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), this report analyzes quantitatively and qualitatively how the Fifty State grants benefited state government geospatial activities.  Four analyses applied in this report are: 1) analyses of the nine criteria for successful geospatial coordination from the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) Survey, 2) analyses of five questions from the NSGIC Survey selected by the analysis team based on those question being indicators of the level of success in coordination, 3) survey responses from federal employees concerning the effectiveness of Fifty States Initiative grants in improving state geospatial coordination, and 4) a qualitative assessment of changes in the effectiveness of state coordination efforts based on five case studies of states that have received grants.  The Federal Employee Survey and qualitative assessment provided strong evidence that grants have been effective and useful for states. 

View Report [PDF]

Over the past five years the Fifty States Initiative has been successful in raising the
profile of the NSDI with state and local geospatial stakeholders by catalyzing strategic and business planning. The next steps for the program involve consolidating those gains, supporting the realization of the plans through implementation, and beginning the process of measuring where the nation stands on NSDI development. The thrust of the recommended next steps for the Fifty States Initiative acknowledges that successful statewide strategic planning efforts are winding down and that there needs to be a new focus on assisting states in actualizing the goals identified through strategic planning. The report makes seven specific recommendations.

Read the report here. (PDF)

WASHINGTON, DC – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has appointed 14 individuals to serve as members of the
National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC).

The NGAC provides advice and recommendations on federal geospatial policy and management issues as well as a
forum to convey views representative of partners in the geospatial community. The members of the NGAC report to the
chair of the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC), which is the Federal interagency executive group responsible
for providing leadership and direction in Federal geospatial programs. The FGDC is chaired by the Secretary of the
Interior or the Secretary’s designee.

The NGAC meets three to four times per year. The public is invited to comment and make suggestions at all committee
meetings, which will be announced by publication in the Federal Register at least 15 days before the meeting date. The
U.S. Geological Survey, a bureau of the Department of the Interior, provides support services for the NGAC. The
NGAC functions solely as an advisory body.

The NGAC provides advice on the development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), which promotes
sharing of geospatial data throughout all levels of government, the private and nonprofit sectors and the academic
community. Geospatial data and products, including maps, simulations, and databases, are invaluable tools in the
effective management of utility infrastructures, transportation, energy, emergency management and response, natural
resource management, climate analysis, disaster recovery, homeland defense, law enforcement, protection planning
and other civilian or military strategic issues. The newly appointed members of the NGAC represent the varied interests
associated with geospatial programs and technology.

The NGAC was created under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, which was enacted by Congress in 1972 to ensure
that the advice rendered to the executive branch by advisory committees, task forces, boards, and commissions formed
by Congress and the President, will be both objective and accessible to the public.
The new appointees to the National Geospatial Advisory Committee are:

• Dr. Robert Austin, City of Tampa, FL
• Ms. Sophia Beym, State of New Mexico
• Mr. Michael Byrne, State of California
• Dr. David Cowen, University of South Carolina
• Mr. David DiSera, First Insurance Company of Hawaii
• Ms. Kass Green, Kass Green & Associates
• Hon. Randy Johnson, Hennepin County, Minnesota
• Mr. Barney Krucoff, District of Columbia
• Dr. Xavier Lopez, Oracle USA
• Ms. Kimberly Nelson, Microsoft Corporation
• Brigadier General Jack Pellicci, USA, Ret., Intergraph Corporation
• Ms. Cynthia Salas, CenterPoint Energy
• Mr. Eugene Schiller, Southwest Florida Water Management District
• Mr. Steve Wallach, U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

Additional information about the NGAC, including a complete list of the 28 committee members, is available at
www.fgdc.gov/ngac.

Read the official news release here.

Contact: Joan Moody 202-208-6416, John Mahoney 206-220-4621

WASHINGTON, DC--Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today that the Department of the Interior is seeking nominations for appointment to the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC).

The NGAC is an advisory committee that provides recommendations and advice to the federal government on national geospatial policy issues and the management of national geospatial programs. The NGAC was established by the Department of the Interior in 2007 on behalf of the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). Secretary Salazar serves as the Chair of the FGDC.

"Geospatial information and technology are important and growing components of our economy, and play a vital role in helping us manage our resources and achieve critical national goals,” Secretary Salazar said. “The National Geospatial Advisory Committee provides a valuable service in allowing us to work with our partners to pursue common goals through a collaborative process."

The NGAC is comprised of up to 30 members to include representation from among, but not limited to, the following stakeholder groups involved in the geospatial community: Federal Government, State Government, County Government, Regional Government, City/Municipal Government, Tribal Government, Private Sector, User Industries, Professional Associations, Non-Profit Organizations, and Academia.

NGAC members are appointed for staggered terms, and approximately one-half of the seats on the Committee will be appointed during this round of appointments.

Nominations for appointment to the NGAC should be submitted electronically to ngacnominations@fgdc.gov by August 24, 2010. Nominations may be submitted on behalf of others, or individuals may self-nominate. Nominations should include:

• A nomination letter summarizing the nominee's qualifications and interest in NGAC membership and describing the nominee's ability to represent a stakeholder group.
• A biographical sketch, resume, or curriculum vitae. 
• One letter of reference and a list of two additional references with contact information.
  
• Contact information for the nominee (name, title, organization, mailing address, e-mail address, and phone number).
  

Additional information and instructions about the nomination process are posted on the NGAC web page at www/fgdc.gov/ngac. Individuals who are currently federally registered lobbyists will not be eligible to serve on this committee.

Final selection and appointment of NGAC members will be made by the Secretary of the Interior. Members of the committee serve without compensation. However, members may be reimbursed for per diem and travel expenses incurred while attending committee meetings in accordance with the Federal travel regulations as implemented by the Department of the Interior.

Additional information about the NGAC, including the current Charter, may be found on the NGAC Web page at www.fgdc.gov/ngac.

Related Items

• Official News Release [PDF]
• Federal Register Notice [PDF]
  

A Request for Information (RFI) to industry has been issued to gain additional information on the potential costs and benefits of different approaches to meet the goals of the Imagery for the Nation (IFTN) initiative.  The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) has led the development of the RFI, acting on behalf of the FGDC Executive Committee.

A presolicitation notice, No.: ACR-2010-01, has been posted and is available through FedBizOpps.gov at the following address:

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=5686bd9200cb1729a7fcd44b855f30bd&tab=core&_cview=0

Responses are due by August 16, 2010.  The IFTN RFI is a sources sought announcement to conduct market research only. This announcement is being issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a Request for Proposals (RFP), a Request for Quotations (RFQ) or an indication that the Government will contract for any of the items and/or services contained in this notice.

The goal of the IFTN initiative is to provide a sustainable and flexible nation-wide imagery program to meet the needs of government at all levels.  With input from many stakeholders and partners, the IFTN initiative has been refined by the FGDC Steering Committee and Executive Committee, and earned the support and endorsement of a number of key professional and advisory groups, including: the National Geospatial Advisory Committee (NGAC), ACSM, ASPRS, AAG, CaGIS, GITA, GIS Certification Institute, IAAO, NSGIC, UCGIS, and URISA.

The IFTN initiative will take advantage of existing programs that acquire imagery for Federal purposes.  These programs include the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) and a joint effort between NGA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct the Urban Area Imagery Partnership (UAIP).  IFTN will coordinate these efforts with state, tribal, regional and local government imagery programs to provided standardized and comprehensive national coverage. Federal guidelines, established in OMB Circular A-16, identify orthoimagery as a data theme of national significance and include it in a list of core sets of  digital spatial information that require development, maintenance, and dissemination.  

For additional information on the IFTN initiative, visit http://www.fgdc.gov/iftn

Topics

• National Geospatial Advisory Committee Update
• New Subcommittee on Standards Announced
• Providing Leadership on Standards to Address National Challenges
• National Geospatial Forums
• NSDI CAP Activities
• 2010 Coorperative Agreement Program Awards
• Building Minnesota Structures Data Stewardship for The National Map and NSDI
• South Carolina GIS State Outreach
• FGDC Standards Activity
• Ducks Unlimited Promotes Wetlands Mapping Standard

[PDF 5.8MB]

The FGDC Steering Committee has officially endorsed over 60 non-Federally authored standards that play an important role in enabling geospatial interoperability.  The standards include standards from Open Geospatial Consortium; ISO Technical Committee 211, Geographic information/Geomatics; the American National Standards Institute (through International Committee for Information Technology Standards Technical Committee L1, Geographic information systems) and de facto standards.

The FGDC Steering endorsed these standards in accordance with the FGDC Policy on Recognition of Non-Federally Authored Geographic Information Standards and Specifications [PDF].  This was the first time this policy was exercised.  The standards were identified and reviewed by the FGDC Standards WG (SWG), reviewed and voted upon by the FGDC Coordination Group (CG), and then endorsed by the FGDC Steering Committee. 

For a list of the endorsed standards, please visit FGDC Endorsed External Standards  page on the FGDC website.

Dear Colleagues:

We are pleased to invite you, your peers, and your organizations to provide comments and suggestions on the proposed Geospatial Platform initiative.

The vision for the Platform was described in the President’s Fiscal Year 2011 budget:

“In 2010 and 2011, Federal data managers for geospatial data will move to a portfolio management approach, creating a Geospatial Platform to support Geospatial One-Stop, place-based initiatives, and other potential future programs.  This transformation will be facilitated by improving the governance framework to address the requirements of State, local and tribal agencies, Administration policy, and agency mission objectives. Investments will be prioritized based on business needs.  The Geospatial Platform will explore opportunities for increased collaboration with Data.gov, with an emphasis on reuse of architectural standards and technology, ultimately increasing access to geospatial data.”

The Geospatial Platform will become a managed portfolio of common geospatial data, services, and applications contributed and administered by authoritative sources and hosted on a shared infrastructure, for use by government agencies and partners to meet their mission needs and the broader needs of the Nation.  The Platform aims to deliver valuable geospatial services that can be easily accessed by government organizations and used to provide place-based products and services to the American public. 

Over the past several months, the partner agencies of the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) have developed a draft Modernization Roadmap document that provides a high-level implementation plan for the Platform. The Roadmap, which is posted on www.geoplatform.gov, describes a future-state technology architecture that leverages industry standards and best practices, identifies processes and organizational elements needed to help ensure success, and proposes a strategic path forward to implement the Platform vision.

The National Geospatial Advisory Committee, whose members recently provided comments and suggestions on the Roadmap, has endorsed the Geospatial Platform concept.  We are entering a broader, 60-day stakeholder review process and are seeking your input.  I encourage you to review the Roadmap and provide feedback utilizing one of the following two approaches:

• On-line:  The FGDC has launched an IdeaScale website, http://geoplatform.ideascale.com, providing an online venue where stakeholders can submit ideas and comments related to the Roadmap and the Platform.  IdeaScale, which has been used successfully with Data.gov and other Open Government initiatives, also offers space for stakeholders to provide meaningful feedback and enter into dialogues on conceptual and specific elements of the Roadmap and the Platform.  The FGDC will use these comments and communication threads to improve the Roadmap and refine the Platform.
• Via e-mail:  You, or your organization, can submit written comments directly to the FGDC at geoplatformcomments@fgdc.gov through December 2010.  Please use the attached Comment Form [Excel] if you submit your comments via e-mail.  Comments will be used to improve the Roadmap and refine the Geospatial Platform.

Upon completion of the stakeholder review period, the FGDC member agencies will incorporate ideas and suggestions into the next version of the Roadmap and move into the next phase of the Platform.  We are committed to an ongoing process for interacting with the geospatial stakeholder community and look forward to hearing your creative ideas.

In the upcoming weeks, the FGDC Secretariat will host a webinar(s) for stakeholders interested in learning more about the Platform, the stakeholder engagement process, and IdeaScale.  Information regarding the webinar(s) will be posted on www.fgdc.gov, www.geoplatform.gov, and http://geoplatform.ideascale.com.

Regards,

Ivan B. DeLoatch, Executive Director
Federal Geographic Data Committee
U.S. Geological Survey
U.S.Department of the Interior

The U.S. Geological Survey has issued a Call for Abstracts to support The National Map (TNM) Users Conference, and the Geographic Information Science Workshop to be held May 10-13, 2011 in Lakewood, Colo.

This inaugural event will assemble a wide range of participants including scientists, managers and geospatial professionals from government, industry, academia and other organizations.

A goal of TNM UC is to share accomplishments and progress, acknowledge best practices, and exchange innovative ideas concerning The National Map in supporting science initiatives. The role of the GIS Workshop will be learning specific techniques for using GIS in support of science. Interactive dialog will be encouraged through panel and lightning sessions, poster presentations, workshops, and demonstrations.

Currently, the Conference Agenda Committee is encouraging the submission of abstracts for presentations, demonstrations, and posters.

More information and abstract submission: http://nationalmap.gov/uc

The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) submitted a response to the Request for Information (RFI) from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on "Effectiveness of Federal Agency Participation in Standardization in Select Technology Sectors for National Science and Technology Council's Sub-Committee on Standardization" published in the Federal Register [Docket No. 0909100442-0563-02].  The RFI was published in the December 8, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 235) edition of the Federal Register with a deadline for comments of March 7, 2011.  In this RFI, NIST, on behalf of the National Science and Technology Council's Sub-Committee on Standards, invited interested parties to provide their perspectives on the effectiveness of Federal agencies' participation in the development and implementation of standards and conformity assessment activities and programs. 

The FGDC response to the RFI:

• Emphasized FGDC’s commitment, as per OMB Circular A-119, to use voluntary consensus standards in lieu of government standards and to participate in voluntary consensus standards bodies.  Discussed standardization activities within the FGDC that are not covered by existing voluntary consensus standards bodies
• Emphasized FGDC participation in external standards bodies, such as the InterNational Committee on Information Technology Standards Technical Committee L1 (INCITS L1), Geographic information systems, ISO Technical Committee 211, Geographic information/Geomatics, the Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc. (OGC), and the Geospatial-Intelligence Standards Working Group (GWG) chaired by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
• Made reference to the recent FGDC endorsement of 64 external standards that were either voluntary consensus standards or de facto standards that have been adopted through widespread use and implementation, and
• Identified factors that hinder participation in public/private standardization activities and/or adoption and use of standards.

FGDC member agencies that provided input on the FGDC response included: the U.S. Census Bureau, Dept. of Commerce; Dept. of Education; Dept. of Treasury; Library of Congress; Department of Energy; National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; Dept. of Housing and Urban Development; Dept. of State; Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Environment Protection Agency; and the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Defense Installations Spatial Data Infrastructure.  Both the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the Open Geospatial Consortium (which included input from some Federal agencies) provided responses to NIST.

Read the FGDC response to the RFI [PDF 44KB]

FGDC Steering Committee Meeting
Tuesday, June 7, 2011, 2:00-4:00 p.m. 
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Building
AIA Board Room (2nd floor)
1735 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC  20006

The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Steering Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 7, 2011, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) building in Washington, DC (1735 New York Avenue, NW).  The meeting will take place in the AIA Board Room (2nd floor). 

• Agenda [PDF 90KB]

Meeting attendees must register in advance.  Please register by contacting Arista Maher at the U.S. Geological Survey (703-648-6283, amaher@usgs.gov).  Registrations are due by June 3, 2011.  While the meeting will be open to the public, seating may be limited due to room capacity.   

11/09/2011

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The federal government and its geospatial partners today unveiledwww.geoplatform.gov, a prototype Geospatial Platform website providing an initial view of the future of user-friendly, integrated, federal data collections on common geographic maps.

This prototype version of the Geospatial Platform combines map-based data and tools with the latest internet technologies to deliver geospatial information in a simple, understandable package. Users—including the public, federal agencies and their partners—can easily find federally-maintained geospatial data, services and applications, as well as access data from our partners across State, Tribal, Regional and local governments.

"The Geospatial Platform will provide a user-friendly ‘one-stop shop’ for place-based data you can trust, and the tools to display that data on a map platform," said Anne Castle, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science.

Through the website, users can create their own maps by combining their data with public domain data and can collaborate in public and private groups with others who share their interests. Maps assembled through the Geospatial Platform can be shared with others through web browsers and mobile technologies. All of this is possible without requiring users to install software on their own computers.

The Geospatial Platform has been developed as a partnership among the member agencies of the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC), an interagency committee composed of representatives from the Executive Office of the President, and Cabinet level and independent Federal agencies including Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The FGDC promotes the coordinated development, use, sharing, and dissemination of geospatial data on a national basis. Assistant Secretary Castle serves as chair of the FGDC steering committee. The Geospatial Platform is a key driver for FGDC member agencies to improve the quality and access of their unique geospatial assets. It enhances and complements efforts that are underway to develop mission-specific geospatial applications in agencies such as NOAA, EPA, Interior and Agriculture.

"The ability to quickly visualize combinations of different types of data will allow decision makers and citizens to make timely, informed judgments on important land and resource issues,” Castle emphasized. “The Platform will also promote efficiency and reduce duplication of effort by providing the means to create unique maps that can be built once and reused many times. In Interior, it truly will be the “platform” we build upon as we develop and share geospatial tools to enhance our specific mission -- the responsible use of the nation’s land, water and coastal resources.”

Examples of the information available on the initial version of the Geospatial Platform include environmental clean-up data from EPA and coastal environmental sensitivity data and historic hurricane data from NOAA. These data sets could be combined on a topographic map from Interior to assess hurricane vulnerability in coastal areas.

Developing an online infrastructure for increasing access to data, services and tools has been a cornerstone of the Obama Administration's Open Government Initiative. The official launch of the Geospatial Platform improves the availability and usability of geospatial information from all federal agencies. The Platform will also integrate and display the geospatial information on the Administration’s Data.gov site. The FGDC partnered with the General Services Administration to improve access to geospatial data on Data.gov, including the development of a new geospatial data catalog service at: geo.data.gov.

"With these tools, all users have the ability to view maps from their partners and peers, to review and change those maps by adding their own information and expertise, and then re-share the results with groups of people they define. The Geospatial Platform opens the door to collaboration around maps and the government’s geospatial information in new and very exciting ways," said Malcolm Jackson, EPA’s Chief Information Officer.

Joe Klimavicz, NOAA’s Chief Information Officer, said, “We believe the Geospatial Platform will be an extremely valuable resource in both responding to, as well as sharing information on, future natural and man-made disasters. This authoritative resource of geospatial data and services will provide users with access to the information necessary to make informed decisions about critical issues.”

In developing the Geospatial Platform, the FGDC has held outreach sessions to obtain user feedback with multiple partner agencies and external stakeholders. The FGDC has also received input and advice from the National Geospatial Advisory Committee, which includes experts from the private sector, academia, and all levels of government. FGDC will collaborate with partners to continuously expand the content and resources available through the site.

The Geospatial Platform is a work in progress that will continue to be refined, updated, and refreshed over the next several months with additional data, services and tools, based on user feedback and partner inputs.

Additional information about the FGDC is available at www.fgdc.gov

 Please visit HERE to view the HTML and PDF versions of the report.

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December 1, 2011

Dear FGDC Steering Committee and NGAC members:

I'm very pleased to announce the release of the FGDC 2011 Annual Report.  Developed as required by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-16, this report includes the activities and accomplishments of the FGDC partner agencies over the past year.  I would like to thank the partner agencies that provided the articles, success stories, and data theme status maps and reports that are highlighted in the report.  Thanks are also due to the FGDC Secretariat's staff for the compilation and production.  I encourage everyone to peruse the report and read about our collective accomplishments. 

This year's cover story is highlights the tremendous success of the National Broadband Map initiative, the culmination of two years of committed partnerships and collaboration among State governments, non-profit organizations, Federal agencies, broadband providers, and many other stakeholders.  The effort exemplifies the goals of OMB Circular A-16, which established a coordinated approach to developing the National Spatial Data Infrastructure and emphasized the development of national data and collaborative partnerships.

Another very significant accomplishment is the tremendous progress FGDC made in conceptualizing and implementing the Geospatial Platform initiative, which provides a foundation to support the Administration's efforts in data sharing, transparency, good government, and collaboration.  The FGDC developed a conceptual roadmap for the Platform and received very helpful feedback from the National Geospatial Advisory Committee and through a public outreach process.  The FGDC also initiated the first operational phase of the Platform, which is live and available at: www.geoplatform.gov.

The FGDC also provided support for key White House initiatives, including working with OMB to develop the Supplemental Guidance to Circular A-16, "Coordination of Geographic Information and Related Spatial Data Activities."  The new guidance outlines a process to use portfolio management approaches to more effectively manage Federal geospatial assets and investments.

Fiscal year 2012 will focus on continued collaboration to better enable public-private partnerships and investments, and continued progress on the development of the Geospatial Platform, as well as other tools and data to provide benefits for federal agencies, partners, and the public we serve.  We look forward to a productive year.
 
Thanks to all of you who have contributed to and supported the efforts of the FGDC during the year.  Without your hard work, we would not be able to report these accomplishments.

The FGDC 2011 Annual Report is available online at: http://www.fgdc.gov/library/whitepapers-reports/annual%20reports/2011  Limited hard copies of the report are available from Ivan DeLoatch (ideloatch@usgs.gov).  We encourage you to view the report online to reduce costs.
 
Best,  
 
Anne
 
 
Anne J. Castle
Assistant Secretary for Water and Science
U.S. Department of the Interior
1849 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20240
 

On September 30, 2011 the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Steering Committee voted to endorse the Federal Trail Data Standards (FTDS). The final version is now available. The FTDS enables national, regional, state, and trail‐level managers, partners, and the public to use a common and mutually understood terminology for recording, retrieving and applying spatial and tabular information. The FTDS also makes it easier for trail information to be combined and accessed by individuals, agencies, or groups. Ease in sharing data improves the ability for enhanced and consistent mapping, inventory, condition assessment, management, budgeting, monitoring, and information retrieval for internal and external needs.

The Federal Trails Data Standards has been assigned document number FGDC‐STD‐017‐2011 and is available through the FGDC website:  http://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standards-projects/trail-data-standard/trail-data-standards. For additional information on the Federal Trail Data Standards, visit http://www.nps.gov/gis/trails/.

Background: Governmental agencies and the public recognize that trails of all kinds, including congressionally and secretarially‐designated trails, are important recreational and cultural resource corridors. The National Park Service (NPS), Unites States Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) have worked collaboratively with States, local governments, and trail organizations to promote and develop trails for the benefit of the public.

In 2001, the Federal Interagency Council on Trails requested that agency representatives from the NPS, USFS, and BLM develop a core GPS Trails Data Dictionary for consistent use by all federal trail management agencies. The Interagency Trail Data Standards (ITDS) Team, chartered in 2002, worked from 2002 to 2009 to identify and develop the initial set of Interagency Trail Data Standards (ITDS). The ITDS underwent internal review within the three federal agencies in 2003. The FWS joined the ITDS Team in 2004. A nationwide external review of the ITDS by governmental and non‐governmental stakeholders occurred in 2004. After adjudication of comments received, the ITDS Version 1 was finalized and published for implementation in 2006.

The NPS submitted a proposal that was accepted into the FGDC body of work in February 2007. In 2007, on behalf of the ITDS Team, the NPS received a grant from the FGDC to transform the ITDS into an FGDC data standard. The ITDS Team updated ITDS Version 1 to ITDS Version 2, renamed it as the Federal Trail Data Standard, and submitted it for FGDC‐sponsored public review in 2008.

In 2009, the ITDS Team, renamed as the Federal Trail Data Standards (FTDS) Team, reviewed and adjudicated the public review comments. In 2010, edits identified from the public review were incorporated into the data standard in preparation for approval and adoption by the FGDC. 

The FGDC Standards Working Group voted unanimously to recommend FGDC endorsement of the Federal Trails Data Standard in April 2011. The FGDC Standards WG forwarded its recommendation to the FGDC Coordination Group (CG), which subsequently voted to approve the FTDS for endorsement. The FTDS was then referred to the FGDC Steering Committee for endorsement.

To see the summary of the October 27, 2011 FGDC Metadata Summit please go here.

All the materials related to the summit plus a link to the audio recording of the the follow-up webinar hosted on December 7, 2011 are available  through the FGDC website at www.fgdc.gov/metadata/events/metadata-summit.

For more information, contact: Viv Hutchison, USGS, VHutchison@usgs.gov or Jennifer Carlino, USGS, jcarlino@usgs.gov.

The FGDC is pleased to announce that the awards for 2012 National Spatial Data Infrastructure Cooperative Agreements Program. Twenty-three proposals have been selected for this years program that is providing just over $600,000 in funding. The projects will support development of the NSDI by advancing standards including ISO metadata, development geospatial business plans in five states, expand the State GIS Inventory, and deploying geospatial cloud services.  Information about the awarded proposals is available on the 2012 NSDI CAP web page.

For more information about this program, please contact Gita Urban-Mathieux: burbanma@usgs.gov or 703-648-5175.

The FGDC has updated its guidance for metadata standards. The guidance includes information about transition to ISO metadata standards and provides resources. The Metadata Guidance page is available here.

For more information, please contact the FGDC Office of the Secretariat: fgdc@fgdc.gov.

On September 20, 2012, the FGDC Steering Committee approved the Geospatial Platform Business Plan. The final version of the plan describes a clear path forward for the build-out of the Platform, the interagency funding strategy, and an inclusive governance model. 

• Geospatial Platform Business Plan (redacted) (pdf, 1.1mb)

The 2013 North Carolina GIS Conference will be held February 7-8, 2013 in Raleigh, NC. 

Please go to the conference website for details: www.cgia.state.nc.us/ncgis2013 

• Conference Flyer [PDF]

The 2012 annual report, in HTML and PDF versions, is posted on the FGDC website. In alignment with the FGDC's primary activities, the Geospatial Platform is the report's feature article. 

Thank you to all the agencies and individuals who contributed content and provided review and comments.  

If you would like a printed version of the report please contact us at fgdc@fgdc.gov.

The FGDC has initiated a process to develop a new strategic plan for the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI).  We plan to work collaboratively with partners and stakeholders in the geospatial community to develop a new strategy that includes a set of goals and objectives for the continued and sustainable development of the NSDI.

FGDC will provide multiple opportunities for input and involvement in the development of the new strategic plan, including public meetings of the FGDC Coordination Group, FGDC Steering Committee, National Geospatial Advisory Committee, as well as special sessions at professional conferences and other opportunities.

• Learn more about the NSDI Strategic Plan

On February 1, 2013, the FGDC Steering Committee endorsed the revised version of the A-16 National Geospatial Data Asset (NGDA) Data Themes and Theme Lead Agencies list. This endorsement revises the earlier list that was endorsed by the Steering Committee on August 19, 2011.

• A-16 National Geospatial Data Asset (NGDA) Data Themes and Theme Lead Agencies (pdf)  
  Version/Date: Endorsed August 19, 2011, revised February 1, 2013

Learn more about A-16 NGDA Data Themes and Datasets.

Due to scheduling conflicts, the June 2013 meeting of the FGDC Coordination group is now via Webinar only.  

Please contact Arista Maher (amaher [at] fgdc.gov) if you need more information about joining the meeting.

The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) is seeking public comments on the draft strategic plan for the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI).  The draft NSDI strategic plan has been developed with inputs from a variety of sources, including FGDC member agencies, the National Geospatial Advisory Committee, and geospatial partner organizations.  The plan describes a broad national vision for the NSDI, and includes goals and objectives for the Federal government's role in continued sustainable development of the NSDI.  Following the public comment period, a revised draft of the plan will be prepared for final review and adoption by the FGDC Steering Committee. Following completion of the strategic plan, the FGDC will develop more detailed project plans for the goals and objectives in the strategic plan.

• Draft NSDI Strategic Plan – Public Comment Version (Version 2, 7/31/2013) [PDF]
• NSDI Strategic Plan Comment Form [XLS] (Please use this form to provide comments.  Comments should be submitted tonsdicomments@fgdc.gov by August 21, 2013)
• Visit the NSDI Strategic Plan page for more information about the NSDI strategic planning process and activities

DATES:  Comments should be submitted by Wednesday, August 21, 2013.   

ADDRESSES:  Comments can be submitted electronically to: nsdicomments@fgdc.gov. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  John Mahoney, U.S. Geological Survey (206-220-4621).

On behalf of the HIFLD members (NGA, DoD, DHS, and USGS) we would like to invite you participate in the upcoming working group meeting focused on Climate Data and Mapping for Infrastructure Resilience.

This meeting will be held on Nov 13-14, in-person at USGS in Reston, VA and via webinar.

More information about this meeting is available on the meeting event page.

The 2013 annual report, in HTML and PDF versions, is posted on the FGDC website.  The report provides management and performance information and describes the significant actions the FGDC has taken over the past year to facilitate continued, integrated, and sustainable development and dissemination of geospatial data and technology. It also includes many of  agencies' success stories, NGAC contributions, and FGDC accomplishments, such as, the launching of Version 2 of the Geospatial Platform, the endorsement five new geospatial standards, and the draft of the updated strategic plan for the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI).  

Thank you to all the agencies and individuals who contributed content and provided review and comments.  

If you would like a printed version of the report please contact us at fgdc@fgdc.gov.

At the 18 February 2014 FGDC Coordination Group meeting, Deidre McCarthy (Cultural Resource Subcommittee) briefed the Coordination Group on the ongoing Unified Federal Review led by FEMA and DHS to develop a unified federal environmental and historic preservation review process relating to disaster recovery projects.  Data and IT deliverables for this effort are being coordinated by DHS and the National Park Service (Chair of the Cultural Resource Subcommittee) with input from interagency working group members.  These deliverables include a compilation of existing digital data standards for natural and cultural resources, as well as general standards for GIS data.  A spreadsheet containing the identified standards and explanations of the standards was presented to the Coordination Group for review and comment before being submitted to the Unified Federal Review Steering Group as a final product.  The Standards Working Group provided the only comments/edits received.  All of these changes were incorporated into the document and the final version was submitted to the Unified Federal Review Steering Committee on 24 February 2014.

Comments, Edits and Suggestions included:

• Addition of a comment field to provide additional explanation relative to the standard creation/process/development
• Correct titles for standards and status updates
• Corrected links for standards information
• Addition of standards not included in previous drafts
• Removal of standards due to status change, duplication or relevance to subject matter

Standards included on the final submission:

FGDC Standards

• FGDC-STD-001-1998 (Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata)
• FGDC-STD-002-1998 (Spatial Data Transfer Standard)
• FGDC-STD-007.1-1998 (Geospatial Positioning Standards:  Part 1, Reporting Methodology)
• FGDC-STD-014-2008 (Geographic Information Framework Data Standard)
• FGDC-STD-014.3-2008 (Geographic Information Framework Data Standard, Part 3, Elevation)
• FGDC-STD-014.6-2008 (Geographic Information Framework Data Content Standard, Part 6, Hydrography)
• FGDC-STD-014.5-2008 (Governmental Unit and Other Geographic Area Boundaries)
• FGDC-STD-016-2011 (United States Thoroughfare, Landmark, and Postal Address Data Standard)

FGDC Endorsed Standards

• ANSI-INCITS 446-2008 (Information Technology-Identifying Attributes for Names Physical and Cultural Geographic Features, except roads and highways)
• ISO 19107:2003 (Geographic Information-Spatial Schema)
• ISO 19108:2002 (Geographic Information-Temporal Schema)
• ISO 19110:2005 (Geographic Information-Methodology for Feature Cataloguing)
• ISO 19111:2007 (Geographic Information-Spatial Referencing by Coordinates)
• ISO 19115:2003 (Geographic Information-Metadata)
• ISO 6709:2008 (Standards Representation of Geographic Point Locations)
• ISO 19104:2008 (Geographic Information-Terminology)
• ISO 19136:2007 (Geographic Information-Geography Markup Language)
• ISO 19138:2006 (Geographic Information-Data Quality Measures)

Other Federal Standards Activities

• Geospatial Intelligence Standards Working Group
• FGDC Cultural Resource Subcommittee
• Environmental Data Standards Council
• Earth Science Data and Information System (ESDIS) Standards Office

Federal Agency or Resource Specific Standards

FGDC Discontinued Standards Projects

• Environmental Hazards Geospatial Data Content Standard
• Hydrographic Data Content Standard for Coastal and Inland Waterways
• Riparian Mapping Standard
• National Hydrography Framework Data Standard
• Federal Standards for Delineation of Hydrologic Unit Boundaries

FGDC In Development Standards Projects and Resource Specific Existing Standards

• FGDC-STD-017-2011 (Federal Trails Data Standards)
• US Government Real Property Asset Data Standard
• ANSI-INCITS 353:2006 (Spatial Data Standards for Facilities, Infrastructure and Environment)
• FGDC-STD-001.1-1999 (Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata:  Part I, Biological Data Profile)
• FGDC-STD-001.2-2001 (Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata:  Part 2, Metadata Profile for Shoreline Data)
• FGDC-STD-004-2013 (Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats in the United States)
• FGDC-STD-005-2008 (National Vegetation Classification Standard, Version2)
• FGDC-STD-006 (Soil Geographic Data Standard)
• FGDC-STD-015-2009 (Wetlands Mapping Standard)
• FGDC-STD-018-2012 (Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard)
• INCITS 145-1986 (Codes for Identification of Hydrologic Units in the US and the Caribbean Outlying Areas)
• Earth Cover Classification Standard (discontinued)
• Geologic Data Model
• Shoreline Data Content Standard
• Content Standards for Framework Land Elevation Data
• Cultural Resources Geospatial Data Content Standard

Agency Specific Standards Projects and Resource Specific Existing Standards

• BLM – Standard for Transmittal of GIS Data to SHPO Data Systems
• DHS – National Information Exchange Model
• DoD – Spatial Data Standards for Facilities, Infrastructure and Environment
• FS – Cultural Properties Data Standard
• NPS – Cultural Resource Spatial Data Transfer Standard
• Nez Perce Tribe – Cultural Resource Spatial Data
• Wildfire – GIS Standard Operating Procedures on Incidents
• EPA – Biological Taxonomy Data Standard
• EPA – Enforcement and Compliance Data Standard
• EPA – ESAR: Project V2
• EPA – Facility Site Identification Data Standard
• EPA – Permitting Information Data Standard
• EPA – Tribal Identifier Data Standard
• EPA – Areas of Critical Environmental Concern
• BLM – Easements and Rights-of-Way Data Standard
• BLM – Resource Area Boundaries
• BLM – Wild and Scenic Rivers Data Standard
• FWS – Critical Habitat Spatial Data Specifications
• FWS – Ecosystem Unit Boundaries
• USGS – National Hydrography Dataset Standards
• NRCS – Watershed Boundary Data

The Geospatial Platform team is pleased to announce the availability of an open standards compliant catalog service API supporting Geoplatform.gov and Data.gov. Supporting the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Catalog Service for the Web (CSW) it provides an interface for query and presentation of results regarding data, services, and applications registered with the Geospatial Platform and data.gov. Any client supporting CSW (desktop GIS, Web application, client library, etc.) can integrate the new Geoplatform.gov / Data.gov CSW endpoints.

The CSW endpoints support the OGC CSW 2.0.2 standard as well as the ISO Metadata Application 1.0.0 Profile. The response is transmitted as XML conforming to the ISO or Dublin Core metadata schemas. Brief, Summary, and Full responses can be requested, delivering different amounts of information to the requestor based on these common standards. API documentation is available under Resources on the Geoplatform.gov site.

The FGDC Steering Committee has approved the final version of the National Geospatial Data Asset Management Plan (formerly known as the A-16 Portfolio Management Implementation Plan).  This has truly been a collaborative effort involving a host of FGDC member agencies and partner organizations. 

The plan outlines the actions needed for our oversight responsibility to institute a portfolio management process to support the implementation of the OMB Circular A-16 Supplemental Guidance and to address the portfolio management goals in the recently developed 2014-2016 NSDI Strategic Plan.  The plan is also designed to address key drivers including Administration priorities and FGDC strategic initiatives.

The Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) Association is pleased to announce that four proposals have received awards from the 2014 Small Grants Program.

The GSDI Association has allocated resources from the Geoconnections Program of Natural Resources Canada to fund the program to support national or sub-national activities that foster partnerships, develop in-country technical capacity, improve data compatibility and access, and increase political support for spatial data infrastructure. The U.S. Federal Geographic Data Committee Office of the Secretariat and the GISCorps of The Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) also support the program.

A Call for Proposals was issued in March 2014, resulting in 40 proposals, which were reviewed by volunteers from six continents from organizations in over 20 countries. The proposals selected for funding, from Ghana, Uganda, Belize and Armenia, are listed below.

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Title: Establishing standards-based web mapping and data access services using open source geospatial software technologies for CERSGIS

Institution: Centre for Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Services (CERSGIS), University of Ghana, Legon.

Project summary: The project is focused on the development of a clearinghouse for spatial data for CERSGIS and is a case study for the full-scale implementation of recommendations and activities for the National Spatial Development Framework for Ghana. Project activities include:

• Develop data policies and standards.
  
•  Develop metadata for the datasets based on the defined standards.
  
• Implement web-based spatial data infrastructure portal for public access to the datasets.
  
• Workshop to present the SDI portal to stakeholders.
  

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Title: Towards GIS Interoperability For Environmental Protection And Sustainable Development

Institution: Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.

Project summary: Develop a structured organization of geodata and geographic information based on internationally accepted OGC and ISO standards to guarantee interoperability in Uganda. Planned activities include:

• Evaluate the existing spatial datasets and value of geoinformation.
  
• Document spatial data according to the ISO 19115 standard.
  
• Develop a one-stop gateway to discover, access and evaluate spatial data.
  

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Title: Developing a reliable agriculture GIS database for Belize through partnership with key stakeholder

Institution: Land Information Center, Ministry of Natural Resources and Agriculture, Belmopan, Belize.

Project summary: Develop a reliable agriculture GIS database in collaboration with agriculture stakeholders in the country:

• Establish an Agriculture GIS data integration working group consisting of key stakeholders from governmental, private sector, and other relevant stakeholders.
  
• Identify the types of agriculture related data and data gaps that exist for large farms (and commercial farms) within the country.
  
•  Establish standards for data integration exercises based on identified needs of stakeholders, best practices, and international standards.
  
• Develop and provide accessibility of the final database through the Belize NSDI geoportal to enable improved decision-making within this sector.
  

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Title: Introducing EnviroSDI for Armenia: Piloting publicly accessible online platform

Institution: Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, National Academy of Sciences, Republic of Armenia.

Project summary: The proposed project will create an online SDI open-source based platform (Ushahidi may be one option), enabling the non-profit sector and the wider public to access a wide range of geographic data including base maps and sector specific thematic maps. The main components of the project are:

• Designing the concept of the online SDI platform, with the specifics of it use (users) in mind;
  
• Developing (customizing an existing open-source platform) and rolling out the SDI (online);
  
• Populating it with base maps; and
  
•  Populating the platform with geographic (environmental, conservation) thematic data collected during the field fieldwork over a pilot area.
  

For more information please visit the GSDI Small Grants Program web page.

It is with extreme sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the loss of our highly respected colleague and friend, and a member of the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) family, Doug Nebert, who died in a plane crash in Oregon on May 31, 2014.

A long-time employee, friend, and colleague, Doug's career spanned over 30 years of service with USGS and the FGDC Secretariat. Ever committed to furthering the availability and use of geospatial and mapping technologies to address important issues, Doug was known nationally and internationally for his expertise, technical ability, and dedication to building cooperative relationships, integrated technical solutions, and development of spatial data infrastructures. His role in the geospatial community, both in the US and internationally, was primarily to help others advance their own capabilities. His vast expertise, leadership and eagerness to help others has been critical to our shared success. The effects of Doug's loss will be felt by colleagues and friends around the world.

A number of organizations have established sites and blogs where expressions of sympathy, condolences and stories can be shared.

• Digital Coast Blog (http://csc.noaa.gov/geozone/doug_nebert/)
• Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Blog (http://www.opengeospatial.org/blog/2038)
• Group on Earth Observations (http://www.earthobservations.org/art_201406_doug_nebert.shtml)

Doug's family has expressed that for people who want to express their thoughts, sympathies and condolences to the family, please send these to:

Ms. Dee Nebert and Family
c/o Tyee Lodge
4925 NW Woody Way
Newport, OR  97365

Dates for the Memorial Services to celebrate Doug’s life are currently scheduled for July 5th in Newport Oregon and August 16th at 2 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston, Virginia.

The family conveyed that if anyone would like to make a contribution, they wish that donations be sent to two different charities in Doug’s and his granddaughter Zoey Wahl’s honor.

Donations can be made in Zoey’s name to the Teddy Bears for Kids program by clicking here. 

In Doug’s name, donations can be made to the Young Eagles program by clicking here.

The 2014 annual report, in HTML and PDF versions, is posted on the FGDC website.  The report provides a summary of program, management, and performance information and describes the FGDC’s actions over the past year to facilitate sustainable development and dissemination of geospatial data and technology. It also includes many Federal agency success stories, NGAC contributions, and FGDC accomplishments, such as the implementing the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) strategic plan and the National Geospatial Data Asset management plan, continuing support for the Geospatial Platform, international efforts, and the endorsement of two new geospatial standards.

Many thanks to all the agencies and individuals who contributed content and provided review and comments.  

If you would like a printed version of the report please contact us at fgdc@fgdc.gov.

The first iteration of HUD’s Geospatial Storefront, released on June 9th,2015 is an easy-to-use portal where users can search for and discover the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) geospatial datasets, application programming interfaces (APIs), web-based mapping applications, and other eGIS initiatives. The Storefront unifies public access to HUD’s portfolio of applications and geospatial data resources, including the 11 National Geospatial Data Asset (NGDA) data sets that HUD is currently contributing to the Federal geospatial data portfolio. The initial build of the Storefront is focused on HUD’s core geospatial data sets, but will soon include all of HUD’s published geospatial data. Following iterations will also include expanded documentation including developer guidance for the APIs, on-line training resources for HUD mapping applications, and tighter coordination with data.gov and GeoPlatform.gov.

Visit HUD's Geospatial Storefront

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) will be observing its 125th anniversary by inviting the public to a one-day symposium on geographic names, “Traditions and Transitions”.  The event, at the Library of Congress, will be held on Friday, September 18, 2015 in the Mumford Room, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by an Open House and special exhibit from the Library of Congress.  No registration is required to attend. For more information, please contact Douglas.R.Caldwell@usace.army.mil. 

The symposium morning session keynote speech will feature "Geographic Names:  Roles, Rhetoric, and Resistance", plus presentations on national naming authorities, and the origins and evolution of the BGN.  The afternoon session will feature presentations on tribal names, English-language names in a multi-lingual world, and the state of volunteer geographic information. The Library of Congress Geography and Map Division will host a special exhibit and Open House following the program.  Featured items will include historical documents, maps and associated materials of the Board on Geographic Names.

The U.S. Board of Geographic Names was established by Executive Order from President Benjamin Harrison, on September 4, 1890, to standardize geographic names for federal government use.  The BGN is federal body comprised of ten member agencies.  The BGN organization includes the Domestic and Foreign Names Committees, and three Advisory Committees.  Committee meetings are held regularly, and activities are reported annually.  The BGN website hosts the online domestic geographic feature names database, www.geonames.usgs.gov, with links to the foreign geographic feature names, hosted by the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, http://geonames.nga.mil/gns/html/. 

The National Geospatial Data Asset (NGDA) Themes list has been updated to indicate Framework themes for consistency with OMB Circular A-16 Appendix E. 

• A-16 National Geospatial Data Asset (NGDA) Data Themes and Theme Lead Agencies (pdf)  
  Version/Date: Endorsed August 19, 2011, revised February 1, 2013, Framework themes indicated June 29, 2015

BLM Cadastral Survey, the FGDC Cadastral Subcommittee, Premier Data Services, and Fairview Industries, have teamed over the past four years to complete the standardized PLSS data for nearly all of the 30 Public Domain states. Oklahoma is the only state waiting to be completed and it is in process. These data sets represent about 40 million parcels that provide the basis for parcel mapping, land governance decisions, and navigation of cadastral data in Public Domain states. 

The catalog listing the location of available standardized PLSS data sets which are hosted by BLM and states is available through the Geospatial Platform. The catalog can be accessed at: http://www.geoplatform.gov/node/243/84324aed-78c1-4801-99e3-1ac6c00a3a84

The Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) Association is pleased to announce that four proposals have received awards from the 2015 Small Grants Program.

Since its launch in 2003, the GSDI Association's Small Grants Program has supported more than 100 projects around the world. Support for the program comes from a partnership between the GSDI Association, the U.S. Federal Geographic Data Committee, Canada’s GeoConnections Program, and the GISCorps of URISA. Three types of awards are available: a cash award of up to US$ 2500 per project; SDI/GIS consulting services up to the value of US$ 2500; or a combination of cash award and SDI/GIS consulting services. The consulting services are offered through the GISCorps.

In 2015, GSDI secured additional funding from the GeoConnections Program within Natural Resources Canada for four more GSDI Small Grant projects which were selected from highly rated 2014 proposals and come from Ecuador, Jamaica, Indonesia, and South Africa. Staff from the FGDC and the GSDI Association administer the Small Grant program.

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Title: GeoCommunity Galapagos: Creating a Community-Based SDI for the Galapagos Islands

Institution:  GeoCentro - Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Ecuador

Project summary: This project supports the development of a community-based SDI Galapagos (GeoCommunity Galapagos) that will allows local authorities and communities in the Galapagos Islands to take informed actions in meeting the challenges of sustaining a vulnerable and unique island ecosystem in the 21st century. Project deliverables include:

• A conceptual framework for the community-based SDI Galapagos including a GeoCommunication framework focusing on citizen participation in spatial planning
• A system architecture and design of the SDI Galapagos.
• Implementation of flagship projects that are simple and easy-to-use GIS-applications based on shared spatial data and information.
• Publications in scientific media/conferences and local media and an online tutorial for designing and implementation community-based SDIs.

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Title: Survey of SDI Readiness in Indonesian Local Government

Institution:  Research Centre for Spatial Data Infrastructure Development (PPIDS), Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Project summary: This project will complete a comprehensive survey of SDI readiness at the local government level. The survey will obtain evidence-based information required to devise appropriate strategies for SDI development. The project deliverables include:

• Web-based self-assessment tools for SDI Readiness.
• Interactive maps of Indonesian Local Government's SDI Readiness. The map will also present an interactive analysis of SDI components and roles.
• A workshop for validation and analysis as well as launching the web-based tools and maps.

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Title: Upgrading in the National Metadata Portal

Institution:  National Spatial Data Management Division, Ministry of Water, Land, Environment, Climate Change, Jamaica

Project summary: This project supports upgrading the current metadata portal that is used by Land Information Council of Jamaica (LICJ) member organizations. The portal will enable discovery and use of geospatial resources including datasets, rasters, and Web services and will support a standards-based clearinghouse and metadata discovery applications. The GSDI Small Grant supports this deliverables:

• Creation and publication of user guide for the platform.
• Creation and publishing of metadata records on the upgraded platform.

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Title: Developing a Framework for South African SDI Education and Training

Institution:  Committee for Spatial Information (South Africa), Sub-Committee on Education and Training

Project summary: The project will initiate a discussion on GIS market sector demand in Southern Africa with academics, researchers, and industry representatives. In addition, a survey of GIS user needs will be conducted in order to better inform education and training curricula. These are the planned deliverables for the project:

• A workshop to prepare a framework for South African SDI education and training, at the University of Pretoria.
• A survey of tertiary education sector curricula (SDI contact) in South Africa.
• A database of currently available SDI education and training material that will be published on a central web page.

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Once completed, summaries and final reports of these projects will be posted to the GSDI Website by April 2016.

For more information please visit the GSDI Small Grants Program web page.

Ivan DeLoatch, FGDC Executive Director and David J. Alexander, Director, Geospatial Management Office, DHS and also an FGDC Executive Member authored a guest blog post on the Information Sharing Environment (ISE) website introducing the Geospatial Interoperability Reference Architecture (GIRA). 

The blog post is available online at https://www.ise.gov/blog/ivan-b-deloatch-and-david-alexander/introduction-geospatial-interoperability-reference.