FGDC Partnership | US Group on Earth Observations (USGEO)
The FGDC is a member of the US Group on Earth Observation (USGEO.) Through USGEO, FGDC member agencies support the development and operation of the Group on Earth Observations System of System (GEOSS.). GEOSS is developed following NSDI and GSDI open architecture, data and technical interoperability standards adopted by GEO members.
USGEO is the interagency coordination mechanism for Departments and Federal Agencies' civil Earth observations activities. USGEO is a Subcommittee under the White House National Science and Technology Council's (NSTC) Committee on the Environment (CE).The FGDC provides enabling NSDI and GSDI leadership, coordinating mechanisms, expertise, technology and other services that supports National efforts and connection of the US Earth Observation portfolio in GEOSS.
USGEOs purpose is to:
- Coordinate, plan, and assess Federal Earth observation activities in cooperation with domestic stakeholders;
- Foster improved Earth system data management and interoperability throughout the Federal Government; and,
- Engage interagency and national stakeholders to formulate the U.S. position for, and coordinate U.S. participation in the international Group on Earth Observations (GEO).
Earth observations impact our lives every day. Empowered by bold ideas, America's leadership in global Earth observation protects lives, property, and the environment, and promotes American prosperity and security. From agriculture and active forest management to regional weather forecasts and transportation apps on personal cellular devices, Earth observations are a significant but often invisible part of our lives.
To build a robust Earth observation portfolio that responds to multiple opportunities, the Earth Observations Enterprise, which encompasses the full value chain from observations to end-user benefits, must be reliable, based on open and accurate data, open to new partners, and trustworthy. To achieve this, the Enterprise depends on continued investment, strong partnerships with industry and academia, innovations in science, technology, new applications and commercial products, optimization of observing activities, and a workforce capable of advancing and using Earth observations. Earth observations translates into leveraging the powerfully unique, mutually beneficial and collaborative roles of each sector of an Earth Observations Enterprise: Federal agencies; State, local, tribal, and territorial governments; world-leading colleges and universities; private industries; non-profit organizations; and Federal and National Laboratories involved in the collection and dissemination of observations; operation of enabling infrastructure; and end-users of Earth observation data.
USGEO is responsible for helping to formulate the National Plan and its updates. The draft National Plan is reviewed by the USGEO Subcommittee Member agencies and the Executive Office of the President before its release as a public document.