The following core values and definitions guide the design, implementation, and governance of the NSDI, thus helping to promote the goals of the NSDI and enhance societal well-being:
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Build once, use many times. Ensuring that geospatial data are created efficiently and cost-effectively, with a focus on reusability across multiple sectors and applications, thus maximizing the data’s impact and value.
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Findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability. Ensuring that spatial data and related information follow the principles of FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable): that is, that they are easy to find; readily accessible to all partners, including government agencies, the private sector, and the public; interoperable with geospatial and statistical data; reusable across systems; and preserved for future reuse.
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Dependability. Ensuring highly available, responsive, and consistent services that can be integrated into operational business processes, thus building trust and expanding use.
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Quality. Maintaining high standards of data quality, precision, accuracy, reliability, and currency. Quality assurance processes are essential to ensure that spatial data are fit for the intended purpose and meet the needs of users.
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Collaboration. Fostering partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders involved in the collection or acquisition, development, management, maintenance, distribution, and use of spatial data and information.
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Innovation. Encouraging innovation in the collection, analysis, and application of spatial data to address emerging challenges and opportunities. Innovation drives the development of new technologies, methodologies, and applications that improve decision-making, enhance societal benefits, and may save time and effort.
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Transparency. Promoting transparency in the management and governance of the spatial data infrastructure, including clear policies, procedures, and decision-making processes. Transparency builds trust among partners, garners support, and fosters accountability.
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Sustainability. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the NSDI by considering environmental, social, and economic factors in its planning, development, and operations and promoting resilience, stability, and reliability.
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Equitable access. Reducing barriers for underrepresented or underserved communities to use geospatial data and services that empower these communities to fully leverage geospatial information and knowledge for their health, well-being, and equity.
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User-centric design. Prioritizing the needs and experiences of users by developing intuitive, accessible, and user-friendly geospatial tools and services. User-centric design leads to higher adoption rates and satisfaction, ensuring that tools are continuously improved based on user feedback.
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Data security. Ensuring robust security measures are in place to protect geospatial data from unauthorized access, breaches, and cyber threats, thus maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the data. Data security protects against threats, ensures compliance with legal standards, and maintains stakeholder confidence in the NSDI.
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Data sovereignty. Upholding the right of individuals, communities, and nations to govern their own data, thus fostering transparency, fairness, and equity in data sharing and collaboration while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical considerations.
