Coordinating Geographic Data Acquisition and Access: The National Spatial Data Infrastructure

1994-04-13Executive Order 12906
Signed by: William J. Clinton
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Headline: Federal Agencies Directed to Coordinate Nationwide Geospatial Data Infrastructure

What it does: Agencies must document, share, and check geospatial data through a national clearinghouse and follow standards set by the Federal Geographic Data Committee.

Real World Impact:
  • Requires agencies to document and share geospatial data through a national clearinghouse.
  • May change when and how federal funds are spent on mapping projects.
  • Creates new standards and coordination with state, local, and tribal governments.
Topics: geospatial data, government data sharing, data standards, public access

Summary

This order directs the federal government to build a coordinated National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) so geospatial data is collected, documented, and shared.

The Federal Geographic Data Committee will lead development of an electronic clearinghouse, create data standards, and work with state, local, and tribal governments, academia, and the private sector.

Agencies must document new and past geospatial data, make it accessible to the public when allowed, check the clearinghouse before funding new collection, and follow adopted standards.

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