Coordinating Geographic Data Acquisition and Access: The National Spatial Data Infrastructure
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
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.
Questions, answered
Ask questions about this executive order and its implications. Try:
- “What agencies are affected by this order?”
- “How does this order change existing policy?”
- “What are the practical implications of this order?”