Citation Edit

Federal Geographic Data Committee, Future Directions–Governance of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (2005) (full-text).

Overview Edit

In 2004, the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) and the U.S. Geological Survey's National Geospatial Programs Office (NGPO) jointly established an action team to develop recommendations for the future governance of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). The team included broad representation from federal, state, and local governments, from the private and non-profit sectors, and from academia. The team reviewed reports and recommendations on the NSDI and examined effective cross-jurisdictional governance models that oversee geospatial data. The team also conducted focus group discussions and interviewed key stakeholders to gather input and recommendations. The team found a broad consensus that a strong and renewed national focus is needed to drive our country toward production of highly accessible, accurate, and reliable geospatial data.

Recommendations Edit

The team reached consensus on the following recommendations:

• The FGDC should make immediate improvements to its policies and business practices.
• A National Geospatial Coordination Council (NGCC) should be established to provide national leadership in the development of the NSDI.
• The Federal Government should improve its oversight and management of federal geospatial programs and investments.