Federal Geographic Committee Policy Statement Support for International Infrastructure Activities
The Federal Geographic Committee (FGDC) includes as its core, a vision for a Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) that supports local to global interests:
“Current and accurate geospatial data will be readily available to contribute locally, nationally, and globally to economic growth, environmental quality and stability, and social progress” (National Spatial Data Infrastructure Vision, FGDC 1997).
Acceleration of global SDI initiatives is a high priority of the FGDC. Therefore, the FGDC commits its resources wherever possible to share experiences and work with other countries in the development of national Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI), and to provide additional momentum for the establishment of Regional and Global Spatial Data Infrastructures. Furthermore, the FGDC is committed to maintaining an International Activities Coordination staff position to assure continued focus and US leadership presence in global SDI initiatives.
The NSDI, regional SDI’s, and the Global Spatial Data Infrastructure have common goals to promote information sharing, greater interoperability, and to enable sound decision-making at all levels. The FGDC will assist other nations where possible by sharing our experiences and resources, and will establish partnerships for the betterment of SDI efforts internationally. FGDC support will include, but will not be limited to:
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Outreach and Education - the FGDC will provide material, expertise, and other support as appropriate to promote best practices and principles for a SDI, and to identify the benefits of sharing data.
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Spatial Data Clearinghouse - the FGDC will share materials, expertise, tools, and funding to help others implement spatial data clearinghouses in their countries.
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Framework, Standards, and Metadata - the FGDC will provide assistance in form of materials, training, and technical expertise to help inform, educate, and implement the framework concept, spatial data standards, and metadata standards that are essential to the promotion of data sharing and exchange.
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Building and extending relationships - the FGDC will work to link its industry, academic, and governmental membership with other nations as opportunities arise for collaboration
Recognizing the success of SDI implementation around the globe, the FGDC seeks to collaborate with other nations to understand best practices and technology initiatives of value to US government, private, and academic interests, and to identify opportunities for transnational development and prototype partnerships.
The FGDC will seek to enhance nation-to-nation collaboration in appropriate activities.
Dr. Mark Schaefer for Secretary Bruce Babbitt, Chair Federal Geographic Data Committee |
Mr. John Moeller Staff Director, Federal Geographic Data Committee |
Prepublication Version: Subject to Further Editorial Changes