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Toward a Coordinated Spatial Data Infrastructure for the Nation (1993) / Chapter Skim
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2 Introduction
Pages 7-11

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 7...
... Except for a few major programs, most importantly the national topographic map series produced by the National Mapping Division (NMD) of the United States Geological Survey (USGS)
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From page 8...
... is inadequate to represent the multidirectional alternative information flows that are now technically feasible. Spatially referenced digital data can perhaps be thought of as molecules of water that in aggregate form a circulating fluid, flowing freely from application to application (or from system to system)
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From page 9...
... Because of rapidly advancing capabilities and uses of technology, it is often difficult to understand and visualize the most profound implications of the computer for handling geographic information. GIS require vast amounts of digital spatial data to function and because these data are not commonly derived by digital sensing of geographic reality (much of which is not physical anyway)
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From page 10...
... With this change in perspective, the need to better articulate our objectives became apparent. Therefore, the MSC considers that its mission includes responsibility for the NSDI as follows: The Mapping Science Committee will serve as a focus for external advice to the federal agencies on scientific aM technical matters related to spatial data handling aM analysis.
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From page 11...
... INTRODUCTION 11 analyze imp~lmen~ ~ success and, fibers possible, propose as these lmp~lmon~ can be remap; and OnaBy propose Me creation of incend~s, wUlcb pebbly wH1 ace ~ i~l~ many lnsHtutlonal changes, ~ wlU lead m We creation of a more us^1 and cos1-e~ctlve NSCI far Me nation as a whole.
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Key Terms

  • digital data
  • map series
  • national spatial
  • national mapping
  • data infrastructure

  • spatially referenced
  • base data
  • commonly digitized
  • topographic map
  • analog maps

  • referenced digital
  • specific spatial
  • supplement human
  • mapping program
  • base maps

  • mapping science
  • maps originated
  • primarily mappers
  • rapidly advancing
  • geological survey

  • recommendations designed
  • robust national
  • mapping division
  • series produced
  • geographic reality

  • integrated layers
  • considerable quantities
  • mapping activities
  • commonly derived
  • digitized data


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