November
12, 2004
Leslie Armstrong selected as Deputy FGDC Staff Director
From Ivan Deloatch, Staff Director of the Federal Geographic
Data Committee: I am pleased to announce that I have selected Leslie Armstrong
to serve as the Deputy Staff Director of the Federal Geographic Data Committee
beginning on October 18, 2004. Leslie has over twenty years of technical
and management experience in the geospatial arena. Leslie began her career
with the Defense Mapping Agency where she served for nine years as a Cartographer
and the Latin American Mapping Liaison. In 1991 she began working for
the National Park Service, where she served as the Deputy Associate for
Natural Resources in Washington D.C., and more recently, has been serving
as the Chief of the Geographic Information Systems Division at the National
Information Systems Center in Denver Colorado. Leslie has had numerous
accomplishments in managing program and technical support operations with
liaison responsibilities. She has also been successful in developing geospatial
data collection, exchange, and training programs. She recently authored
and co-edited a book, "Mapping the Future of America's
National Parks, Stewardship through GIS." Leslie speaks fluent Spanish,
which will helpful in the support of our international activities in the
Americas. Please join me in welcoming Leslie to the organization.
August 10, 2004
FGDC Announces 2004 Cooperative Agreements Program Projects
The FGDC announces the award of 52 projects under the 2004 Cooperative Agreements Program (CAP). The FGDC, Geospatial One-Stop and The National Map jointly sponsor this year's CAP. These three programs are national geospatial programs with Federal leadership that share the common goal of building the NSDI. Assistance funding is being provided in the areas of metadata implementation, training and outreach; clearinghouse integration with OpenGIS Web and Feature Services; Framework standards implementation; and participation in The National Map. Since 1994 the FGDC has provided funding and assistance to over 600 organizations implementing the NSDI.
July 30, 2004
FGDC Opens Public Review of Framework Data Standards
The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) invites comments from all interested parties on draft framework data standards. The public review period begins July 30, 2004 and ends October 30, 2004. To participate in the FGDC public review, register at the Framework Standard Registered Review site, http://www.fgdc.gov/RReview.
The draft framework data standards were initially developed through the
Geospatial One-Stop e-Government initiative; however, the
FGDC has assumed leadership for continued standards activities. The
standards are intended to establish common requirements to facilitate
data exchange for seven themes of geospatial data that are of critical
importance to the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), as they
are fundamental to many different Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
applications. The seven geospatial data themes are: geodetic control,
elevation, orthoimagery, hydrography, transportation, cadastral, and governmental
unit boundaries. These themes are known as NSDI framework themes.
Framework data standards specify a minimal level of data content that
data producers, consumers, and vendors are expected to use for the interchange
of framework data, including through Web services. Each of the framework
data standards includes an integrated application schema expressed in
Unified Modeling Language (UML). The application schema specifies, as
appropriate, the feature types, attribute types, attribute domain, feature
relationships, spatial representation, data organization, and metadata
that define the information content of a data set. While the framework
data standards do not specify a single structure for the interchange of
data, each standard includes an informative annex that describes implementation
using the Geography Markup Language (GML) Version 3.0 developed through
the Open GIS Consortium, Inc. (OGC).
Framework data standards will have a positive impact on the overall GIS community by promoting data exchange through common means of describing data content. The standards are expected to decrease the costs of acquiring and exchanging Framework data among creators and users in Federal, State, local, and other governmental agencies, the private sector, and the academic community. The private sector (software developers and vendors) will benefit through development and marketing of software tools that exploit data based on these data content standards.
The FGDC invites comments on the draft framework standards from all segments of the GIS community. Prospective reviewers shall register to participate in public review to provide demographic statistics needed to assure broad participation in public review and ensure that reviewers are aware of copyright requirements. After a user completes the online registration form and registration is approved, he or she will be issued a password that will enable access to the site where reviewers may download a copy of the standard or any of its parts, guidelines for submitting comments, and a form that reviewers shall use for documenting comments. A portion of the password serves as the reviewer ID, which will be used to identify the source of each comment. Each comment and the response to each by a comments review panel will become part of the public record. Only the assigned reviewer ID will be made public to maintain the privacy of reviewers’ personal information.
Comments that address specific issues/changes/additions may result in revisions to the framework data standards to ensure that the standards meet the broadest set of needs across the GIS community. After the FGDC public review period closes, the comments will be evaluated and the results of comment adjudication will be made available to reviewers and users. Revised draft framework data standards will be submitted for further processing for approval by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). After ANSI approval and formal endorsement by the FGDC, which are expected in the second half of calendar year 2005, the published framework data standards will be made available to the public.
June 18, 2004
Geospatial information making a difference - share
your success story
Dear Colleague:
FGDC and Geospatial One-Stop are gathering examples of how geospatial information has made a difference in providing government services. We would like to highlight your organizations in our upcoming publications and our website.
Send us your favorite geospatial information success stories and how the use of geospatial best practices such as effective partnerships, common standards and data sharing contributed to your success. We'll use the stories to spread the word about the benefits of geospatial information and its contribution to the NSDI and development of a national geospatial information strategy.
Suggested topic areas include (but feel free to add your own):
Reducing crime
Enhancing public safety
Managing growth
Preparing for emergencies
Encouraging economic development
Protecting the environment
Here is a template for you to use. (Let us know if you would like to
adapt it):
Issue – what was the problem?
Action- what you did
Results – how it made a difference
Graphics – give us a real life photo illustrating what it's about
Map/Data – give us a map or graphic data file from the project
Contributions should be 150-225 words.
Graphics should be at least 300 dpi
Please email your information to: logrosky@fgdc.gov
Let us highlight YOUR success and spread the word about the benefits of geospatial information!
We look forward to hearing from you,
Ivan B. DeLoatch
Staff Director
Federal Geographic Data Committee
June 3, 2004
Panel: Role of Geospatial
Systems in Homeland Protection
Industry Advisory Council
e-Government Shared Interest Group
Homeland Protection Committee
Announcement of an Executive Panel on June 23, 2004
The Role of Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) in Homeland Protection
At this event, panelists from multiple agencies with missions focused on homeland protection will discuss the GIS initiatives and goals relative to Presidential Directive (HSPD-7 & 9) and opportunities for the future. Federal, state and local government partners as well as IAC members from both large and small businesses should find this a stimulating conversation as we look at the present and future of GIS.
Panelists:
Ryan Cast, Geospatial Information Officer, DHS
Hank Garie, Program Manager Geospatial One-stop, USGS
Dr. Gregory Parham, Associate Chief Information Officer, USDA
Bill Shinar, Coordinator, Virginia Geographic Information Network
Moderator:
Barry West, Chief Information Officer, DHS - FEMA
Agenda:
8:00 - 8:30 am - Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:30 - 8:40 am - Welcome
8:40 - 9:45 am - Panel discussion on Geospatial's Role in Homeland Protection
9:45 - 10:00 am - Audience Q&A
Fee :
$10.00 for government attendees. $35.00 for industry attendees.
Venue information:
Willard Intercontinental Hotel
1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC
202-628-9100.
http://washington.intercontinental.com/washa/location_01.html
May 3, 2004
Public Review: Security Concerns about
Access to Geospatial Data
Announcement of Public Review of "Guidelines for
Providing Appropriate
Access to Geospatial Data in Response to Security Concerns"
The Federal Geographic Data Committee invites comments
on "Guidelines for
Providing Appropriate Access to Geospatial Data in Response to Security
Concerns." The guidelines provide procedures to identify sensitive
information content of geospatial data sets. Should such content be identified,
the guidelines help organizations decide what access to provide to such
data sets and still protect sensitive information content. The geospatial
data community's use of a common approach to identify data sets that have
sensitive content and to provide appropriate access to such data will
increase the effectiveness of individual organization's actions.
The guidelines and instructions for comment are available for downloading
through http://www.fgdc.gov/fgdc/homeland/.
Comments must be received on or before June 2, 2004.
Submit comments by electronic mail to guidelines@fgdc.gov
or by postal mail
to FGDC HSWG Guidelines Review, 511 National Center, 12201 Sunrise Valley
Drive, Reston, Virginia 20192.
April 9, 2004
NSDI Program Track at ASPRS
Take advantage of these events scheduled during the ASPRS Annual Conference
Program Track at the ASPRS Annual Conference
Denver, Adam's Mark Hotel
Tuesday, 25 May through Thursday, 27 May
The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) announces an upcoming program track with sessions which are integrated into the technical program of the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) Spring Meeting in Denver.
Program content will:
- Explore the evolution of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) and the future directions planning exercise to continue implementation and high level policy awareness.
- Discuss the Geospatial One-Stop program -- a component of the NSDI and a President's Management Agenda bringing renewed emphasis on framework, data and metadata standards, and portal development.
- Explain the metamorphosis of the National Map and how it provides the backbone of data to the NSDI and the GOS portal.
- Announce the 2004 CAP Grant Program of the NSDI and detail how it leverages existing resources and stimulates SDI development in all geospatial data collection, archive, and distribution -- public and private.
- Talk about the Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) which is spreading its wings with the support and involvement of the FGDC and with international partners contributes to worldwide sustainable development, one community at a time
These sessions are included in the ASPRS Conference registration fees. Daily registrations are available. Please consult the ASPRS web site for the full program and registration details: http://www.asprs.org/denver2004
Additional information on the specific program track can be found at www.gsdi.org
Explore Geographic Digital Rights Management with GeoData Alliance
and Partners
Denver, Adam's Mark Hotel
Monday, 24 May
9:00 am - Noon and 1:00 - 4:00 pm
The GeoData Alliance and the Open GIS Consortium, Inc. (OGC) invite you to learn about the requirements for and the application of digital rights management (DRM) to geographic activities.
The morning session includes:
- A Seminar on the state-of-the-art of rights management technologies
- A Panel of technologists, geographic information professionals, librarians share their perspectives on the technical and social implications of adoption of DRM by the goedata community.
An afternoon working group will begin formulation of a prototype geographic digital rights management reference model. Experience participants are invited to participate but attendance is limited.
These sessions are NOT included in the ASPRS Conference registration fees. Registration information for this event only is available at http://www.geoDRM.org.
March 24, 2004
Bruce McKenzie, FGDC Program Coordinator, to retire April 30
Our good friend and colleague Bruce McKenzie is retiring
from the Federal Government on April 30. Bruce has been with FGDC since
the beginning, and his commitment to the vision of the NSDI, his expertise,
his knowledge, and especially his good humor, will be greatly missed by
us all.
We are having a retirement party for Bruce on April 22. If you would like
to attend, please call Carol Greenough at 703-648-4150 or Jennifer Fox
at 703-648-5514, for further information.
If you would like to congratulate Bruce on his retirement, you can contact
him at 703-648-5740.
March 19, 2004
Federal Agencies Highlight Geospatial Programs for GIS Day
'GIS in the Federal Government' documents the exhibits developed by the federal geographic information system (GIS) community for GIS Day 2003. The exhibit graphics show the breadth of GIS activity across federal agencies.
(PDF 19.9MB) Large Download Size!
March 16, 2004
New Partnership with FGDC and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS),
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
The FGDC has recently signed an interagency agreement with the DHS/FEMA to promote the building of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) in tribal communities. This will help tribal governments better protect their communities against all hazards, by allowing better data collection, data sharing, and identification of shortfalls in emergency operations planning.
This important agreement allows FGDC and FEMA to further expand their support of tribal governments and to enhance the pre-disaster planning in these rural communities. Tribal governments welcome the building of the NSDI as it strengthens their ability to readily update spatial data as the community changes, and especially in times of disaster, to identify special populations, determine evacuation routes and coordination of resources.
Under the agreement, tribal representatives will be able to attend two new course offerings: "Basic HAZUS Multi-Hazard and "Emergency Management Framework for Tribal Governments." The training will be held at FEMA's Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, MD There is no fee for tuition and lodging in the courses. Travel costs incurred and the small fee for meals are reimbursable. For further information on course details and dates, please contact Bonnie Gallahan, FGDC Tribal Liaison at bgallahan@usgs.gov or 703-648-6084.
FGDC, USGS, 590 National Center, Reston, VA 20192
URL: http://www.fgdc.gov
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