Good Morning All,

The need for a coordinated approach to developing Geospatial data is getting more attention in the US Congress. On Monday, Senator Orin Hatch (UT) and Mark Warner (VA) introduced the National Geospatial Data Act Senate Bill 740 (S740).

We are hopeful this will lead to more funding for data acquisition.

 

From the Press Release:

 

“Sen. Hatch said, “The federal government wastes vast amounts of taxpayer dollars by not properly managing and coordinating our federal investments in geospatial data. This commonsense legislation will improve coordination, reduce duplication, and promote data transparency.”

“Geospatial data has endless possibilities for transforming both the private and public sectors — from helping local governments develop emergency preparedness plans to fueling the creation of apps that let you find parking spots, restaurants, and even homes for sale based on where you’re standing,” said Sen. Warner. “The federal government is the largest purchaser of geospatial data but some very basic questions about how and where agencies are already investing in this data can’t be answered. Our bill would bring transparency and accountability to the collection of this data and ensure that taxpayer dollars are not being wasted on duplicative efforts.”

 

The full text has not been printed yet but when it is I will forward it.

 

 

Joseph Young

Executive Director

Maine GeoLibrary

SHS 145

51 Commerce Drive

Augusta, Maine 04333- 145

VP 207-624-2664

FAX 207-287-1131

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