Resource Page for the
Nebraska Advisory Committee on Facilitating Geospatial Data Sharing
http://www.calmit.unl.edu/gis/Data_Sharing_Adv_Cmte_Index.htm
last updated 5-6-02

A key component of any coordinated GIS development strategy must be the development and maintenance of mechanisms to facilitate the sharing of widely needed geospatial data. In the aftermath of the September 11^th terrorist attack, the importance of reliable, efficient mechanisms for geospatial data sharing have become even more evident. In times of an emergency, responders need quick access to the most accurate and current data available, and in data formats that can be quickly and easily integrated. There are several common elements to the data sharing strategies that have been developed and pursued by other states and regions.

• Data Clearinghouses. One of the surest ways to reduce the level of investment required for geospatial data development is to locate existing datasets, developed by someone else, that will meet some or all of your data needs. Data clearinghouses are a key component of the evolving spatial data infrastructure. Clearinghouses provide a systematic approach for cataloging and locating available geospatial data for a particular area or region.
• Data Documentation - Metadata. The documentation of the data to facilitate its proper use is another essential element of facilitating data sharing. If someone gets a geospatial dataset from someone else it is difficult to determine the appropriate use of that data if it is not documented with metadata (data about the data). Likewise, when there is a substantial public investment in the development of a database, the parallel development of metadata is important to preserve the public investment in that data.
• Data Standards.  The development of geospatial databases according to standards agreed upon by a wide variety of potential data uses insures the highest return on the public's investment in geospatial data development.
• Data Sharing Agreements.  Agreements between government agencies, levels of government, and/or private entities to share geospatial data.
• Data Access and Support Centers.  Intergovernmental centers provided to facilitate efficient access to and distribution of available geospatial data and to provide appropriate technical support to assist the multiple users of that data.

In pursuit of this long-term priority goal, the Nebraska GIS Steering Committee authorized the development of an Advisory Committee on Facilitating Geospatial Data Sharing.

Advisory Committee Recommendations

Facilitating Geospatial Data Sharing in Nebraska. A White Paper developed by the Advisory Committee on Facilitating Geospatial Data Sharing (8-14-02).  Outlines both short, relatively low-cost steps and a longer-term vision for the development of a Nebraska geospatial data center providing a range of services to the Nebraska GIS user community.

Advisory Committee Meetings

Working Resource Documents

Draft Nebraska Geospatial Data Survey Proposal. A draft proposal for a survey of likely geospatial data holders to provide a starting point for determining the current extent of Nebraska-related geospatial data holdings, their documentation, and their distribution among agencies.

Other States Clearinghouse/Data Access and Support Center.  A collection of responses from other states to an email query about the nature of their current clearinghouse and/or data access and support center operations.

Background Materials

Resolution on Advisory Committee on Facilitating Geospatial Data Sharing.  Resolution adopted by the Nebraska GIS Steering Committee on 11/1/01 authorizing the creation of the Advisory Committee on Facilitating Geospatial Data Sharing and outlining its charge.

Recommendation on Development of Data Access and Support Center.  A recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Interactive Internet Mapping encouraging the development of a Nebraska Geospatial Data Access and Support Center.

Data Sharing and Distribution - 2001 GIS Strategic Plan.  An excerpt on "Data Sharing and Distribution" from the 2001 GIS Strategic Plan.  A copy of the complete 2001 Strategic Plan, "Building a Spatial Data Infrastructure for Nebraska - December 2001 is available here.

Data Sharing and Distribution - 2000 GIS Strategic Plan.  An excerpt on "Data Sharing and Distribution" from the 2000 GIS Strategic Plan.

Background Sheet on Some Clearinghouse Issues.   Background sheet on clearinghouse issues prepared for GIS Steering Committee consideration of the issues.

Nebraska Geospatial Data Clearinghouses

Nebraska Geospatial Data Clearinghouse.  FGDC-compliant geospatial data clearinghouse developed by the Nebraska GIS Steering Committee and hosted by Nebraska Online.  Contains metadata on only a few statewide geospatial databases developed as part of the original clearinghouse development project in 1996.

Nebraska Dept. of Natural Resources Clearinghouse.  FGDC-compliant geospatial data clearinghouse maintained by the Nebraska Dept. of Natural Resources for geospatial data served by the NDNR Databank

Other Selected State Clearinghouse Sites

State of Kansas Data Access and Support Center. A comprehensive GIS clearinghouse and data access and support center operated by the State of Kansas.  Ranked #1 in the U.S. for Digital Government including GIS and Transportation technologies by the Center
for Digital Government.

North Carolina Geographic Information Clearinghouse.  A site operated by the North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, a state leader in geospatial data utilization. 

Montana State Library Geographic Information System.  In Montana the State Library operates acts as a clearinghouse for GIS databases and provides services to state, federal, private, non-profit, and public groups or individuals needing access to GIS technology.

Related Federal or National Initiatives.

National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse Network.  A reference/resource page maintained by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) for the national network of geospatial data clearinghouses.

The National Map.  The National Map is a vision of the US Geological Survey (USGS) to provide a seamless, continuously maintained set of digital geographic base information that will serve as a foundation for integrating, sharing, and using other data easily and consistently. Changes affecting The National Map will be captured in near real time, rather than through cyclical inspection and revision. Currentness will be measured in days and months. Under USGS leadership, The National Map will provide data and operational capabilities that include the following: digital orthorectified imagery, surface elevation data, vector feature data for hydrography, transportation (roads, railways, and waterways), structures, government unit boundaries, and publicly owned lands boundaries and geographic names for physical and cultural features, and land cover data that classify the land surface into categories such as open water and high-density residential.

National I-Team Home Page. National resource page for Implementation-Teams (I-Teams).  I-Teams is a national initiative promoted by the Federal Geographic Data Committee and the Office of Management and Budget to develop state-by-state coordinated state, federal, local and private entity plans for the development of the geospatial data infrastructure.

E-Government Geospatial Data One-Stop.  The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC)  is working on a geospatial information one-stop project that is part of the Office of Management and Budget's new E-government plan that will accelerate federal government improvements in effectiveness, efficiency, and customer service. The strategy, adopted by the President's Management Council (PMC) in October, implements the "Expanding Electronic Government" reform outlined in the President's Management Agenda. The FGDC has prepared a business case for this project that is available without budget information.

Homeland Security and GIS.   A background paper prepared by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) in the wake of September 11, 2001 attacks.

Other Useful Links

Federal Agency GIS Contacts for Nebraska.   Document outlining GIS and geospatial data contacts in a range of federal agencies that work with Nebraska-related geospatial data.  Please contact Larry Zink to correct or update this list.

Nebraska GIS Steering Committee.  Home page of the Nebraska GIS Steering Committee

Coordinator - Nebraska GIS Steering Committee.   Larry Zink is the Coordinator for the Nebraska GIS Steering Committee and provides support for the Steering Committee and its various Advisory Committees.  Larry can be reached at:  P.O. Box 95045, Lincoln, NE 68509, 402-471-3206, FAX 402-471-4864, lzink@notes.state.ne.us

Return to Nebraska GIS Steering Committee Home Page

Return to GIS Steering Committees Main Reports Index Page

For corrections or suggested additions to this page please contact:  Larry K. Zink, Coordinator Nebraska GIS Steering Committee

Last Updated 1-30-02