The Geospatial Data Act (GDA) of 2017, ceremoniously re-introduced in both the Senate and House on GIS Day, is legislation worthy of the support of the entire geospatial community. Since the concept of a national geospatial data infrastructure was introduced in 1993, there have been several attempts to improve geospatial coordination and codify many well-established processes.
Unfortunately, previous initiatives often fell short of the intended objectives, appearing to benefit one geospatial sector over another. The proposed legislation does a better job of managing geospatial assets while aligning the interests of the federal government with the need for partnerships with state, local and tribal governments. As a provider of geospatial and consulting solutions for both governmental and private sector clients across a variety of markets, Atlantic is publicly supporting the Geospatial Data Act of 2017 and is hopeful that the collaborative approach to geospatial coordination will maximize data sharing and benefit all users and clients within the geospatial industry.
Mr. Cy Smith, the State of Oregon Geospatial Information Officer, shared his stance on the GDA with Atlantic’s team:
“This important legislation will give Congressional oversight of federal geospatial activities, while requiring collaboration, reducing duplication of effort, saving taxpayer money and enabling greater consistency of policy, and actions among government agencies.”
Atlantic encourages all geospatial professionals to read the latest version of the legislation for yourself and come to your own conclusions and let your voices be heard. For more information regarding the Geospatial Data Act of 2017 and its activity, please visit the following links: