Finding and accessing spatial data in the National Spatial Data Infrastructure

Abstract

Information about where a thing is or where an event takes place is an important factor in decisionmaking in both the public and private sectors. Spatial data provide a unique context for integrating disparate observations and evaluating competing options. Factors of location, distance, pathways, and other spatial relationships often must be considered when making decisions about economic ventures, environmental and health concerns, responses to emergencies, and other issues. Public and private sector organizations have quickly realized the usefulness ofspatial data in their activities. The nation spends billions of dollars annually on just the collection, management, and dissemination of spatial data. Difficulties in finding and accessing data, and a lack of data documentation, hinder the spatial data community 's efforts to work together and leverage this large investment. Through the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, government agencies, private companies, and nonprofit organizations cooperate to develop consistent, reliable means to share spatial data.