Homeland Security Data Model and GDM-O-Matic

At the ESRI FedUC, it was discussed that version 2.0 of the Department of Homeland Security’s geospatial data model (GDM) is a major rework of the model. It eliminates overlaps of the re-cast model into flattened more approachable form and incorporates hundreds of comments from users across the modeling community. Also ongoing is the development of version 2 of an Oracle 10g Spatial implementation model with an expected release in March 2008. More information can be found at the FGDC website.

In addition, DHS is developing an implementation model translation tool with the unusual name of GDM-O-Matic. GDM-O-Matic is a simple tool to construct format-compliant XML files and a standardized way to look at geospatial data to compel geospatial data sharing. It was designed to be a transformation tool that would understand intricacies of the DHS GDM. It also enables NGA-authorized users to load Homeland Security Infrastructure Program (HSIP) data directly into a GDM-compliant geodatabase.