NSGIC: Roll Call of Federal Agencies/Programs

Each of the attending Federal agencies/programs got seven minutes to provide an update on their work. I tried picked one thing from each presentation to highlight.

Coast Guard - Rick Hamilton explained that the USCG is the liaison to GPS, though it does not administer it (the Air Force does). The Coast Guard worries about interference, and other issues, and collects user issues.

Dept Homeland Security - Mike Lee (aka Zeke), USGS liaison to DHS, highlighted some work in progress including homeland security symbolozation and promotion of the DHS data model. Also of note of the datasets currently on the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) 85 are protected while 130 are open to anyone with access to the network.

Federal Geographic Data Committee - Ivan deLoatch noted some leadership positions are still up in the air with the new administration (though I’m not sure which, frankly). He noted that the Fifty States Initiative (the goal of a GIS coordinator for each state, plus territories/DC) is up to 43. Assuming funding appears CAP Grant funding for 2010 is expected to be the same as 2009. The Geospatial Line of Business’ “smart buy” contract for will be avialble for for state/local/tribal users. The Request for Quotation should be out in next 2 or 3 weeks.

Farm Service Agency - Shirley Hall provided a National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP) update by reminding us that 2008 was a transition year. In 2009 the program moved to a three year cycle for 1 M imagery data. The US is broken in to thirds, each to be done every three years. THis year 15 states are scheduled; they are the ones with the oldest imagery. The RFP went out last week and announcements are expected in April.

NOAA/National Geodetic Survey - Juliana Blackwell reviewed that the survey is all about measurement and accuracy. Work is underway on a 10 year plan to improve 5 areas - modernin horizontal/vertical datum, coastal mapping integration, visibility, real time network enhancements. 

National Geospatial Programs Office/USGS - Vicki Lucas mentioned the electronic topos program and that it’s the 125th anniversary of topos. The National Map “user requirements report” is expected this spring.

Bureau of Land Management - Don Beuhler highlighted the certified federal surveyor program. Of 500 people involved 233 are already certified. He expects the agency’s $330 million from stimulus will trickle down into geospatial and praised Secretary of Interior Salazar as having a geospatial mindset.