Ecolex Logo
The gateway to
environmental law
Search results » Legislation

Geospatial Data Act of 2018 (43 USC Ch. 46)

Country/Territory
United States of America
Document type
Legislation
Date
2020
Source
FAO, FAOLEX
Subject
Land & soil
Keyword
Survey/mapping Data collection/reporting Research Business/industry/corporations Access-to-information Institution Standards
Geographical area
Americas, Arctic, East Pacific, North America, North Atlantic
Abstract

This chapter concerns geospatial data. It states that Congress finds that (1) open and publicly available data is essential to the successful operation of the GeoPlatform; (2) the private sector in the United States, for the purposes of acquiring and producing quality geospatial data and geospatial data services, has been and continues to be invaluable in carrying out the varying missions of Federal departments and agencies, as well as contributing positively to the United States economy; and (3) over the last 2 decades, Congress has passed legislation that promotes greater access and use of Government information and data, which has (A) sparked new, innovative start-ups and services; (B) spurred economic growth in many sectors, such as in the geospatial services; (C) advanced scientific research; (D) promoted public access to Federally funded services and data; and (E) improved access to geospatial data for the purposes of promoting public health, weather forecasting, economic development, environmental protection, flood zone research, and other purposes. There is established within the Department of the Interior an interagency committee to be known as the Federal Geographic Data Committee, which shall act as the lead entity in the executive branch for the development, implementation, and review of policies, practices, and standards relating to geospatial data. The chapter further provides for national spatial data infrastructure; national Geospatial Data Asset data themes; geospatial data standards; Geoplatform; covered agency responsibilities; and limitation on use of Federal funds.

Full text
English
Website
uscode.house.gov