FGDC endorses the Time Space Position Information (TSPI) Version 2.0 standard

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Background

The Time-Space-Position Information (TSPI) Version 2.0 standard provides a single means of encoding spatiotemporal information for the storage, manipulation, interchange, and exploitation of spatiotemporal data. As US government systems become more interoperable, the need to unambiguously encode spatiotemporal data for exchange among systems is paramount. The TSPI common core standard is designed to be that unambiguous eXtensible Markup Language (XML) encoding standard. 
 
The TSPI Version 2.0 standard is a robust mechanism for expressing "Where" and "When" spatiotemporal data in various core and extended XML-based information schemata throughout the US Federal Sector. Spatial information includes position, extent (shape), size, orientation, and rates of change in these characteristics, while temporal information includes position (instant), extent (duration), and periodic recurrence characteristics. The TSPI standard should be employed any time a standard eXtensible Markup Language (XML) encoding of spatiotemporal geospatial data is required. It is designed as a set of reusable data components upon which both Geography Markup Language (GML)-based application schemas and non-GML-based XML schemas may be developed. It specifies a registry-based extension mechanism enabling the development and reuse of additional spatiotemporal XML Schema components. It integrates the XML Schema for the United States Thoroughfare, Landmark, and Postal Address Data Standard, FGDC-STD-016-2011, including the necessary updates to work with the OGC® GML 3.3, Extended schemas and encoding rules. 
 
The TSPI Version 2.0 standard specifies a core XML schema for the spatial, temporal, and accompanying quality assessment characteristics of real-world entities (for example, features, equipment and life forms). Unambiguous expression of the values of spatial characteristics requires the identification of a robust spatial reference system, such as those associated with the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84), and the ability to specify the values of these characteristics with respect to that spatial reference system. Unambiguous expression of the values of temporal characteristics requires the identification of a robust temporal reference system, such as Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), and the ability to specify the values of such characteristics with respect to that temporal reference system.
 
The Geospatial-Intelligence Standards Working Group recommended inclusion of the TSPI Version 2.0 standard  in the Department of Defense IT Standards Repository (DISR).  It subsequently submitted the standard for FGDC endorsement.

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