Subcommittee on Base Cartographic Data Report of 1998 Accomplishments


Base Cartographic Standards

1. National Standard for Spatial Data Accuracy (NSSDA)
This draft standard was packaged as a part of the multipart "Geospatial Positioning Accuracy Standard," which also comprises Standards for Geodetic Networks from the Federal Geodetic Control Subcommittee (FGCS) and an introductory part that ties the two standards together. The Geospatial Positioning Accuracy Standard is the first effort by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) to integrate standards from different applications.

The Geospatial Positioning Accuracy Standard was adopted by the FGDC Steering Committee at its June 1998 meeting.

2. Content Standard for Digital Orthoimagery
The Public Review adjudication panel consisting of members from the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC), the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the USGS National Mapping Division, convened in February 1998. The panel recommended integration of many of the comments received which contributed toward improving the standard. The Orthoimagery standard faired well in the public review, requiring modifications which improve the utility of the standard, but left it substantially intact. The final draft, and the documentation of the public review adjudication, were submitted to the Federal Geographic Data Committee, Standards Working Group (SWG), to be evaluated for endorsement during the third quarter of FY98. After initial rejection at the July SWG meeting, edits were made and the Orthoimagery standard was endorsed by the SWG on August 12, 1998. The standard is pending further approval by the FGDC Coordination Group and the Steering Committee.

3. Content Standard for Digital Gridded Land Elevation Data
The Public Review adjudication panel consisting of members from the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC), the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), the National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the USGS National Mapping Division, convened in February 1998. The panel recommended integration of many of the comments received which contributed toward improving the standard. The Elevation standard endured a critical review, particularly with respect to its limited scope, and required substantial rework as a result of comments and the adjudication panel review. The final draft, and the documentation of the public review adjudication, were submitted to the Federal Geographic Data Committee, Standards Working Group (SWG), to be evaluated for endorsement during the third quarter of FY98. The standard was rejected in the July 1, 1998 SWG meeting, and is pending documentation of the reasons for rejection.

4. Spatial Data Transfer Standard (SDTS), Part 5: Raster Profile and Extensions
Development of the new SDTS Part 5: Raster Profile with Extensions, sponsored by the SBCD, was completed by the Raster Convergence Working Group (RCWG). The RCWG is an ad hoc working group, jointly staffed by the USGS and the National Imagery and Mapping Agency. The Raster Profile Extended, intended to replace the current draft Part 5: Raster Profile of SDTS, completed a 90 day public review period during the first week of September 1998. Comments were received from one party, a representative of NASA. The RCWG adjudicated the comments and redrafted the standard into Final Draft form. The Final Draft, and documentation of the adjudicated comments were submitted to the Standards Working Group in October 1998. Results of the SWG review is pending.

5. Development of Business Plans for Orthoimagery, Elevation, and Hydrography Themes.
Business plans were developed for the orthoimagery, elevation, and hydrography data themes. These plans document Federally-sponsored data activities that further the development of NSDI- Framework. The plans are an attempt to capture current program emphasis, future program direction and evolution, and a "needs" section defining what is required to support the future program strategy (e.g. data policy modifications, supporting tools and systems, changes to institutional and business practices). The business plans have been endorsed by FGDC. The approaches and needs identified in the business plans will be built into the SBCD 1999 work plan.