FEDERAL GEOGRAPHIC DATA COMMITTEE HOMELAND SECURITY WORKING GROUP

The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Homeland Security Working Group (HSWG) ensures that the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) supports the preparation for, prevention of, protection against, response to, and recovery from (1) threats to the nation's population centers and critical infrastructures that are of terrorist, criminal, accidental, or natural origin and (2) related adverse events. The HSWG serves as the focal point for identification of geospatial metadata, information content, symbology, interface and other specifications, guidelines, and standards required to ensure that geospatial information technologies support the achievement of the strategic goals of homeland security. The HSWG identifies geospatial information technologies, resources, standards and data applicable to homeland security. It also identifies and addresses unsatisfied homeland security-related geospatial needs. The HSWG is complementary to all NSDI activities and therefore coordinates its activities with organizations representing communities of interest in the homeland security and related mission areas, as well as with other FGDC subcommittees and working groups. The HSWG uses nationwide coordination mechanisms between all levels of government to encourage appropriate participation in its activities and to fully inform relevant stakeholders about standards, data production, coordination activities, management planning, and training opportunities.