State and Local Government Challenges for Geospatial Data Management and Distribution

As part of a project investigating requirements for managing and preserving geospatial data and related electronic records, interviews were conducted of thirty-one professionals responsible for managing geospatial data for their organizations. The interviews revealed a range of concerns regarding the management and distribution of geospatial data. Key issues include establishing and maintaining formal agreements, managing intellectual property rights and restrictions associated with the data, protecting sensitive information and the confidentiality of locations revealed by the data, and shielding the organization from potential liabilities resulting from data distribution and use. Many organizations have found innovative ways to address specific issues, but none of those surveyed have fully addressed all of these challenges. Issues identified by the interviews have contributed to the development of a guide for practitioners and a data model identifying information elements to be recorded and maintained when managing geospatial data and related electronic records. World Data Center for Human Interactions in the Environment State and Local Government Challenges for Geospatial Data Management and Distribution • Study Conducted as Part of Larger Project • Project Overview • Study Purpose Needs Assessment • Methodology to Assess Needs for Managing GERs • Needs for Geospatial Data Management and Distribution • Project Products and Resources World Data Center for Human Interactions in the Environment Project Overview: Managing and Preserving Geospatial Electronic Records • Investigated requirements for state, county, and municipal agencies to manage and preserve geospatial data and related electronic records, especially those generated by GIS software. • Funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) World Data Center for Human Interactions in the Environment