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UCGIS News

UCGIS Endorses NSGIC Ortho Proposal

by Will Craig

UCGIS has endorsed a plan by a sister organization to institutionalize federal orthophotography programs so we get imagery on a 3-year cycle. The basic program would provide data at a national standard, but local partners could “buy-up” to acquire imagery at higher resolutions, faster intervals, or from additional sensors.

The original idea, Imagery for the Nation, was developed by NSGIC, the National States Geographic Information Council. Its members tend to represent the state GIS councils. Like UCGIS, NSGIC has members in most of the 50 states. NSGIC argues that lack of a regular federal program leads to significant uncertainty, inefficient programs, and duplicative funding at the local level.

Basic elements of the NSGIC plan are as follows. More details and caveats are available at http://www.nsgic.org/committees1/documents.cfm?cid=67

1) One meter, natural color, leaf on (summer) imagery would be provided on a 1-year cycle for the lower 48 states, less frequently for Alaska and Hawaii. The federal government pays 100%.

2) One foot, natural color, leaf off imagery would be provided on a 3-year cycle for all counties east of the Mississippi and all those west of the Mississippi with population densities of 25 people per square mile or more. The federal government pays 100%.

3) Six inch, natural color, leaf off imagery would be provided on a 3-year cycle for Urban areas and those with populations over 50,000 per square mile. The federal government pays 50%.

Will Craig, University of Minnesota, brought this proposal to the Policy and Legislation Committee at the Winter meeting. The P&L supported the concept and forwarded it to the Board, which agreed to write a letter of support it at its meeting on February 10. Two arguments were made to justify UCGIS’ support: 1) scientists will benefit from access to the data provided by the proposed program and 2) UCGIS should support programs that benefit society.

Craig is a past president of UCGIS, serves on the current NSGIC Board, and acts as liaison between the two organizations.


 

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