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EO 12906Executive OrderClinton · D Quiet signal

Executive Order 12906

Coordinating Geographic Data Acquisition and Access: The National Spatial Data Infrastructure

This executive order establishes the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) to coordinate federal geospatial data collection and sharing, creating an electronic clearinghouse to reduce duplication and improve public access to geographic information. It mandates the Federal Geographic Data Committee to develop standards, requires agencies to document and share geospatial data, and sets specific deadlines for implementation through 2000.

Federal Register 59 FR 17670
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Impact dates

  1. Initial implementation of national digital geospatial data framework completed

  2. Initial transportation, hydrology, and boundary framework elements completed

  3. Agencies adopt schedule for documenting existing geospatial data

  4. Agencies adopt public access plans

  5. Agencies adopt internal Clearinghouse access procedures

  6. Begin standardized documentation of new geospatial data

  7. FGDC submits framework plan and schedule to OMB

  8. Partnership strategies for data acquisition developed

  9. Steps to establish National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse

Key directives

  • FGDC shall coordinate Federal Government's development of NSDI
  • Secretary of Interior shall establish electronic National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse within 6 months
  • agencies shall document new geospatial data using FGDC standards beginning 9 months from signing
  • agencies shall adopt schedule for documenting existing data within 1 year
  • agencies shall adopt public access plans within 1 year
  • agencies shall adopt internal procedures to check Clearinghouse before funding new data collection within 1 year
  • FGDC shall submit framework plan and schedule to OMB within 9 months for completion by January 2000
  • FGDC shall develop standards in consultation with state/local/tribal governments and private sector
  • agencies shall ensure data meets FGDC standards before obligating funds
  • Secretary shall develop partnership strategies within 9 months

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • FGDC designated as lead coordinating body
  • agencies encouraged to join FGDC

Near term (90d)

  • National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse establishment steps begin (within 6 months)
  • FGDC to submit framework plan to OMB (within 9 months)
  • partnership strategies developed (within 9 months)
  • standardized documentation begins for new data (within 9 months)

Long term

  • agencies adopt schedules for documenting existing data (within 1 year)
  • agencies adopt public access plans (within 1 year)
  • agencies adopt internal clearinghouse access procedures (within 1 year)
  • initial framework elements due by January 1998
  • full framework implementation by January 2000

Risks & tensions

  • Exemptions for national security and intelligence activities may create gaps in comprehensive geospatial coverage
  • 'To the extent practicable' and 'to the extent permitted by law' language creates enforcement uncertainty
  • Voluntary standards approach under OMB Circular A-119 may limit compliance pressure
  • No specific enforcement mechanism for agency adherence beyond pre-obligation review
  • Tribal governments explicitly exempted from requirements, though encouraged to participate
  • Potential tension between data sharing and agency proprietary control over geospatial data
Executive Order 12906: Coordinating Geographic Data Acquisition and Access: The National Spatial Data Infrastructure · Executive Orders