The Significance of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure

The National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) plays a critical role in enabling coordinated decision-making across the United States by ensuring that geospatial information can be shared efficiently among government agencies, private organizations, and research institutions. When geographic data is fragmented across thousands of independent systems and jurisdictions, collaboration becomes difficult, limiting the nation’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies, manage infrastructure, or anticipate economic risks. Because many real-world events—such as natural disasters, environmental changes, and economic disruptions—extend beyond administrative boundaries, national-level data integration is essential for comprehensive planning and response.

To evaluate national progress toward this goal, the Coalition of Geospatial Organizations (COGO) periodically publishes report cards assessing the development of the NSDI. Drawing on expertise from public- and private-sector specialists, the most recent assessment reviewed eight key framework data themes: addresses, cadastral data, elevation, geodetic control, governmental units, hydrography, orthoimagery, and transportation. Subject-matter experts analyzed progress within each theme and assigned grades reflecting readiness to meet future geospatial data needs. The 2018 evaluation resulted in an overall grade of B-, representing measurable improvement compared with earlier assessments.

The responsibility for maintaining and advancing the NSDI is distributed across multiple federal agencies, many of which also collaborate with state, local, and tribal governments to collect and manage geospatial datasets. Oversight at the national level is coordinated by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC), which works with stakeholders to establish standards, performance metrics, and governance frameworks that support nationwide data integration. Recent initiatives, including the adoption of portfolio management strategies for National Geospatial Data Assets and the creation of performance indicators tied to strategic goals, reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen NSDI implementation.

Legislative action has further reinforced these efforts. The Geospatial Data Act of 2018 formally authorized the NSDI governance structure and directed federal agencies to partner with non-federal stakeholders—including academia and the private sector—to expand participation and improve data coordination. The law also requires periodic reporting of federal geospatial data investments, promoting greater accountability and transparency in national geospatial initiatives.

Although the NSDI remains a work in progress, continued collaboration among government agencies, industry, and the broader geospatial community is helping advance the infrastructure toward full realization. A fully operational NSDI would enable seamless data sharing across jurisdictions, improve disaster response coordination, strengthen economic and environmental planning, and provide a unified framework for managing the nation’s spatial information resources. Achieving this vision depends on sustained commitment, broad stakeholder engagement, and recognition that the development of a comprehensive national geospatial infrastructure is a shared responsibility.