Global Spatial Data Infrastructure

The Global Spatial Data Infrastructure supports ready global access to geographic information. This is achieved through the coordinated actions of nations and organizations that promote awareness and implementation of complimentary policies, common standards and effective mechanisms for the development and availability of interoperable digital geographic data and technologies to support decision making at all scales for multiple purposes. These actions encompass the policies, organizational remits, data, technologies, standards, delivery mechanisms, and financial and human resources necessary to ensure that those working at the global and regional scale are not impeded in meeting their objectives. 

USGS Mission Tie In:
All disciplines within the USGS as well as throughout federal, state, and local governments require the use of georeferenced information for decision support. The USGS disciplines have both national and project requirements to collect archive, and share scientific information. Using common standards, and interoperable systems and techniques will save valuable resources by eliminating or reducing duplication. Similarly, all the disciplines work globally, and is typically critical to obtain project related information/data that can be georeferenced and exchange that data and other data with colleagues within these countries. 

Partners:European Umbrella Organisation for Geographic information (EUROGI) 
Permanent Committee for GIS Infrastructure for Asia and the Pacific (PCGIAP)
Permenant Committee for the Americas (CPIDEA)
Africa (still developing) CODI
Open GIS Consortium (OGC)
ESRI