The Alaska Mapping Executive Committee (AMEC) coordinates the modernization of critical Alaska map layers. Executives from multiple federal agencies and the State meet to prioritize and coordinate mapping objectives. AMEC currently promotes acquisition of several digital map layers including Imagery, Elevation, Terrestrial Hydrography, Wetlands, Coastal Shorelines and Bathymetry.
Participating Entities
The following entities have participated in AMEC activities across the past decade:
- Congressional Offices, State of Alaska, Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Interior, Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Management and Budget, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Reconnaissance Office, Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Science Foundation, United States Army Corps of Engineers, United States Bureau of Land Management, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, United States Forest Service, United States Geological Survey, United States National Park Service, United States Northern Command
Committee Co-Chairs
- Department of Commerce Co-Chair, NOAA Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Fisheries Dr. Kelly Kryc
- Department of Interior Co-Chair, (currently vacant)
Meeting Information
- The next meeting has not been scheduled but is anticipated to be held in late spring 2024 in Alaska.
- The most recent meeting was held in person in Anchorage, Alaska, with a virtual option on Wednesday May 17, 2023. At least 100 executives and technical support personnel attended. Here are excerpts from the approved meeting minutes:
- Significant mapping accomplishments were announced, including completion of GRAV-D for Alaska, strong advances in wetlands and terrestrial hydrography mapping, publication of the Alaska Coastal Mapping Implementation Plan, and significant lidar elevation acquisitions for critical locations across the State. A 2023 statewide Alaska 30cm-resolution imagery mosaic is being acquired. And notable funding for geophysical data collection is being made available. Topo-bathymetric lidar collections are increasing, and topographic lidar collections are including tidal coordination requirements that advance coastal mapping goals. NOAA shoreline mapping for AK has reached 71.8%.
- The State of Alaska expressed that emergency management and hazard response are critical applications for AMEC partnerships to help ensure the safety of all Alaskans as learned from Federal and State collaboration in response to Typhoon Merbok. Years of relationship-building and available geospatial data coordinated through AMEC provided a strong platform for storm response but can be enhanced with additional improved data and increased pre-event coordination.
- An assessment of the requirements to map vegetation statewide was presented and further analysis of the requirements will be performed this coming year.
- Two open discussion sessions generated valuable comments, insights, and several follow-on actions. The State of Alaska introduced the topic of statewide lidar. The National Weather Service reported that the first National Water Model implementation in Alaska will be available near August 2023. Representatives from the Census Bureau noted the value of the AMEC-acquired imagery layer for their operations. Connecting local users to mapping data and applications would be a valuable AMEC contribution.
18-Month Tactical Plan
AMEC uses an18-month tactical plan to guide its coordination activities. The plan provides details regarding anticipated data acquisitions, communication, and outreach objectives. An updated plan to run July 2023 through December 2024 is in review and is expected to be approved by AMEC executives in July 2023.