Using Geography to Advance the Business of Government

NSDI Communications Toolkit Available

The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) and the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC), with assistance from Esri, have recently completed a set of three interrelated briefing materials (tools). This toolkit describes the power of geospatial information and technology and the value of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure as the spatial foundation for facilitating data creation and sharing.

The NSDI Communications Toolkit is intended to assist GIS practitioners and related professionals in educating managers and policy officials about the widespread potential of spatial data and geospatial technology to assist their decision making processes. A recently completed FGDC study revealed that many senior agency officials have not had the opportunity or reason to develop an understanding or appreciation of the importance of geospatial data or GIS to the overall mission of the agency. To help address this knowledge gap, the FGDC and its NSDI partners have undertaken a concerted effort to develop materials to educate policy makers about the importance of geography and geospatial data in supporting the program needs of agency activities. These briefing tools are designed to familiarize officials with a more effective way of addressing real-world problem solving in the day-to-day Business of government through the power of geographic information.

The toolkit comes equipped with three "power" tools: a CD-ROM, brochure, and videotape.

• The CD-ROM contains a PowerPoint presentation intended to create an awareness of the power of geospatial information and technology. This is a nontechnical presentation with talking points provided for each of the slides. The user is encouraged to customize the presentation to accommodate their specific audience. Case studies are included (North Carolina--School Bus Routing, Montana--Fighting Wildfires, New Jersey--Growth Management, Utah--National Monument Planning and Land Exchange, Illinois--Methamphetamine Remediation) to show the practical application of geospatial information to support decisions. Each case study provides information about how the issue/situation was addressed without GIS and with GIS and what the results were.
• The brochure is designed as a "leave behind" item for policy makers to read and reflect on after the briefing. The thoughts expressed in the brochure are an extraction of information from the PowerPoint presentation.
• The videotape, prepared by Esri, highlights policy makers from several states who are effectively using geospatial data and GIS to support decisions in their daily government Business.

To receive a free NSDI Communications Toolkit or download some briefing materials, visit the FGDC Web site (www.fgdc.gov). For more information, contact Bruce McKenzie, Federal Geographic Data Committee, 590 National Center, Reston, Virginia 20192 (tel.: 703-648-5740, e-mail: bmckenzi@fgdc.gov).

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