Minnesota's Positional Accuracy Handbook

The Minnesota Governor's Council on Geographic Information recently released the final version of the Positional Accuracy Handbook.

The handbook describes the National Standard for Spatial Data Accuracy (NSSDA), a federal standard that defines how to calculate the positional accuracy of features found in geographic data sets. Approved in 1998, the NSSDA reflects the growing need to enhance national map accuracy standards in the digital age and provides a common language for reporting accuracy.

The Positional Accuracy Handbook offers practical information on how to apply the standard to the variety of data of interest to GIS users. It is designed to help interpret the NSSDA more quickly, use the standard more confidently, and relay information about the accuracy of a data set more clearly. It is also intended to help data users better understand the meaning of accuracy statistics reported in metadata. Five practical examples walk readers through the process using a variety of data sets.

The handbook, with worksheets to help calculate vertical and horizontal accuracy statistics, can be downloaded in PDF and Excel formats at www.mnplan.state.mn.us/press/accurate.html. Printed copies can be ordered through the Web site or by contacting the Land Management Information Center at Minnesota Planning, 658 Cedar Street, St. Paul, Minnesota 55155 (tel.: 651-297-2488, e-mail: gc@mnplan.state.mn.us). Copies of the NSSDA can be downloaded at www.fgdc.gov/standards/status/sub1_3.html.

The Governor's Council on Geographic Information was created in 1991 to provide leadership in the development, management, and use of geographic information in Minnesota. With assistance from Minnesota Planning, the council provides policy advice to all levels of government. Minnesota Planning is charged with developing a long-range plan for the State and stimulating public participation in Minnesota's future. Minnesota Planning helped assemble the Positional Accuracy Handbook.

For more information about the Positional Accuracy Handbook, contact Christopher Cialek at the Land Management Information Center (tel.: 651-297-2488, fax: 651-296-1212, e-mail: gc@mnplan.state.mn.us).

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