Federal Government Unveils New Comprehensive Geospatial Map of United States

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A new map website created by the Federal Geographic Data Committee has been created and made available to the public. Its ease of use and depth of information may give a serious run on other established mapping sites such as Google Earth, Bing, or Mapquest. For professionals who need maps for work or the average geography enthusiast, the new website will be very useful. Currently in its prototype phase, the map offers multiple layers including the standard street map, aerial view, plus topo maps and terrain maps. The website then allows the user to create an editable layer to draw features on the map, add text, save and share the map.

A new map website created by the Federal Geographic Data Committee has been created and made available to the public. Its ease of use and depth of information may give a serious challenge for other established mapping sites such as Google Earth. For professionals who need maps for work or the average geography enthusiast, the new website will be very useful. Currently in its prototype phase, the map offers multiple layers including the standard street map, aerial view, plus topo maps and terrain maps. The website then allows the user to create an editable layer to draw features on the map, add text, save and share the map.

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The Geospatial Platform has been developed as a partnership among the member agencies of the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC), an interagency committee composed of representatives from the Executive Office of the President, and Cabinet level and independent Federal agencies including Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The FGDC promotes the coordinated development, use, sharing, and dissemination of geospatial data on a national basis. The Geospatial Platform is a key driver for FGDC member agencies to improve the quality and access of their unique geospatial assets.

"The ability to quickly visualize combinations of different types of data will allow decision makers and citizens to make timely, informed judgments on important land and resource issues," Assistant Secretary Castle and chair of the FGDC steering committee, emphasized. "The Platform will also promote efficiency and reduce duplication of effort by providing the means to create unique maps that can be built once and reused many times. [For the Department of the Interior], it truly will be the "platform" we build upon as we develop and share geospatial tools to enhance our specific mission -- the responsible use of the nation's land, water and coastal resources."

The various base maps that can be used to build upon include the following:

  • Bing Maps Aerial
  • Bing Maps Hybrid
  • Bing Maps Road
  • Imagery
  • Imagery with Labels
  • Streets
  • Topographic
  • USA Topo Maps
  • OpenStreetMap
  • Terrain
  • Terrain with Labels
  • Shaded Relief

The FGDC is looking to receive feedback from users through outreach sessions with government agencies and external stakeholders. Their aim is to continuously expand the content and resources available on the website. In a few months, it may look very different than today.

To explore the new federal geospatial map website, go to: http://www.geoplatform.gov/home/index.html

Image credit: FGDC