| From the Publisher
By Roland Mangold Forum for All Seasons and All Reasons
With thousands of vendors - practitioners numbering in the hundreds of thousands from virtually every discipline, and potentially millions of users counting those on the Internet - the Geospatial industry is nothing if not fragmented. From proprietary software to restrictive data licenses, and from avaricious, self-aggrandizing government agencies to myopic applications- and technology-oriented associations, these factions are divisive in nature, if not in purpose, pulling in multiple directions with no unifying force or common goal. Combined with the traditional challenges of applying the GeoTechnologies to new markets, and the impending impact of a lagging economy, these factors illustrate why this industry needs to pull together to address the issues that fall across all sectors. These are just a few of the contributing elements that inhibit both growth and the realization of the benefits proffered by the GeoTechnologies. There is, however, a group whose objective is to provide a forum that will enable all these varied interests to join forces for the benefit of the entire industry, and for society as a whole.
The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) recognized the need for a non-federal organization that would foster geospatial data coordination, and subsequently sponsored the initiative that led to the formation of the GeoData Alliance (GDA). The FGDC will continue to coordinate geospatial activities of assorted federal agencies and provide leadership of governmental activities within the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). However, the GeoData Alliance will advance the NSDI by providing the organizational means to bring individuals, institutions, and alliances together in new ways to undertake activities, resolve problems, form new enterprises, address critical issues, and develop new products and services. Existing organizations and initiatives are encouraged to join the GDA.
In November 2001, the GDA will sponsor the National GeoData Forum to bring the entire community together to consider specific activities or projects that this new organization will pursue. According to their Web site (www.geoall.net), several high-priority areas in which GDA and its members might undertake self-organizing initiatives have been identified. These include:
• Creating inclusive, trustworthy processes for problem solving and conflict resolution on issues such as determining values, establishing standards and protocols, establishing consistent national laws and policies that relate to geospatial data, and ensuring privacy.
• Providing forums for public, private and independent sector participants that express and coordinate their diverse views; exploring how best to address common needs, and pursuing emerging opportunities that call for collaboration.
• Facilitating widespread and equitable access by all citizens to geospatial data and the tools for using it effectively; developing model data-sharing and joint-venture agreements; developing and disseminating tools to help states, counties, companies, citizen groups and others create telescopic, integratable geospatial data; clarifying and streamlining licensing processes; facilitating the development, adoption, and implementation of essential standards, especially those that are required to establish a nationwide network of framework data.
• Providing public relations, public education, and outreach services, including Web-based services, at all levels; illuminating both the opportunities for geospatial data development and the barriers to its effective, equitable flow or beneficial use, including wasteful policies; influencing the scientific and library communities' ability to develop and share data and to create digital library networks.
John Moeller is staff director of the Federal Geographic Data Committee. He explained, "The establishment of the GDA is an outgrowth of many discussions about an organizational entity that can encompass all sectors and participants [who are] interested in the NSDI and improved use of geospatial data, in a process that is not dominated by any one sector. The 1999 National Geodata Forum identified the opportunity of establishing such an organization using principles and procedures of an open, inclusive, not-for-profit organization that could be a new mechanism for cross-sector collaboration."
The fourth National GeoData Forum is scheduled for November 1-3, 2001, at the Westin Tabor Center in Denver, Colo. This program is designed to help answer the question, "How can we get everyone in on the act, and still get some action?" The program includes a variety of formats including keynote addresses, panel discussions, poster sessions, and work in small groups. Participants will hear about successful partnerships and have the opportunity to try out tools and techniques of collaboration. Early registration is available through October 1, offering a savings of $100. For more information on this program, and for registration, simply visit the Web site at www.geoall.net/2001Forum.
This forum offers a unique and auspicious opportunity for us all. Let's face it: the greatest amount of activity, and most of the money being spent in this industry, occurs through government channels. If you are involved in the GeoTechnologies, in one way or another you are intrinsically connected to some of these federal, state or local entities. Furthermore, you need to be plugged into what is happening at the FGDC and the NSDI. These initiatives will help create the framework of the Geospatial activities of government. The GDA is an open forum where all sectors can have a voice in this process.
As a member of the Steering Committee, I personally invite you to participate in this forum. I find this program unique among GIS events in that it looks at the human and organizational aspects of GIS implementation. These are aspects that are in many cases more challenging than those of science and technology. Please join us. Until next time ...
Cheers! 
Roland Mangold
Publisher, Earth Observation Magazine
E-mail: [email protected]
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