Extension without change of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
04/13/2021
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
04/30/2021
101,000
101,000
21,000
21,000
0
0
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has
historically sponsored volunteer data collection projects to
enhance its topographic paper and digital map products, but these
activities were suspended in 2006 due to budget concerns. Since
then, new Internet technologies have made it easy for citizens to
georeference and share many different types of data via online
mapping platforms and social networking sites. These data have been
referred to as volunteered geographic information (VGI). As a
result of these developments, the USGS has reinstated the volunteer
data-collection program for The National Map
(http://nationalmap.gov). Using crowd-sourcing techniques, the USGS
VGI project known as "The National Map Corps" encourages citizen
volunteers to collect data about manmade structures in an effort to
provide accurate and authoritative spatial map data for the USGS
National Geospatial Program's web-based The National Map. Citizens
collect and/or improve structures data by adding new features,
removing obsolete points, and correcting existing data using a
web-based mapping platform. Points edited become part of the
National Structures Database, and include schools, hospitals, post
offices, police stations and other important public buildings.
Through their participation, volunteers are able to make
significant contributions to the USGS's ability to provide the
Nation with accurate mapping information to support response
planning for natural hazards and to provide critical data for
sustaining and improving the quality of life and economic vitality
of the Nation. Volunteer efforts are recognized through a program
that awards "virtual" badges based on the number of contributions
submitted. Each edit that is submitted is worth one point towards
the badge level. The badges consist of a series of antique
surveying instruments ranging from the Order of the Surveyor's
Chain (25 – 50 points) to the Theodolite Assemblage (2000+ points).
Additionally, volunteers are publicly acknowledged (with their
consent) via the USGS's Twitter (https://twitter.com/USGSTNM),
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/USGeologicalSurvey), and Google+
(http://bit.ly/1kGmBeD) social media sites. Volunteers need nothing
but access to a computer and the Internet to participate. The
National Map Corps' website explains how volunteers can edit any
area, regardless of their familiarity with the selected structures.
Registration is simple and requires only an email address and
self-selected username to facilitate on-going participation. No
other personally identifiable information is collected.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.