Geospatial data act of 2018

Extract of “Geospatial Data Act of 2018” (GDA), (P.L. 115-254), H.R. 302, Subtitle F, Sections 751 – 759

H. R. 302

One Hundred Fifteenth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday,
the third day of January, two thousand and eighteen

An Act
To provide protections for certain sports medicine professionals, to reauthorize Federal aviation programs, to improve aircraft safety
certification processes, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) SHORT TITLE. —This Act may be cited as the ‘‘FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018’’.
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS. …
H.R. 302 – FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, Congress.gov webpage:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/302/text
H.R. 302 – FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, Law text (.pdf):
https://www.congress.gov/115/bills/hr302/BILLS-115hr302enr.pdf
FGDC GDA webpage, materials, and this document: https://www.fgdc.gov/gda

Table of Contents
Subtitle F—Geospatial Data ..................................................................................................................... 2
SEC. 751. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS ............................................................................................................ 2
SEC. 752. DEFINITIONS............................................................................................................................. 2
SEC. 753. FEDERAL GEOGRAPHIC DATA COMMITTEE ............................................................................... 3
SEC. 754. NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ....................................................................... 5
SEC. 755. NATIONAL SPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURE ............................................................................. 8
SEC. 756. NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL DATA ASSET DATA THEMES ................................................................. 9
SEC. 757. GEOSPATIAL DATA STANDARDS .............................................................................................. 10
SEC. 758. GEOPLATFORM....................................................................................................................... 11
SEC. 759. COVERED AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................................................... 12
SEC. 759A. LIMITATION ON USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS.............................................................................. 13
SEC. 759B. SAVINGS PROVISION............................................................................................................. 14
SEC. 759C. PRIVATE SECTOR................................................................................................................... 14

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Extract of “Geospatial Data Act of 2018” (GDA), (P.L. 115-254), H.R. 302, Subtitle F, Sections 751 – 759

Subtitle F—Geospatial Data
SEC. 751. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS.
(a) SHORT TITLE. —This subtitle may be cited as the ‘‘Geospatial Data Act of 2018’’.
(b) FINDINGS. —Congress finds that—
(1) open and publicly available data is essential to the successful operation of the GeoPlatform;
(2) the private sector in the United States, for the purposes of acquiring and producing quality
geospatial data and geospatial data services, has been and continues to be invaluable in carrying
out the varying missions of Federal departments and agencies, as well as contributing positively
to the United States economy; and
(3) over the last 2 decades, Congress has passed legislation that promotes greater access and use
of Government information and data, which has—
(A) sparked new, innovative start-ups and services;
(B) spurred economic growth in many sectors, such as in the geospatial services;
(C) advanced scientific research;
(D) promoted public access to Federally funded services and data; and
(E) improved access to geospatial data for the purposes of promoting public health,
weather forecasting, economic development, environmental protection, flood zone
research, and other purposes.
SEC. 752. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle—
(1) the term ‘‘Advisory Committee’’ means the National Geospatial Advisory Committee
established under section 754(a);
(2) the term ‘‘Committee’’ means the Federal Geographic Data Committee established under
section 753(a);
(3) the term ‘‘covered agency’’—
(A) means—
(i) an Executive department, as defined in section 101 of title 5, United States
Code, that collects, produces, acquires, maintains, distributes, uses, or preserves
geospatial data on paper or in electronic form to fulfill the mission of the
Executive department, either directly or through a relationship with another
organization, including a State, local government, Indian tribe, institution of
higher education, business partner or contractor of the Federal Government, and
the public;
(ii) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; or
(iii) the General Services Administration; and
(B) does not include the Department of Defense (including 30 components and agencies
performing national missions) or any element of the intelligence community;
(4) the term ‘‘GeoPlatform’’ means the GeoPlatform described in section 758(a);
(5) the term ‘‘geospatial data’’—
(A) means information that is tied to a location on the Earth, including by identifying the
geographic location and characteristics of natural or constructed features and boundaries
on the Earth, and that is generally represented in vector datasets by points, lines,
polygons, or other complex geographic features or phenomena;
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Extract of “Geospatial Data Act of 2018” (GDA), (P.L. 115-254), H.R. 302, Subtitle F, Sections 751 – 759
(B) may be derived from, among other things, remote sensing, mapping, and surveying
technologies;
(C) includes images and raster datasets, aerial photographs, and other forms of geospatial
data or datasets in digitized or non-digitized form; and
(D) does not include—
(i) geospatial data and activities of an Indian tribe not carried out, in whole or in
part, using Federal funds, as determined by the tribal government;
(ii) classified national security-related geospatial data and activities of the
Department of Defense, unless declassified;
(iii) classified national security-related geospatial data and activities of the
Department of Energy, unless declassified;
(iv) geospatial data and activities under chapter 22 of title 10, United States
Code, or section 110 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3045);
(v) intelligence geospatial data and activities, as determined by the Director of
National Intelligence; or
(vi) certain declassified national security-related geospatial data and activities of
the intelligence community, as determined by the Secretary of Defense, the
Secretary of Energy, or the Director of National Intelligence;
(6) the term ‘‘Indian tribe’’ has the meaning given that term under section 4 of the Indian SelfDetermination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b);
(7) the term ‘‘institution of higher education’’ has the meaning given that term under section 102
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002);
(8) the term ‘‘intelligence community’’ has the meaning given that term in section 3 of the
National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003);
(9) the term ‘‘lead covered agency’’ means a lead covered agency for a National Geospatial Data
Asset data theme designated under section 756(b)(1);
(10) the term ‘‘local government’’ means any city, county, township, town, borough, parish,
village, or other general purpose political subdivision of a State;
(11) the term ‘‘metadata for geospatial data’’ means information about geospatial data, including
the content, source, vintage, accuracy, condition, projection, method of collection, and other
characteristics or descriptions of the geospatial data;
(12) the term ‘‘National Geospatial Data Asset data theme’’ means the National Geospatial Data
Asset core geospatial datasets (including electronic records and coordinates) relating to a topic or
subject designated under section 756;
(13) the term ‘‘National Spatial Data Infrastructure’’ means the technology, policies, criteria,
standards, and employees necessary to promote geospatial data sharing throughout the Federal
Government, State, tribal, and local governments, and the private sector (including nonprofit
organizations and institutions of higher education); and
(14) the term ‘‘proven practices’’ means methods and activities that advance the use of geospatial
data for the benefit of society.
SEC. 753. FEDERAL GEOGRAPHIC DATA COMMITTEE.
(a) IN GENERAL. —There is established within the Department of the Interior an interagency committee
to be known as the Federal Geographic Data Committee, which shall act as the lead entity in the
executive branch for the development, implementation, and review of policies, practices, and standards
relating to geospatial data.

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Extract of “Geospatial Data Act of 2018” (GDA), (P.L. 115-254), H.R. 302, Subtitle F, Sections 751 – 759
(b) MEMBERSHIP. —
(1) CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON. —The Secretary of the Interior and the
Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall serve as Chairperson of the Committee
and Vice Chairperson of the Committee, respectively.
(2) OTHER MEMBERS. —
(A) IN GENERAL. —The head of each covered agency and the Director of the National
Geospatial-Intelligence Agency shall each designate a representative of their respective
agency to serve as a member of the Committee.
(B) REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENTS. —An officer appointed to serve as a
member of the Committee shall hold a position as an assistant secretary, or an equivalent
position, or a higher ranking position.
(3) GUIDANCE. —Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and as needed
thereafter, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall update guidance with
respect to membership of the Committee and the roles of members of the Committee.
(c) DUTIES. —The Committee shall—
(1) lead the development and management of and operational decision making for the National
Spatial Data Infrastructure strategic plan and geospatial data policy in accordance with section
755;
(2) designate National Geospatial Data Asset data themes and oversee the coordinated
management of the National Geospatial Data Asset data themes in accordance with section 756;
(3) establish and maintain geospatial data standards in accordance with section 757;
(4) periodically review and determine the extent to which covered agencies comply with
geospatial data standards;
(5) ensure that the GeoPlatform operates in accordance with section 758;
(6) direct and facilitate national implementation of the system of National Geospatial Data Asset
data themes;
(7) communicate with and foster communication among covered agencies and other entities and
individuals relating to geospatial data technology development, transfer, and exchange in order
to—
(A) identify and meet the needs of users of geospatial data;
(B) promote cost-effective data collection, documentation, maintenance, distribution, and
preservation strategies; and
(C) leverage Federal and non-Federal resources, such as promoting Federal shared
services and cross-agency coordination for marketplace solutions;
(8) define roles and responsibilities and promote and guide cooperation and coordination among
agencies of the Federal Government, State, tribal, and local governments, institutions of higher
education, and the private sector in the collection, production, sharing, and use of geospatial
information, the implementation of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, and the identification
of proven practices;
(9) coordinate with international organizations having an interest in the National Spatial Data
Infrastructure or global spatial data infrastructures;
(10) make available online and update at least annually—
(A) a summary of the status for each National Geospatial Data Asset data theme, based
on the report submitted by the applicable lead covered agency under section
756(b)(3)(E)(ii)(I), which shall include—
(i) an evaluation of the progress of each lead covered agency in achieving the
requirements under subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of section 756(b)(3);
and

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Extract of “Geospatial Data Act of 2018” (GDA), (P.L. 115-254), H.R. 302, Subtitle F, Sections 751 – 759
(ii) a determination of whether, for each of subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D)
of section 756(b)(3), each lead covered agency meets expectations, has made
progress toward expectations, or fails to meet expectations;
(B) a summary and evaluation of the achievements of each covered agency, based on the
annual report submitted by the covered agency under section 759(b)(1), which shall
include a determination of whether the covered agency meets expectations, has made
progress toward expectations, or fails to meet expectations for each of paragraphs (1)
through (13) of section 759(a);
(C) a collection of periodic technical publications, management articles, and reports
related to the National Spatial Data Infrastructure; and
(D) a membership directory for the Committee, including identifying members of any
subcommittee or working group of the Committee;
(11)
(A) make available to and request comments from the Advisory Committee regarding the
summaries and evaluations required under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (10);
(B) if requested by the Advisory Committee, respond to any comments by the Advisory
Committee; and
(C) not less than once every 2 years, submit to Congress a report that includes the
summaries and evaluations required under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (10),
the comments of the Advisory Committee, and the responses of the Committee to the
comments;
(12)

(13)

(A) make available to and request comments from covered agencies regarding the
summaries and evaluations required under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (10);
and
(B) not less than once every 2 years, submit to Congress a report that includes the
comments of the covered agencies and the responses of the Committee to the comments;
and
support and promote the infrastructure of networks, systems, services, and standards that
provide a digital representation of the Earth to users for many applications.

(d) STAFF SUPPORT. —The Committee shall establish an Office of the Secretariat within the
Department of the Interior to provide administrative support, strategic planning, funding, and technical
support to the Committee.
SEC. 754. NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT. —The Secretary of the Interior shall establish within the Department of the
Interior the National Geospatial Advisory Committee to provide advice and recommendations to the
Chairperson of the Committee.
(b) MEMBERSHIP. —
(1) COMPOSITION. —The Advisory Committee shall be composed of not more than 30
members, at least one of which will be from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, who
shall—
(A) be appointed by the Chairperson of the Committee;
(B) be selected—
(i) to generally achieve a balanced representation of the viewpoints of various
interested parties involved in national geospatial activities and the development
of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure; and
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Extract of “Geospatial Data Act of 2018” (GDA), (P.L. 115-254), H.R. 302, Subtitle F, Sections 751 – 759
(ii) with consideration of a geographic balance of residence of the members; and
(C) be selected from among groups involved in the geospatial community, including—
(i) States;
(ii) local governments;
(iii) regional governments;
(iv) tribal governments;
(v) private sector entities;
(vi) geospatial information user industries;
(vii) professional associations;
(viii) scholarly associations;
(ix) nonprofit organizations;
(x) academia;
(xi) licensed geospatial data acquisition professionals; and
(xii) the Federal Government.
(2) CHAIRPERSON.—The Chairperson of the Committee shall appoint the Chairperson of the
Advisory Committee.
(3) PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT; VACANCIES.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—Members shall be appointed for a term of 3 years, with the term of
1⁄3 of the members expiring each year.
(B) VACANCIES.—Any vacancy in the Advisory Committee shall not affect its powers,
but shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
(4) LIMIT ON TERMS.—Except for the member from the National Geospatial-Intelligence
Agency, an individual—
(A) may not be appointed to more than 2 consecutive terms as a member of the Advisory
Committee; and
(B) after serving for 2 consecutive terms, is eligible to be appointed as a member of the
Advisory Committee on and after the date that is 2 years after the end of the second
consecutive term of the individual as a member of the Advisory Committee.
(5) ETHICAL REQUIREMENTS.—A member of the Advisory Committee may not participate
in any specific-party matter (including a lease, license, permit, contract, claim, agreement, or
related litigation) with the Department of the Interior in which the member has a direct financial
interest.
(6) INCUMBENTS.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—An individual serving on the day before the date of enactment of
this Act as a member of the National Geospatial Advisory Committee established by the
Secretary of the Interior may serve as a member of the Advisory Committee until the end
of the term of the individual under the appointment.
(B) LIMIT ON TERMS.—Any period of service as a member of the National Geospatial
Advisory Committee established by the Secretary of the Interior shall be considered a
period of service as a member of the Advisory Committee for purposes of paragraph (4).
(c) SUBCOMMITTEES. —A subcommittee of the Advisory Committee—
(1) may be formed for the purposes of compiling information or conducting research;
(2) shall be composed of members appointed by the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee;
(3) shall act under the direction of the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee and the officer or
employee designated under section 10(e) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)
with respect to the Advisory Committee;
(4) shall report the recommendations of the subcommittee to the Advisory Committee for
consideration; and
(5) shall meet as necessary to accomplish the objectives of the subcommittee, subject to the
approval of the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee and the availability of resources.
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Extract of “Geospatial Data Act of 2018” (GDA), (P.L. 115-254), H.R. 302, Subtitle F, Sections 751 – 759

(d) MEETINGS. —
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Advisory Committee shall meet at the call of the Chairperson, not less
than 1 time each year and not more than 4 times each year.
(2) QUORUM.—A majority of the members of the Advisory Committee shall constitute a
quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold meetings or hearings.
(e) DUTIES OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. —The Advisory Committee shall—
(1) provide advice and recommendations relating to—
(A) the management of Federal and national geospatial programs;
(B) the development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure; and
(C) implementation of this subtitle;
(2) review and comment on geospatial policy and management issues; and
(3) ensure the views of representatives of non-Federal interested parties involved in national
geospatial activities are conveyed to the Committee.
(f) POWERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. —
(1) MEETINGS.—The Advisory Committee may hold meetings (which shall be open to the
public) and sit and act at such times and places as the Advisory Committee considers advisable to
carry out this subtitle.
(2) INFORMATION FROM COVERED AGENCIES.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Advisory Committee, with the concurrence of the Chairperson
of the Committee, may secure directly from any covered agency such information as the
Advisory Committee considers necessary to carry out this subtitle. Upon request of the
Chairperson of the Advisory Committee, the head of such agency shall furnish such
information to the Advisory Committee.
(B) NONCOOPERATION.—The Advisory Committee shall include in the comments of
the Advisory Committee submitted under section 753(c)(11) a discussion of any failure
by a covered agency to furnish information in response to a request under subparagraph
(A) of this paragraph.
(3) POSTAL SERVICES.—The Advisory Committee may use the United States mails in the
same manner and under the same conditions as other agencies of the Federal Government.
(g) ADVISORY COMMITTEE PERSONNEL MATTERS. —
(1) NO COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS.—
(A) NON-FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.—A member of the Advisory Committee who is not
an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve without compensation.
(B) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.—A member of the Advisory Committee who is an officer
or employee of the Federal Government shall serve without compensation in addition to
the compensation received for the services of the member as an officer or employee of
the Federal Government.
(2) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—The members of the Advisory Committee shall be allowed travel
expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies
under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or
regular places of business in the performance of services for the Advisory Committee.
(3) DETAIL OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.—Any Federal Government employee may be
detailed to the Committee to support the Advisory Committee without reimbursement, and such
detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.
(4) STAFF SUPPORT. —The Office of the Secretariat established by the Committee under
section 753(d) shall provide administrative support to the Advisory Committee.

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Extract of “Geospatial Data Act of 2018” (GDA), (P.L. 115-254), H.R. 302, Subtitle F, Sections 751 – 759
(h) APPLICABILITY OF FACA. —
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Federal Advisory Committee Act
(5 U.S.C. App.) shall apply to the Advisory Committee.
(2) NO TERMINATION.—Section 14(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C.
App.) shall not apply to the Advisory Committee.
(i) TERMINATION. —
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Advisory Committee shall
terminate 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) CONTINUATION.—The Advisory Committee may be continued for successive 10-year
periods by action taken by the Secretary of the Interior to renew the Advisory Committee before
the date on which the Advisory Committee would otherwise terminate.
SEC. 755. NATIONAL SPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURE.
(a) IN GENERAL. —The National Spatial Data Infrastructure shall ensure that geospatial data from
multiple sources (including the covered agencies, State, local, and tribal governments, the private sector,
and institutions of higher education) is available and easily integrated to enhance the understanding of the
physical and cultural world.
(b) GOALS. —The goals of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure are to—
(1) ensure—
(A) that geospatial data are reviewed prior to disclosure to ensure—
(i) compliance with section 552a of title 5 (commonly known as the ‘‘Privacy
Act of 1974’’); and
(ii) that personally identifiable information is not disclosed, which shall include
an assessment of reidentification risk when determining what data constitute
personally identifiable information;
(B) that geospatial data are designed to enhance the accuracy of statistical information,
both in raw form and in derived information products;
(C) free and open access for the public to geospatial data, information, and interpretive
products, in accordance with Office of Management and Budget Circular A–130, or any
successor thereto;
(D) the protection of proprietary interests related to licensed information and data; and
(E) the interoperability and sharing capabilities of Federal information systems and data
to enable the drawing of resources from covered agencies and partners of covered
agencies; and
(2) support and advance the establishment of a Global Spatial Data
Infrastructure, consistent with national security, national defense, national intelligence, and
international trade requirements, including ensuring that covered agencies develop international
geospatial data in accordance with international voluntary consensus standards, as defined in
Office of Management and Budget Circular A–119, or any successor thereto.
(c) STRATEGIC PLAN. —The Committee shall prepare and maintain a strategic plan for the
development and implementation of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure in a manner consistent with
national security, national defense, and emergency preparedness program policies regarding data
accessibility.

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Extract of “Geospatial Data Act of 2018” (GDA), (P.L. 115-254), H.R. 302, Subtitle F, Sections 751 – 759
(d) ADVISORY ROLE. —The Committee shall advise Federal and non-Federal users of geospatial data
on their responsibilities relating to implementation of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure.
SEC. 756. NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL DATA ASSET DATA THEMES.
(a) IN GENERAL. —The Committee shall designate as National Geospatial Data Asset data themes the
primary topics and subjects for which the coordinated development, maintenance, and dissemination of
geospatial data will benefit the Federal Government and the interests of the people of the United States,
which shall—
(1) be representations of conceptual topics describing digital spatial information for the Nation;
and
(2) contain associated datasets (with attribute records and coordinates)—
(A) that are documented, verifiable, and officially designated to meet recognized
standards;
(B) that may be used in common; and
(C) from which other datasets may be derived.
(b) LEAD COVERED AGENCIES. —
(1) IN GENERAL. —For each National Geospatial Data Asset data theme, the Committee shall
designate one or more covered agencies as the lead covered agencies for the National Geospatial
Data Asset data theme.
(2) GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY. —The lead covered agencies for a National Geospatial Data
Asset data theme shall be responsible for ensuring the coordinated management of the data,
supporting resources (including technology and personnel), and related services and products of
the National Geospatial Data Asset data theme.
(3) SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES. —To assist in fulfilling the responsibilities under paragraph
(2) with respect to a National Geospatial Data Asset data theme, the lead covered agencies
shall—
(A) provide leadership and facilitate the development and implementation of geospatial
data standards for the National Geospatial Data Asset data theme, with a particular
emphasis on a data content standard for the National Geospatial Data Asset data theme,
including by—
(i) assessing existing standards;
(ii) identifying anticipated or needed data standards; and
(iii) developing a plan to originate and implement needed standards with relevant
community and international practices—
(I) in accordance with Office of Management and Budget Circular A–
119, or any successor thereto; and
(II) consistent with or as a part of the plan described in subparagraph (B);
(B) provide leadership and facilitate the development and implementation of a plan for
nationwide population of the National Geospatial Data Asset data theme, which shall—
(i) include developing partnership programs with States, Indian tribes,
institutions of higher education, private sector entities, other Federal agencies,
and local governments;
(ii) meet the needs of users of geospatial data;
(iii) address human and financial resource needs;
(iv) identify needs relating to standards, metadata for geospatial data within the
National Geospatial Data Asset data theme, and the GeoPlatform; and
(v) expedite the development of necessary National Geospatial Data Asset data
themes;
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Extract of “Geospatial Data Act of 2018” (GDA), (P.L. 115-254), H.R. 302, Subtitle F, Sections 751 – 759
(C) establish goals that support the strategic plan for the National Spatial Data
Infrastructure prepared under section 755(c);
(D) as necessary, collect and analyze information from users of geospatial data within the
National Geospatial Data Asset data theme regarding the needs of the users for geospatial
data and incorporate the needs of users in strategies relating to the National Geospatial
Data Asset data theme; and
(E) as part of administering the National Geospatial Data Asset data theme—
(i) designate a point of contact within the lead covered agency who shall be
responsible for developing, maintaining, coordination relating to, and
disseminating data using the GeoPlatform;
(ii) submit to the Committee—
(I) a performance report, at least annually, that documents the activities
relating to and implementation of the National Geospatial Data Asset
data theme, including progress in achieving the requirements under
subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D); and
(II) comments, as appropriate, regarding the summary and evaluation of
the performance report provided by the Committee under section
753(c)(12);
(iii) publish maps or comparable graphics online (in accordance with the
mapping conventions specified by the Committee) showing the extent and status
of the National Geospatial Data Asset data themes for which the covered agency
is a lead covered agency;
(iv) encourage individuals and entities that are a source of geospatial data or
metadata for geospatial data for the National Geospatial Data Asset data theme to
provide access to such data through the GeoPlatform;
(v) coordinate with the GeoPlatform; and
(vi) identify and publish proven practices for the use and application of
geospatial data of the lead covered agency.
SEC. 757. GEOSPATIAL DATA STANDARDS.
(a) IN GENERAL. —In accordance with section 216 of the EGovernment Act of 2002 (44 U.S.C. 3501
note), the Committee shall establish standards for each National Geospatial Data Asset data theme,
which—
(1) shall include—
(A) rules, conditions, guidelines, and characteristics for the geospatial data within the
National Geospatial Data Asset data theme and related processes, technology, and
organization; and
(B) content standards for metadata for geospatial data within the National Geospatial
Data Asset data theme;
(2) to the maximum extent practicable, shall be consistent with international standards and
protocols;
(3) shall include universal data standards that shall be acceptable for the purposes of declassified
intelligence community data; and
(4) the Committee shall periodically review and update as necessary for the standards to remain
current, relevant, and effective.

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Extract of “Geospatial Data Act of 2018” (GDA), (P.L. 115-254), H.R. 302, Subtitle F, Sections 751 – 759
(b) DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARDS. —The Committee shall—
(1) develop and promulgate standards under this section—
(A) in accordance with Office of Management and Budget Circular A–119, or any
successor thereto; and
(B) after consultation with a broad range of data users and providers;
(2) to the maximum extent possible, use national and international standards adopted by voluntary
standards consensus bodies; and
(3) establish new standards only to the extent standards described in paragraph (2) do not exist.
(c) EXCLUSION. —The Secretary of the Interior shall withhold from public disclosure any information
the disclosure of which reasonably could be expected to cause damage to the national interest, security, or
defense of the United States, including information relating to geospatial intelligence data activities, as
determined in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence.
SEC. 758. GEOPLATFORM.
(a) IN GENERAL. —The Committee shall operate an electronic service that provides access to geospatial
data and metadata for geospatial data to the general public, to be known as the GeoPlatform.
(b) IMPLEMENTATION. —
(1) IN GENERAL. —The GeoPlatform—
(A) shall—
(i) be available through the internet and other communications means;
(ii) be accessible through a common interface;
(iii) include metadata for all geospatial data collected by covered agencies,
directly or indirectly;
(iv) include download access to all open geospatial data directly or indirectly
collected by covered agencies; and
(v) include a set of programming instructions and standards providing an
automated means of accessing available geospatial data, which—
(I) harmonize sources and data standards associated with geospatial data,
including metadata; and
(II) to the maximum extent practicable, as determined by the Chairperson
of the Committee, shall be made publicly available;
(B) may include geospatial data from a source other than a covered agency, if determined
appropriate by the Committee; and
(C) shall not store or serve proprietary information or data acquired under a license by the
Federal Government, unless authorized by the data provider.
(2) MANAGING PARTNER. —The Chairperson of the Committee shall designate an agency to
serve as the managing partner for developing and operating the GeoPlatform, taking direction
from the Committee on the scope, functionality, and performance of the GeoPlatform.
(c) CLARIFICATION. —Although the GeoPlatform is intended to include all National Geospatial Data
Asset and other Federal datasets, nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to prevent a covered agency
from also presenting, providing, or disseminating data that is—
(1) specific to the functions of the covered agency; or
(2) targeted to information consumers that directly interface with the services, portals, or other
mechanisms of the covered agency.

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Extract of “Geospatial Data Act of 2018” (GDA), (P.L. 115-254), H.R. 302, Subtitle F, Sections 751 – 759
SEC. 759. COVERED AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES.
(a) IN GENERAL. —Each covered agency shall—
(1) prepare, maintain, publish, and implement a strategy for advancing geographic information
and related geospatial data and activities appropriate to the mission of the covered agency, in
support of the strategic plan for the National Spatial Data Infrastructure prepared under section
755(c);
(2) collect, maintain, disseminate, and preserve geospatial data such that the resulting data,
information, or products can be readily shared with other Federal agencies and non-Federal users;
(3) promote the integration of geospatial data from all sources;
(4) ensure that data information products and other records created in geospatial data and
activities are included on agency record schedules that have been approved by the National
Archives and Records Administration;
(5) allocate resources to fulfill the responsibilities of effective geospatial data collection,
production, and stewardship with regard to related activities of the covered agency, and as
necessary to support the activities of the Committee;
(6) use the geospatial data standards, including the standards for metadata for geospatial data, and
other appropriate standards, including documenting geospatial data with the relevant metadata
and making metadata available through the GeoPlatform;
(7) coordinate and work in partnership with other Federal agencies, agencies of State, tribal, and
local governments, institutions of higher education, and the private sector to efficiently and costeffectively collect, integrate, maintain, disseminate, and preserve geospatial data, building upon
existing non- Federal geospatial data to the extent possible;
(8) use geospatial information to—
(A) make Federal geospatial information and services more useful to the public;
(B) enhance operations;
(C) support decision making; and
(D) enhance reporting to the public and to Congress;
(9) protect personal privacy and maintain confidentiality in accordance with Federal policy and
law;
(10) participate in determining, when applicable, whether declassified data can contribute to and
become a part of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure;
(11) search all sources, including the GeoPlatform, to determine if existing Federal, State, local,
or private geospatial data meets the needs of the covered agency before expending funds for
geospatial data collection;
(12) to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that a person receiving Federal funds for
geospatial data collection provides high-quality data; and
(13) appoint a contact to coordinate with the lead covered agencies for collection, acquisition,
maintenance, and dissemination of the National Geospatial Data Asset data themes used by the
covered agency.
(b) REPORTING. —
(1) IN GENERAL. —Each covered agency shall submit to the Committee an annual report
regarding the achievements of the covered agency in preparing and implementing the strategy
described in subsection (a)(1) and complying with the other requirements under subsection (a).
(2) BUDGET SUBMISSION. —Each covered agency shall—
(A) include geospatial data in preparing the budget submission of the covered agency to
the President under sections 1105(a) and 1108 of title 31, United States Code;
(B) maintain an inventory of all geospatial data assets in accordance with OMB Circular
A–130, or any successor thereto; and

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Extract of “Geospatial Data Act of 2018” (GDA), (P.L. 115-254), H.R. 302, Subtitle F, Sections 751 – 759
(C) prepare an annual report to Congress identifying Federal-wide geospatial data assets,
as defined in OMB Circular A–16, as set forth in OMB memo M–11–03, Issuance of
OMB Circular A–16 Supplemental Guidance (November 10, 2010), or any successor
thereto.
(3) DISCLOSURE. —Each covered agency shall disclose each contract, cooperative agreement,
grant, or other transaction that deals with geospatial data, which may include posting information
relating to the contract, cooperative agreement, grant, or other transaction on
www.USAspending.gov and www.itdashboard.gov, or any successors thereto.
(4) OMB REVIEW. —In reviewing the annual budget justifications submitted by covered
agencies, the Office of Management and Budget shall take into consideration the summary and
evaluations required under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 753(c)(10), comments, and
replies to comments as required under paragraphs (11) and (12) of section 753(c), in its annual
evaluation of the budget justification of each covered agency.
(5) REPORTING. —The Office of Management and Budget shall include a discussion of the
summaries and evaluation of the progress in establishing the National Spatial Data Infrastructure
in each E-Government status report submitted under section 3606 of title 44, United States Code.
(c) AUDITS. —Not less than once every 2 years, the inspector general of a covered agency (or senior
ethics official of the covered agency for a covered agency without an inspector general) shall submit to
Congress an audit of the collection, production, acquisition, maintenance, distribution, use, and
preservation of geospatial data by the covered agency, which shall include a review of—
(1) the compliance of the covered agency with the standards for geospatial data, including
metadata for geospatial data, established under section 757;
(2) the compliance of the covered agency with the requirements under subsection (a); and
(3) the compliance of the covered agency on the limitation on the use of Federal funds under
section 759A.
SEC. 759A. LIMITATION ON USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS.
(a) DEFINITION. —In this section, the term ‘‘implementation date’’ means the date that is 5 years after
the date on which standards for each National Geospatial Data Asset data theme are established under
section 757.
(b) LIMITATION. —Except as provided otherwise in this section, on and after the implementation date, a
covered agency may not use Federal funds for the collection, production, acquisition, maintenance, or
dissemination of geospatial data that does not comply with the applicable standards established under
section 757, as determined by the Committee.
(c) EXCEPTION FOR EXISTING GEOSPATIAL DATA. —On and after the implementation date, a
covered agency may use Federal funds to maintain and disseminate geospatial data that does not comply
with the applicable standards established under section 757 if the geospatial data was collected, produced,
or acquired by the covered agency before the implementation date.
(d) WAIVER. —
(1) IN GENERAL. —The Chairperson of the Committee may grant a waiver of the limitation
under subsection (b), upon a request from a covered agency submitted in accordance with
paragraph (2).
(2) REQUIREMENTS. —A request for a waiver under paragraph (1) shall—
(A) be submitted not later than 30 days before the implementation date;
(B) provide a detailed explanation of the reasons for seeking a waiver;
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Extract of “Geospatial Data Act of 2018” (GDA), (P.L. 115-254), H.R. 302, Subtitle F, Sections 751 – 759
(C) provide a detailed plan to achieve compliance with the applicable standards
established under section 757; and
(D) provide the date by which the covered agency shall achieve compliance with the
applicable standards established under section 757.
(e) BEST EFFORTS TO COMPLY DURING TRANSITION. —During the period beginning on the date
on which standards for a National Geospatial Data Asset data theme are established under section 757 and
ending on the implementation date, each covered agency, to the maximum extent practicable, shall
collect, produce, acquire, maintain, and disseminate geospatial data within the National Geospatial Data
Asset data theme in accordance with the standards.
SEC. 759B. SAVINGS PROVISION.
Nothing in this subtitle shall repeal, amend, or supersede any existing law unless specifically provided in
this subtitle.
SEC. 759C. PRIVATE SECTOR.
The Committee and each covered agency may, to the maximum extent practical, rely upon and use the
private sector in the United States for the provision of geospatial data and services.

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