The Future of Spatial Data and Society

Public and private institutions are committing resources and making important long-term decisions concerning the collection, management, and use of spatial data. Although these actions are influenced by current pressures, priorities, and opportunities, their ultimate success depends on how these spatial data activities will be relevant to future needs and demands. The Mapping Science Committee, in cooperation with the Federal Geographic Data Committee, convened a workshop in April 1996 to examine societal and technological changes that might occur within the next 15 years. The purpose was to consider within the context of spatial data activities a series of long-term visions and to identify societal forces and changes that would make those visions more or less likely. The workshop provided a framework for thinking about the future of U.S. spatial data activities. Table of Contents FRONT MATTER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION FORCES SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SPATIAL DATA CHANGES A FORECAST SCENARIOS WORKSHOP RESULTS APPENDIXES APPENDIX A: WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS APPENDIX B: BACKGROUND PAPERS APPENDIX C: WORKSHOP AGENDA APPENDIX D: TIME LINE OF SIGNIFICANT PAST EVENTS AND FORCES APPENDIX E: TABLES OF ANTICIPATED CHANGES