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LC and Columbia University to Develop Geospatial Data-Preservation Clearinghouse

The Library of Congress (LC) and Columbia University announced an agreement to create a web-based clearinghouse of information about best practices for preserving significant geospatial data. The Library's National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP) will fund development of the clearinghouse at the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) at Columbia's Earth Institute. CIESIN will launch a beta version of the clearinghouse later this year.

Digital maps, satellite images, and other forms of geospatial data are critically important for responding to disasters, protecting the environment and a host of other matters. But much of this information is in danger of being lost, because of evolving technology and other threats.

The clearinghouse is a direct outcome of a meeting held at the Library with representatives of the geospatial stewardship community in November 2009. At the meeting, experts discussed ways to frame a national preservation and access strategy for geospatial data that is at high risk of loss. Discussions centered on ideas for practical steps that could be undertaken quickly and would have broad impact on capabilities for long-term data management.

A recurrent topic was the limited ability to learn about data-stewardship advances, including new tools, methods, and services that have potential for broad adoption. Participants were in agreement that leveraging best practices was essential to cope with explosive data growth in a cost-effective manner. There was also consensus that a web-based information service would be the best way to address the need.

Source: Library of Congress