Defense Installation Spatial Data Infrastructure (DISDI)
Integrating Geospatial Capabilities to Benefit Business Transformation
The Defense Installation Spatial Data Infrastructure (DISDI) is the geospatial oversight program responsible for leveraging spatial information across I&E's business mission areas to better manage global installations and bases.
Using the Global Information Grid (GIG), DISDI develops standards and policy to enable the sharing and interoperability of high-quality geospatial data at all levels of installation management. DISDI—comprised of people, policies, and practices—ensures that I&E's geospatial information infrastructure is aligned with DoD's net-centric data sharing strategies and business transformation goals.
DISDI Net-Centric Mission
DISDI focuses on implementing net-centric, geospatial information sharing by integrating geospatial efforts across the Department. The goal is to reduce redundant IT investments and increase the availability of quality geospatial data to any DoD mission in the basing or battle space. DISDI fosters fact-based decision-making by centralizing and improving access to strategic visualization capabilities.
Geo-Enabling I&E Mission Areas
Implementation of DISDI's enterprise goals will guarantee the integration of geospatial information within the business decision-making process. A mission has been "geo-enabled" when it leverages geospatial capabilities to help visualize and enhance data, transforming it into actionable information.
One example is the pilot project to digitally map authoritative parcel boundaries at 70 installations, demonstrating application of geospatial technology to transform real property business processes. The Spring issue of The Military Engineer features an article about this pilot and how it relates to the Real Property Inventory Requirements.
DISDI Initiatives
DISDI develops geospatial integration tools and provides federal compliance services:
- Installation Visualization Tool (IVT) – Initiated in 2003 to support the BRAC 2005 process, DISDI developed a common set of digital maps to visualize DoD installations via a geographic information system capability. DISDI is currently updating the data first used for the IVT capability to support new missions, like the Joint Basing Initiative.
- DISDI Portal – The DISDI Portal offers high-level geospatial data on DoD's installations, providing strategic maps of installations and information on how to access more detailed data. IVT data forms the foundation for the DISDI Portal, which is accessible to DoD staff with a common access card.
- The Army Topographic Engineer Center Imagery Office (TIO) – Designated by the DISDI program as a best acquisition practice for the I&E community, TIO acquires commercial satellite imagery to support DISDI's objectives. Searching across classified and unclassified defense and federal networks, TIO reduces redundant acquisitions by ensuring no defense or federal agency has already acquired imagery requested for I&E needs.
- Federal Geospatial Compliance – DISDI serves as the DoD I&E liaison to the Federal Geographic Data Committee, several of its sub-committees, and the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) - a federally mandated program seeking to integrate spatial data from multiple sources including federal, state, local, and tribal governments; academia; and the private sector. DISDI also collaborates with NGA to ensure that DoD's business community is compliant with the same standards as the warfighter and intelligence communities.
- Real Property Business Transformation – Overseeing the implementation of Spatial Data Standards for Facilities, Infrastructure, and Environment (see factsheet link below), DISDI collaborates with I&E managers on real property transformation initiatives requiring geospatial data. DISDI is also currently working to more efficiently reconcile DoD's environmental liabilities.
Public Presentations
Related Links
