The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) is developing the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) in cooperation with organizations from State, local and tribal governments; the academic community; and the private sector. The NSDI encompasses policies, standards, and procedures for organizations to cooperatively produce and share geographic data.
The FGDC is currently undertaking an open data standards development process. The purpose of the development of Framework Data Standards is to define the common features, attributes and relationships for each Framework Theme that meet the intersections of interests necessary to effectively share data. The purpose of geospatial standards is to facilitate data sharing and increase interoperability among automated geospatial information systems.
The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) invited comments from all interested parties on the draft framework data standards. The public review period began on July 30, 2004 and ended October 30, 2004.