About The National Map and the Community for Data Integration

The National Map

The National Map comprises a variety of products and services that provide the Nation with access to base geospatial information to describe the landscape of the United States and its territories. The National Map supports data download, digital and print versions of topographic maps, geospatial data services, and online viewing. Customers can use geospatial data and maps to enhance their recreational experience, make life-saving decisions, support their scientific missions, and for countless other activities. Nationally consistent geospatial data from The National Map enable better policy and land management decisions and the effective enforcement of regulatory responsibilities.

The USGS National Geospatial Program (NGP) manages The National Map. Partners and other organizations produce and maintain a vast array of high-quality geospatial data. A significant objective of the NGP, through the Partnership Network , is to leverage these assets through mutually beneficial partnerships that ensure the ongoing availability of current data consistent with National Spatial Data Infrastructure principles.

The Community for Data Integration

The Community for Data Integration (CDI) is a dynamic aggregation of multiple communities of practice, focused on the advancement of scientific data and information management and integration capabilities within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and across the scientific community. The CDI goals are:

• Advance the understanding of earth systems through enhanced use of data and information and associated tools and techniques
• Provide a forum for people doing work with data integration to come together and learn how to do their job better
• Advance overall USGS capabilities with data and information by increasing visibility on the work of many people throughout the USGS.

CDI maintains an on-line collaborative workspace with links to working groups, past meetings and workshops, tools, posters and associated training materials.