OSM's geospatial initiative recently expanded in order to modernize its use of geospatial technologies to meet current and future SMCRA needs. Currently, the mining industry generates nearly all of its permitting and performance information in digital format, yet SMCRA regulatory programs have serious limitations in their ability to use this information in digital form. Furthermore, in order for the public to participate meaningfully in SMCRA programs, the public has increased its demand for mining and other environmental compliance information's availability over the Internet.

By implementing increased geospatial technologies, OSM and our SMCRA partners will be able to make better decisions and more effectively inform and involve the public in SMCRA-related decisions. A GIS-based analysis capability will allow OSM to more effectively examine national and local coal-mining and environmental implications.

As work continues on this dynamic initiative, check back to see how SMCRA and geospatial technologies are improving surface coal mining regulation.