Public and private institutions are committing resources and making important long-term decisions concerning the collection, management, and use of spatial data. Although these actions are influenced by current pressures, priorities, and opportunities, their ultimate success depends on how these spatial data activities will be relevant to future needs and demands.


The Mapping Science Committee, in cooperation with the Federal Geographic Data Committee, convened a workshop in April 1996 to examine societal and technological changes that might occur within the next 15 years. The purpose was to consider within the context of spatial data activities a series of long-term visions and to identify societal forces and changes that would make those visions more or less likely. The workshop provided a framework for thinking about the future of U.S. spatial data activities.

Table of Contents


FRONT MATTER
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
FORCES SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SPATIAL DATA
CHANGES
A FORECAST
SCENARIOS
WORKSHOP RESULTS
APPENDIXES
APPENDIX A: WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS
APPENDIX B: BACKGROUND PAPERS
APPENDIX C: WORKSHOP AGENDA
APPENDIX D: TIME LINE OF SIGNIFICANT PAST EVENTS AND FORCES
APPENDIX E: TABLES OF ANTICIPATED CHANGES