Open source Geospatial Data

Open-source geospatial technology has proved its mettle in state and local government and the nonprofit and private sectors, providing significant services, value, innovation, transparency and a healthy return on investment. But significant barriers remain if federal agencies are to realize the same successes.

Outdated procurement policies, licensing issues, accreditation dilemmas, standards and interagency shortcomings in communication regarding acceptable, accredited open-source tools were just a few of the major hurdles discussed by feds and other open-source developers at FedGeo Day 2013 in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 28.

NASA and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), among other agencies, have used and contributed to the open-source community, highlighting how open-source technology can help "deliver new and critical capabilities faster, cheaper and with less work" at the federal level...