Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/48297
NEWSLINK New NOAA Geospatial Tool Aids Creators of Navigational Products The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released the Vertical Datum Transformation tool (VDatum), Web-based software that lets users blend geospatial data in new and more consistent ways to create navigation products and related tools for use in coastal areas. VDatum can produce a set of consistent geospatial data over coastal and interior areas of the contiguous United States, effectively eliminating differences between the vertical reference systems used for land- and water-based data. Such uniformity can aid precise planning along coastal areas and lakeshores. For example, VDatum could help researchers get a more accurate data picture for marsh-restoration projects—from tide levels to vegetation affected to sea-level change. "VDatum is essential for merging spatial data from different sectors of the environment so that positions and heights are uniformly accurate," said Doug Brown, NOAA VDatum program manager. "With this tool now covering the contiguous United States, users can save time and eliminate inconsistencies when converting geospatial data from one datum to another." NOAA's National Geodetic Survey, Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services, and Office of Coast Survey jointly developed the tool during the last 10 years. The agency plans to expand coverage to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Alaska and Hawaii. Access to VDatum is free via the NOAA Web site at vdatum.noaa.gov. Open-Standards Group Partners with European Geo Association The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) and EuroGeographics signed a memorandum of under- standing to promote interoperability through open standards. OGC consists of more than 400 compa- nies, government agencies, research organizations and universities working to develop publicly available geospatial standards. EuroGeographics serves as the nonprofit membership association for the European national mapping, land-registry and cadastral agen- cies, including 56 members from 44 countries. The two organizations will work together on out- reach and communications projects to raise aware- ness and acceptance of open standards as well as related educational programs and practices. Activities are expected to include participation in international online seminars, publication of papers, planning of conference sessions and workshops, documenting return on investment, and examining legal and policy issues associated with the use of spatial-information technologies. OGC and EuroGeographics also will seek funding and in-kind resources for OGC testbeds, pilot projects and interoperability experiments. "This partnership will help OGC better understand and address the interoperability challenges facing leading mapping, land-registry and cadastre organiza- tions across Europe as they work to provide timely, accurate and useful geospatial information in support of a range of local to international challenges," said Mark Reichardt, president and CEO, OGC. Geospatial User Association Teams with Public-Safety Alliance The Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA), a professional association of geospatial technol- ogy users, partnered with the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS Foundation (NAPSG), a public-safety GIS group, to raise awareness of the role geospatial technol- ogy can play in emergency response and related areas. The partnership is expected to involve activities A digital elevation model depicting coastal inundation in the Mobile, Ala., area relied on NOAA's VDatum tool to transform elevation data. 6 GEO W ORLD / N O VEMBE R 2O11 such as educational events that highlight the use of geospatial technologies in the public-safety/emergency- response realm as well as provide first responders Government Special Issue NOAA