Coastal Services Center

Federal Geographic Data Committee Marine and Coastal Spatial Data Subcommittee

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Overview and History

The Subcommittee on Bathymetric and Nautical Charting Data was established in 1993 to promote standards of accuracy and currentness in bathymetric and nautical charting data financed in whole or in part by Federal funds; to exchange information on technological improvements for collecting bathymetric and nautical charting data; to encourage the Federal and non-Federal community to identify and adopt standards and specifications for bathymetric and nautical charting data; and to collect and process the requirements for Federal and non-Federal organizations for bathymetric and nautical charting data.

In 2000, the Subcommittee changed its name to the Marine and Coastal Spatial Data Subcommittee. Although the Subcommittee remains responsible for coordinating bathymetric and nautical charting related activities among Federal agencies, the new name is more reflective of the broad range of activities of the Subcommittee. The Subcommittee consists of representatives from Federal agencies that collect, or finance the collection of marine and coastal spatial data as part of their mission or have direct application of these data to their programs. The Subcommittee invites non-Federal participation, on an ad hoc basis, to provide information and briefings as determined by the needs of the Subcommittee. The Subcommittee has held a number of "open forum" meetings and workshops at conferences.

The Subcommittee is chaired by Tony LaVoi, Chief of Coastal Information Services at the NOAA Coastal Services Center.