What is the main function of the FGDC within the federal government?

The main function of the FGDC, or the Federal Geographic Data Committee, is to oversee and direct geospatial decisions at the federal level. This includes establishing policies, guidelines, and standards for the effective use and sharing of geospatial data among various federal agencies and stakeholders. The FGDC plays a pivotal role in ensuring that geospatial information is collected, shared, and integrated effectively to support government operations, decision-making, and public access to geographic information.

The FGDC coordinates the activities of federal agencies that create, manage, and use geospatial data, facilitating a consistent and interoperable approach to geographic information. This is essential for efficient governance, as it helps break down silos between agencies and promotes the use of shared data resources, aligning federal efforts with national priorities and ensuring that the data generated is useful and accessible for various applications.

While the development of mapping technologies, data sharing between states, and training for local agencies are important activities, they fall outside the central mission of the FGDC, which primarily focuses on oversight and policy direction regarding geospatial data at the federal level.