Abstract

Improving national boundaries in the U.S.
Track: National Mapping
Authors: Robert Pierce

Boundaries, a forgotten (overlooked, assumed correct) critical data layer for all our maps. Who collects and who is responsible for these boundary data sets? Like many themes, boundary data sets are collected by many organizations many times. These efforts are frequently duplicated and not thoroughly documented.
Now a group of people have come together to re-examine the veracity of our U.S. boundaries. This National Boundaries Group consists of professionals that are from federal agencies that lead development of nationally important A-16 data sets (PLSS, state lines, county lines, international boundaries, Federal land boundaries, tribal lands) that are used and viewed by people and programs across the country. The group is focused on importance of national boundary data sets being consistent, compatible, accurate, and available as possible. To make this happen the NBG uses a process involving national authoritative sources, national authoritative integrators, and the use of enterprise supply/value chain.