If passed, the legislation is thought to fill gaps in geospatial data governance left vacant for more than 20 years.

Some say existing language in the legislation designed to support the geospatial technologies industry would unfairly exclude many firms from bidding on federal contracts.

The president of the National States Geographic Information Council lays out his group's priorities for the new year.

GIS data sharing could be a lot more efficient in the federal government, and NASCIO thinks better sharing at the federal level will trickle to states.

Bills introduced in the House and Senate could pave the way for more innovative uses of education data – but Congress needs to take a more enlightened approach to overly restrictive provisions.