COGO's 2026 National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) Assessment Survey

Every four years, the Coalition of Geospatial Organizations (COGO, https://cogonetwork.org/) conducts an assessment of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) in the United States. COGO is a coalition of 14 national professional societies, trade associations, and membership organizations in the geospatial field, representing more than 170,000 individual producers and users of geospatial data and technology. The purpose of the assessment report, next to be published in 2027, is to help advance the NSDI by identifying areas where attention and focus are needed and to highlight opportunities for collaborative work across entities at all levels of government, industry, and the private sectors.

This survey is a primary source of data for the assessment report writers. We seek the input from both expert and non-expert users of geospatial data. The survey contains multiple sections: one that asks about the NSDI as a whole and then separate pages for eight NSDI Framework Data themes. Once you complete this first section, you will be able to choose which of the other data themes to respond to, if you wish.

It is estimated that the first section will take between 5-8 minutes to complete. Each of the eight subsequent data sections will also take 5-8 minutes to complete. We invite you to respond to any of the data sections that you wish.

COGO thanks you for your time and thoughtful attention in contributing to this important effort.

First section: the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) as a whole

The NSDI is broader than you may think and goes far beyond just data. Per the Geospatial Data Act of 2018, the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) is defined as “… the technology, policies, criteria, standards, and employees necessary to promote geospatial data sharing throughout the Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments, and the private sector (including nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education).” The NSDI “shall ensure that geospatial data from multiple sources (including the covered agencies, State, local and tribal governments, the private sector, and institutions of higher education) is available and easily integrated to enhance the understanding of the physical and cultural world."

It is estimated that this 1st section will take 5-8 minutes to complete.

Question Title

* 1. In what sector do you work? If multiple, select your primary one.

Public Sector: National or Federal Government Agency (civilian)

Public Sector: Military or Intelligence Agency

Public Sector: State Government Agency

Public Sector: Tribal Government or Agency

Public Sector: Regional Agency or Government (MPO, etc.)

Public Sector: County/Township/Parish Government

Public Sector: Municipal Government

Public Sector: Public Utility Organization (water, wastewater, gas, electric, cable/data)

Public Sector: Special (non-utility) Service District

Private Sector: Private Utility Company or Cooperative (water, wastewater, gas, electric, cable/data)

Private Sector: Surveying/Engineering Company

Private Sector: Company providing RTN Base Station Services

Private Sector: Commercial Company (vendor of IT/GIS products or services)

Private Sector: Other Private Company

Education Sector: College, University, or Research Organization

Education Sector: K-12 Schools (public or private)

Not-for-Profit Organization

Other (please specify)

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* 2. In what capacity are you completing this survey?

As a representative of my work agency or organization and on their behalf.

As an individual, with responses based on my own professional opinions.

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* 3. How do you most frequently and currently engage with geospatial data? You may have had multiple roles over your professional career but here select the role you are using to complete this survey.

Data User (uses geospatial data for visualization, searches, analysis, etc. Does not edit, maintain, or manage a system)

Data Creator/Owner (creates or owns geospatial data)

Data Manager/Custodian/Steward (manages geospatial data for an organization, agency, etc.)

Data Aggregator (collects geospatial data from multiple sources)

Data Vendor or Consultant (provides products or services to geospatial data managers or users)

Other (please specify)

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* 4. How familiar are you with the concept of a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI)

Not at all familiar

Not so familiar

Somewhat familiar

Very familiar

Extremely familiar

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* 5. Check the terms below that you believe are the components of a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI). Select as many as apply.

Data produced by a municipality, county, or state

Data with a national-level geographic extent

Data produced by the Federal government

Human Resources

Policies

Regulations

Standards

Technologies

Other (please specify)

For the next set of questions, indicate your current opinion about the following characteristics of NSDI Framework data. The eight Framework data themes are those National Geospatial Data Assets (NGDA) that are considered highly critical for national priorities such as infrastructure management and disaster response.

Base your response on the primary role you selected above.

Question Title

* 6. To what extent are you familiar with the following eight NSDI Framework data sets?

	Not at all familiar	Not so familiar	Somewhat familiar	Very familiar	Extremely familiar
Addresses	Addresses Not at all familiar	Addresses Not so familiar	Addresses Somewhat familiar	Addresses Very familiar	Addresses Extremely familiar
Cadastre/Parcels	Cadastre/Parcels Not at all familiar	Cadastre/Parcels Not so familiar	Cadastre/Parcels Somewhat familiar	Cadastre/Parcels Very familiar	Cadastre/Parcels Extremely familiar
Elevation	Elevation Not at all familiar	Elevation Not so familiar	Elevation Somewhat familiar	Elevation Very familiar	Elevation Extremely familiar
Geodetic Control	Geodetic Control Not at all familiar	Geodetic Control Not so familiar	Geodetic Control Somewhat familiar	Geodetic Control Very familiar	Geodetic Control Extremely familiar
Governmental Units	Governmental Units Not at all familiar	Governmental Units Not so familiar	Governmental Units Somewhat familiar	Governmental Units Very familiar	Governmental Units Extremely familiar
Hydrography	Hydrography Not at all familiar	Hydrography Not so familiar	Hydrography Somewhat familiar	Hydrography Very familiar	Hydrography Extremely familiar
Orthoimagery	Orthoimagery Not at all familiar	Orthoimagery Not so familiar	Orthoimagery Somewhat familiar	Orthoimagery Very familiar	Orthoimagery Extremely familiar
Transportation	Transportation Not at all familiar	Transportation Not so familiar	Transportation Somewhat familiar	Transportation Very familiar	Transportation Extremely familiar

Comments

Question Title

* 7. In general, to what extent do these NSDI Framework data sets meet your needs? Base your response on the primary role you selected above.

	Always inadequate	Often inadequate	Sometimes inadequate, sometimes adequate	Often adequate	Always adequate	I do not know
Addresses	Addresses Always inadequate	Addresses Often inadequate	Addresses Sometimes inadequate, sometimes adequate	Addresses Often adequate	Addresses Always adequate	Addresses I do not know
Cadastre/Parcels	Cadastre/Parcels Always inadequate	Cadastre/Parcels Often inadequate	Cadastre/Parcels Sometimes inadequate, sometimes adequate	Cadastre/Parcels Often adequate	Cadastre/Parcels Always adequate	Cadastre/Parcels I do not know
Elevation	Elevation Always inadequate	Elevation Often inadequate	Elevation Sometimes inadequate, sometimes adequate	Elevation Often adequate	Elevation Always adequate	Elevation I do not know
Geodetic Control	Geodetic Control Always inadequate	Geodetic Control Often inadequate	Geodetic Control Sometimes inadequate, sometimes adequate	Geodetic Control Often adequate	Geodetic Control Always adequate	Geodetic Control I do not know
Governmental Units	Governmental Units Always inadequate	Governmental Units Often inadequate	Governmental Units Sometimes inadequate, sometimes adequate	Governmental Units Often adequate	Governmental Units Always adequate	Governmental Units I do not know
Hydrography	Hydrography Always inadequate	Hydrography Often inadequate	Hydrography Sometimes inadequate, sometimes adequate	Hydrography Often adequate	Hydrography Always adequate	Hydrography I do not know
Orthoimagery	Orthoimagery Always inadequate	Orthoimagery Often inadequate	Orthoimagery Sometimes inadequate, sometimes adequate	Orthoimagery Often adequate	Orthoimagery Always adequate	Orthoimagery I do not know
Transportation	Transportation Always inadequate	Transportation Often inadequate	Transportation Sometimes inadequate, sometimes adequate	Transportation Often adequate	Transportation Always adequate	Transportation I do not know

Comments

Question Title

* 8. When NSDI framework data sets are inadequate for your needs, why? What would have to change to have these be more useful for you?

Question Title

* 9. Please share your opinions about the NSDI Framework Data.

	Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral / No Opinion	Agree	Strongly Agree	I do not know
In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily findable.	In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily findable. Strongly Disagree	In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily findable. Disagree	In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily findable. Neutral / No Opinion	In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily findable. Agree	In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily findable. Strongly Agree	In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily findable. I do not know
In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily accessible.	In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily accessible. Strongly Disagree	In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily accessible. Disagree	In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily accessible. Neutral / No Opinion	In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily accessible. Agree	In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily accessible. Strongly Agree	In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily accessible. I do not know
In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily interoperable.	In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily interoperable. Strongly Disagree	In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily interoperable. Disagree	In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily interoperable. Neutral / No Opinion	In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily interoperable. Agree	In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily interoperable. Strongly Agree	In general, the NSDI Framework data are readily interoperable. I do not know
In general, the NSDI Framework data are reliably reusable.	In general, the NSDI Framework data are reliably reusable. Strongly Disagree	In general, the NSDI Framework data are reliably reusable. Disagree	In general, the NSDI Framework data are reliably reusable. Neutral / No Opinion	In general, the NSDI Framework data are reliably reusable. Agree	In general, the NSDI Framework data are reliably reusable. Strongly Agree	In general, the NSDI Framework data are reliably reusable. I do not know
In general, the NSDI Framework data include comprehensive metadata.	In general, the NSDI Framework data include comprehensive metadata. Strongly Disagree	In general, the NSDI Framework data include comprehensive metadata. Disagree	In general, the NSDI Framework data include comprehensive metadata. Neutral / No Opinion	In general, the NSDI Framework data include comprehensive metadata. Agree	In general, the NSDI Framework data include comprehensive metadata. Strongly Agree	In general, the NSDI Framework data include comprehensive metadata. I do not know
In general, the NSDI Framework data can readily be integrated with other thematic data.	In general, the NSDI Framework data can readily be integrated with other thematic data. Strongly Disagree	In general, the NSDI Framework data can readily be integrated with other thematic data. Disagree	In general, the NSDI Framework data can readily be integrated with other thematic data. Neutral / No Opinion	In general, the NSDI Framework data can readily be integrated with other thematic data. Agree	In general, the NSDI Framework data can readily be integrated with other thematic data. Strongly Agree	In general, the NSDI Framework data can readily be integrated with other thematic data. I do not know
Currently, the funding being made available for the NSDI Framework Data is adequate and sufficient.	Currently, the funding being made available for the NSDI Framework Data is adequate and sufficient. Strongly Disagree	Currently, the funding being made available for the NSDI Framework Data is adequate and sufficient. Disagree	Currently, the funding being made available for the NSDI Framework Data is adequate and sufficient. Neutral / No Opinion	Currently, the funding being made available for the NSDI Framework Data is adequate and sufficient. Agree	Currently, the funding being made available for the NSDI Framework Data is adequate and sufficient. Strongly Agree	Currently, the funding being made available for the NSDI Framework Data is adequate and sufficient. I do not know
Previously, the funding made available for the NSDI Framework data was adequate and sufficient.	Previously, the funding made available for the NSDI Framework data was adequate and sufficient. Strongly Disagree	Previously, the funding made available for the NSDI Framework data was adequate and sufficient. Disagree	Previously, the funding made available for the NSDI Framework data was adequate and sufficient. Neutral / No Opinion	Previously, the funding made available for the NSDI Framework data was adequate and sufficient. Agree	Previously, the funding made available for the NSDI Framework data was adequate and sufficient. Strongly Agree	Previously, the funding made available for the NSDI Framework data was adequate and sufficient. I do not know
When I access NSDI Framework Data, it is consistently clear that I am accessing authoritative versions.	When I access NSDI Framework Data, it is consistently clear that I am accessing authoritative versions. Strongly Disagree	When I access NSDI Framework Data, it is consistently clear that I am accessing authoritative versions. Disagree	When I access NSDI Framework Data, it is consistently clear that I am accessing authoritative versions. Neutral / No Opinion	When I access NSDI Framework Data, it is consistently clear that I am accessing authoritative versions. Agree	When I access NSDI Framework Data, it is consistently clear that I am accessing authoritative versions. Strongly Agree	When I access NSDI Framework Data, it is consistently clear that I am accessing authoritative versions. I do not know

Question Title

* 10. Provide your opinion about coordinated contributions to the NSDI from both the public and private sector.

	Strongly disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly agree	I do not know.
Multiple data providers from both the public and private sector coordinate successfully to develop and maintain the NSDI Framework data in an integrated manner.	Multiple data providers from both the public and private sector coordinate successfully to develop and maintain the NSDI Framework data in an integrated manner. Strongly disagree	Multiple data providers from both the public and private sector coordinate successfully to develop and maintain the NSDI Framework data in an integrated manner. Disagree	Multiple data providers from both the public and private sector coordinate successfully to develop and maintain the NSDI Framework data in an integrated manner. Neutral	Multiple data providers from both the public and private sector coordinate successfully to develop and maintain the NSDI Framework data in an integrated manner. Agree	Multiple data providers from both the public and private sector coordinate successfully to develop and maintain the NSDI Framework data in an integrated manner. Strongly agree	Multiple data providers from both the public and private sector coordinate successfully to develop and maintain the NSDI Framework data in an integrated manner. I do not know.
NSDI Framework data providers utilize broad input from the geospatial community to improve the data's sustainability and usability.	NSDI Framework data providers utilize broad input from the geospatial community to improve the data's sustainability and usability. Strongly disagree	NSDI Framework data providers utilize broad input from the geospatial community to improve the data's sustainability and usability. Disagree	NSDI Framework data providers utilize broad input from the geospatial community to improve the data's sustainability and usability. Neutral	NSDI Framework data providers utilize broad input from the geospatial community to improve the data's sustainability and usability. Agree	NSDI Framework data providers utilize broad input from the geospatial community to improve the data's sustainability and usability. Strongly agree	NSDI Framework data providers utilize broad input from the geospatial community to improve the data's sustainability and usability. I do not know.