Proposed Budget Structure Change Proposed FY 2003 Budget Structure Change Mapping, Remote Sensing, and Geographic Investigations Current Budget Structure (FY 2001 Actual Funding, Dollars in Thousands) Proposed New Budget Structure (FY 2003 Request Funding, Dollars in Thousands) Mapping, Remote Sensing, and Geographic Investigations The new subactivity Cooperative Topographic Mapping contains a major portion of the previous Mapping Data Collection and integration, a portion of Earth Science information Management and Delivery program that includes the FGDC-sponsored partnership, NSDI grants, and activities such as printing and distribution, ESIC's, and National Atlas, and a portion of Geographic Research and Applications subactivity which includes related licenses and systems maintenance contracts and research related to The National Map The new subactivity Land Remote Sensing contains AmericaView and satellite operations activites previously conducted within the Mapping Data Collection and Integration subactivity, a portion of the Earth Science Information Management and Delivery program that includes imagery archiving, processing, and distribution and a portion of Geographic Research and Applications subactivity which includes related licenses and systems maintenance contracts and research related to remote sensing. The new subactivity Geographic Analysis and Monitoring is mainly comprised of activities conducted within the previous Geographic Research and Applications subactivity that include integrated natural science research, Global Change Research, hazard-related research, and those licenses and systems maintenance contracts related to geographic research Uncontrollable cost increases for this activity total $1,972, of which $900 will be budgeted and $1,072 will be absorbed through increased efficiencies. Program changes for this activity total include a reduction of -$100 for travel and transportation and -$974 in streamlining savings resulting from organizational restructuring and workforce balancing. Mapping, Remote Sensing, and Geographic Investigations problems now caused by map boundaries, higher resolution and positional accuracy where needed to better support field operations, and increased reliance on outsourcing, partnerships, and commercially available data. The National Map will advance the integration of the geospatial data needs of other DOI agencies and State and local governments to improve landuse decisionmaking. Geographic research provides the scientific understanding of processes that cause environmental change. Through the use of mapping, remote sensing, and other tools, geographers study, monitor, and describe the complex interaction of natural processes and human action on the land. The results of these investigations are used by land managers and policymakers to form decisions relating to issues such as health, environment, education, transportation, urban development, water availability, natural resource utilization, tourism, social services, crime, and national security. At the cutting edge of geographic research are new methods that show promise for providing more current and comprehensive information at reduced cost. These improvements include revising the maps of our Nation and keeping them up-to-date, advancing the technologies available to remotely monitor the land's surface for changes, and understanding the status and trends in the evolution of our land's surface. Geographic research also contributes scientific value and knowledge to the spatial content of The National Map by demonstrating the value of data products through case-study applications that address specific environmental, natural resource, and economic issues. In response to the new alignment, Proposed Budget Structure Mapping, Remote Sensing, and Geographic Investigations Activity Cooperative Topographic Mapping Subactivity Product and Data Services Component Information, Distribution, and Archive Services Component Research and Development Component Land Remote Sensing Subactivity Satellite Mission Operations Component Long-Term Data Preservation and Access Component Remote Sensing Research and Data Utilization Component Geographic Analysis and Monitoring Subactivity Landscape Monitoring and Statistical Analysis Component By reframing the work of the program and aligning program information and outcomes with budget information, USGS will reinforce the scientific basis of its mapping programs and be more consistent with its other budget structures. The change will (1) better describe the mapping work that USGS does, (2) focus USGS efforts on The National Map (see page 91 for more information), and (3) better enable USGS to meet Congressional, partner, and citizencentered expectations. This evolution is also a critical step in linking performance with funding for mapping activities, because the new subactivities more clearly articulate what" USGS does rather than "how" it does its work and thus can accommodate relevant metrics and controls better than the current structure. 82 Activity Summary The Cooperative Topographic Mapping (CTM) Subactivity provides a set of geospatial data that locates and describes the features of the Earth's surface. CTM incorporates the areas of framework geospatial data collection and maintenance (including updates), support for satisfying DOI geospatial needs, map standards, National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) clearinghouse support, cartographic research, information delivery, the National Atlas, DOI High Priority Program, and computer support. CTM provides support for the next generation of topographic map, The National Map, by continuing to maintain basic geospatial data for the United States and its territories. Improvements include greatly increased attention to keeping information current, seamless digital data coverage to avoid problems now caused by map boundaries, higher resolution and positional accuracy where needed to better support field operations, and increased reliance on outsourcing, partnerships, and commercially available data. The Land Remote Sensing (LRS) Subactivity collects, archives, and disseminates satellite and aircraft information, both classified and unclassified, from national and global perspectives. LRS manages imagery archives, conducts the National Civil Applications Program, incorporates Landsat operations and computer support, and delivers imagery. The program is integral to The National Map, other Federal agencies, commercial partners, and intemational cooperative agreements. The Geographic Analysis and Monitoring (GAM) Subactivity studies and addresses natural and human-induced changes on the landscape. GAM encompasses global change research, integrates natural hazard data layers, delivers landscape information, and provides computer support. The most identifiable product will be the publication "Status and Trends of the Nation's Land Resources." This program is integral to The National Map, other Federal agencies, commercial partners, and international cooperative agreements as well as university partners and State and local decisionmakers. Within these three subactivities there exists infrastructure and external partnership activities, which support MRSGI across the board, which includes Information Systems and Services, External Coordination, and Business Development. These groups ensure conformance to government policies and procedures regarding the use of information systems; review and approval of LRSP agreements with cooperating agencies, organizations, international data receiving stations, and commercial business partners; and utilization of partners in an effective business model. Information Systems Services activities include procurement and development of hardware and software systems for collecting, integrating, archiving, and maintaining geospatial data and procures maintenance service for computer equipment and software supporting MRSGI programs. Specific activities include maintenance and acquisition contracting for geographic information systems, digital cartography, image processing, information management and business computer systems, and digital telecommunications networks utilized nationwide. The dramatic growth over the past several years in the breadth of commercially available software with advanced mapping and information management functions has allowed the increase use of commercial-off-the-shelf solutions and development of stronger partnerships with the private sector to meet MRSGI systems and software needs. For information on current USGS mapping activities, visit http://mapping.usgs.gov. 1 Subactivity abbreviations: CTM Cooperative Topographic Mapping; LRS-Land Remote Sensing: GAM-Geographic Analysis and Monitoring. Federal Role The USGS Mapping, Remote Sensing, and Geographic Investigations Activity ensures that basic geospatial data and products of the United States are widely available, accurate and nationally consistent, and accessible to all users. This responsibility has been a basic mission of the USGS since establishment by Congress in 1879. The USGS leads the evolution in technology, cooperation and partnerships, establishment of standards and applications in the collection, distribution, and use of geospatial data and continues to explore innovative relationships with other map data producers and users to provide a timely, accurate, and reliable spatial framework for the Nation's resource decisionmaking. Key national roles include: • Providing base cartographic and geographic information (such as transportation, cultural features, and hydrography) and timely remotely sensed imagery to aid emergency response teams, civilian and local agencies, national security agencies, and the public; • Ensuring rapid delivery of geospatial products to all customers; • Leading efforts to grow and strengthen the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI); Developing standards to enable digital map data layers to be overlaid and ensuring 84 |