User requirements for framework geospatial data

Common sets of geospatial data, usable across many applications, have been proposed as a method to promote GIS data sharing. The National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA) conducted a nation-wide main questionnaire survey to gather information concerning the technical requirements for geospatial data. The questionnaire targeted existing users of GIS or GIS products. These users were asked for responses regarding their data needs for that class, including content, tasks for which the data are used, format, geocoding scheme, positional accuracy, vertical accuracy, updating interval, needs for historical data, and the sources for data currently being used. The NCGIA mailed out 1360 questionnaires; 595 usable questionnaires were completed and returned. The returned information was analyzed across sectors of government, private industry, and academia by geographic region and by professional area of application, showing the technical preferences for framework data sets across each sector profile.