A prototype website for the "Geospatial Platform"
has been launched by U.S. Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC),
a partnership among member federal agencies. The prototype version combines
map-based data and tools with Internet technology to deliver geospatial
information. Users can create their own maps by combining their data with
public domain data. Maps assembled through the tool can be shared through
web browsers and mobile technology.
Examples of the information available on this initial version
include environmental cleanup data from EPA, and coastal
environmental sensitivity data and historic hurricane data from National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. According to FGDC, these data sets
could be combined on a topographic map to assess hurricane vulnerability in
coastal areas.