• What are the best options for encoding geospatial data for exchanges on the Exchange Network?

• What are the challenges and options associated with multiple coordinate reference systems used by EPA, States, tribes, and others to represent geospatial data of interest in exchanges on the Exchange Network?

The team issued its report to the ENLC in July of 2007 and recommended adopting Geography Markup Language (GML) as the standard for sharing geospatial data over the Exchange Network. Furthermore, the team recommended exploring the use of GeoRSS GML (a specific sub-set of GML) where expression of simple geospatial data in Exchange Network flows is required.

Geospatial Task Force

An Exchange Network Geospatial Task Force came together in 2008 to explore the recommendations contained in the Strategy Team’s Report in an effort to provide further clarity and explicit guidance to Exchange Network partners seeking to exchange geospatial data. The Geo Task Force developed a whitepaper Analysis of Integrating Geospatial Data into Exchange Network Schema and later published Recommended Practices for Integrating Geospatial Data into Exchange Network Schema. Exchange Network partners that are building data exchanges with a geospatial component to them should consult these recommendations. The GeoRSS GML recommended practices were integrated into version 3.0 of the Facility Identification flow.

Additional information on the Geospatial Task Force’s activities and products can be found on the Exchange Network Wiki.

Geospatial Community of Interest

In 2009, the Geospatial Task Force transitioned to an open community-of-interest (COI) forum. Geo COI meetings are being held quarterly and information on call dates, agendas, and logistics will be posted on the Exchange Network Wiki.