We assessed whether the U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI’s) management of its geospatial data programs complied with the Geospatial Data Act of 2018. The DOI uses geospatial data—data linked to specific geographic locations—to support its varied missions. For example, the DOI’s bureaus use geospatial data to make decisions and direct resources when responding to wildland fires and hurricanes, to track the habitat of endangered species, and to promote the health and welfare of tribal communities. The DOI is a major producer of geospatial data, leading more than half of the geospatial data themes for the Federal Government and spending over $100 million a year purchasing geospatial data and services from third-party contractors. The DOI also operates the GeoPlatform (geoplatform.gov)—a searchable clearinghouse of geospatial data available from Federal and non-Federal sources.
We found the DOI is working toward meeting 11 of the 13 Geospatial Data Act requirements we reviewed. For example, in 2016, the DOI assigned an executive to manage Departmentwide collection, acquisition, maintenance, and dissemination of its geospatial data, and is currently implementing strategy for advancing geospatial data and related activities to support bureau missions. We also found evidence that the DOI readily shares geospatial data through the GeoPlatform with other Federal agencies and non-Federal users.
We found, however, that the DOI did not implement Departmentwide controls to ensure that geospatial data purchased from third-party contractors met quality standards endorsed by the Federal Geographic Data Committee and did not ensure that bureaus regularly searched the GeoPlatform before expending Federal funds to purchase geospatial data. As a result, the DOI risks using poor-quality data to support decision making and resource allocation, with the potential to adversely affect mission outcomes. These adverse effects could be greatly magnified if the DOI makes this poor-quality data accessible through the GeoPlatform, and the data is then relied on by Federal and non-Federal users for decision making and resource allocation. In addition, by not consistently searching the GeoPlatform, the DOI risks expending funds for geospatial data that may already be available at no cost.
We make two recommendations to strengthen the DOI’s governance practices for its geospatial data program. The DOI concurred with both recommendations and stated it is working to implement them. We consider both recommendations resolved but not implemented and will refer the recommendations to the Office of Policy, Management and Budget for tracking implementation.