MAPPS Announces Geospatial Bills Signed Into Law

Forest Hill, MD (January 6, 2021) - MAPPS, the preeminent national association of private sector firms in the geospatial profession, applauds Congress and the Trump Administration for the enactment into law two important geospatial related bills during 2020. The Digital Coast Act (S.1069) and The National Landslide Preparedness Act (HR 8810) have been signed into law by the President. MAPPS has advocated for both of these bills for many years and most recently Mark Brooks, MAPPS President urged congressional leadership to pass the bills and forward them to the President.

“MAPPS has been a staunch advocate of the bills to authorize these programs. MAPPS has worked with our Federal partners at NOAA and USGS along with other participating agencies, state, and local partners on the passage of these bills. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress and the Federal government to advance these important initiatives,” said Brooks.

The passage of S.1069 –The Digital Coast Act enables sustained support for a geospatial platform, which integrates geospatial data, decision-support tools, training, and best practices for the purpose of addressing coastal management issues and needs. The Act codifies a high-valued program that multiplies information investments made by federal partners, states, local authorities, the private sector, and others.

NOAA Acting Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management, Nicole R. LeBoeuf thanked MAPPS for the long term support in achieving this significant milestone.

MAPPS has also been a leading industry proponent of H.R. 8810, the National Landslide Preparedness Act. The National Landslide Preparedness Act will provide mapping, analysis, and response to landslide events across the country. The USGS , which, working with state and other partners and in coordination with the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Landslide and other activities of the United States Geological Survey and other Federal agencies will identify, map, assess, and research landslide hazards; and respond to landslide events. The Act also establishes a ‘‘3D Elevation Program’’ to provide 3D elevation data coverage for the United States; to coordinate and facilitate the collection, dissemination, and use of 3D elevation data among Federal departments and agencies and non-Federal entities; to produce standard, publicly accessible 3D elevation data products for the United States; and to promote the collection, dissemination, and use of 3D elevation data among Federal, State, local, and Tribal governments, communities, institutions of higher education, and the private sector in coordination with the 3D Elevation Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee.

“I congratulate Congress, the Trump Administration, and our Federal partners for seeing this important provision through to the finish line,” said Brooks. "MAPPS member firms are grateful to the primary sponsors of the legislation, who worked tirelessly for its enactment, including Senators Cantwell and Murkowski and Rep. DelBene, among others.” H.R. 8810 was passed by the House and Senate in December 2020. President Trump signed it into law on January 5.

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About the Management Association of Private Photogrammetric Surveyors
MAPPS is exclusively a private sector organization focused on the needs of the membership by providing a forum for the mutual benefit of its members. It invites the participation of government employees, academicians, and technical papers only that directly support the objectives of MAPPS members. As a business association, MAPPS is dedicated to developing the growth and improving the bottom line profitability of its member firms. MAPPS provides valuable interaction with, but does not duplicate or compete with the technical programs of ACSM, ASPRS, URISA, GITA and other professional organizations. To learn more visit www.mapps.org

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