1. Ministry of Construction and Transportation
Korean NGIS
Ministry of Construction and Transportation
Seoul, Korea
October 2004
Alan R. Stevens, PhD
US Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) Secretariat
US Geological Survey
SDI Evolution in the US: Solid technology, policy changes, hard work, & just plain luck

2. US Spatial Data Infrastructure: At the Crossroads & moving forward
US Federal Geographic Data
Committee (FGDC)
Evolution (nationally)
How to keep the pressure on …?
How to percolate it down to the working level?
Gospatial One-Stop (e-gov)
Future Directions

3. US Spatial Data Infrastructure:
Caveat…….
One model does not fit all
What works in the US is not magic
… but there are things to be learned from the model

4. The Big Question……..?? So exactly what is:
The US Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC),
The National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), and
How does it all fit together?

5. What is a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) ………?
To encourage the collection, processing, archiving, integration, and sharing of geospatial data and information using common standards and interoperable systems and techniques
….. and accessible via the web
·        Expand…. – Brings information together in new ways – the ability to integrate various layers of data from multiple sources & visualize the data into one or more comprehensive views.
·        Enhance…. – Look at multiple possible solutions – improves ones ability to understand various options, visualize/analyze key relationships among the data, and explore implications of decisions/tradeoffs. It enables analysis that would otherwise not be done.
·        Streamline…. – Helps affected managers and stakeholders readily understand key issues – having a better understanding of the options enables one to take more informed steps in the process and as a result facilitates (in many cases shortens) the process of building consensus.
·        Dramatically…. - comprehensive views of data + better analysis of options + reaching consensus more effectively = a more informed decision.

6. Core Components of the NSDI
Clearinghouse (catalog)
Metadata
Standards
Framework
GEOdata
The FGDC identified some basic components of the US NSDI, they are Standards; geographic data; Metadata; Clearinghouses, and partnerships. I’ll cover our progress with each of these components now.
Partnerships

7. The Federal Geographic Data Committee …. What is it??
Formed about 1990 to promote the development and implementation of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI)
·        Expand…. – Brings information together in new ways – the ability to integrate various layers of data from multiple sources & visualize the data into one or more comprehensive views.
·        Enhance…. – Look at multiple possible solutions – improves ones ability to understand various options, visualize/analyze key relationships among the data, and explore implications of decisions/tradeoffs. It enables analysis that would otherwise not be done.
·        Streamline…. – Helps affected managers and stakeholders readily understand key issues – having a better understanding of the options enables one to take more informed steps in the process and as a result facilitates (in many cases shortens) the process of building consensus.
·        Dramatically…. - comprehensive views of data + better analysis of options + reaching consensus more effectively = a more informed decision.

8. The Federal Geographic Data Committee …. What is it??
It is really two things:
A staff of about 26 people supporting the Secretary of the Interior
A committee of 19 Cabinet Level Offices promulgating the NSDI
·        Expand…. – Brings information together in new ways – the ability to integrate various layers of data from multiple sources & visualize the data into one or more comprehensive views.
·        Enhance…. – Look at multiple possible solutions – improves ones ability to understand various options, visualize/analyze key relationships among the data, and explore implications of decisions/tradeoffs. It enables analysis that would otherwise not be done.
·        Streamline…. – Helps affected managers and stakeholders readily understand key issues – having a better understanding of the options enables one to take more informed steps in the process and as a result facilitates (in many cases shortens) the process of building consensus.
·        Dramatically…. - comprehensive views of data + better analysis of options + reaching consensus more effectively = a more informed decision.

9. What does the FGDC do……? It builds alliances to:
Address institutional barriers
Identify and develop policy changes
Identify most effective ways to collect, maintain and distribute data
Designate data stewards
Reach consensus on framework
·        Expand…. – Brings information together in new ways – the ability to integrate various layers of data from multiple sources & visualize the data into one or more comprehensive views.
·        Enhance…. – Look at multiple possible solutions – improves ones ability to understand various options, visualize/analyze key relationships among the data, and explore implications of decisions/tradeoffs. It enables analysis that would otherwise not be done.
·        Streamline…. – Helps affected managers and stakeholders readily understand key issues – having a better understanding of the options enables one to take more informed steps in the process and as a result facilitates (in many cases shortens) the process of building consensus.
·        Dramatically…. - comprehensive views of data + better analysis of options + reaching consensus more effectively = a more informed decision.

10. What does the FGDC do……? It builds alliances to:
Encourage metadata creation
Clearinghouse development
Encourage the use common standards and participation in national and international standards committees
Seek new partners
Develop incentives for participants
Etc…….
·        Expand…. – Brings information together in new ways – the ability to integrate various layers of data from multiple sources & visualize the data into one or more comprehensive views.
·        Enhance…. – Look at multiple possible solutions – improves ones ability to understand various options, visualize/analyze key relationships among the data, and explore implications of decisions/tradeoffs. It enables analysis that would otherwise not be done.
·        Streamline…. – Helps affected managers and stakeholders readily understand key issues – having a better understanding of the options enables one to take more informed steps in the process and as a result facilitates (in many cases shortens) the process of building consensus.
·        Dramatically…. - comprehensive views of data + better analysis of options + reaching consensus more effectively = a more informed decision.

11. FEDERAL GEOGRAPHIC DATA COMMITTEE (FGDC): Early Going
Slow to start
Obtain High level involvement
Administratively assigned to the USGS National Mapping Division
Represents the Secretary of the Interior
Sell, sell, sell
Early goal …. to get buy-in

12. The Federal Geographic Data Committee
Chartered in the early 1990s
Federal – 19 cabinet level agencies & offices
Many states, regional, & local governments participate
Along with the private sector, NGOs, and Academia
·        Expand…. – Brings information together in new ways – the ability to integrate various layers of data from multiple sources & visualize the data into one or more comprehensive views.
·        Enhance…. – Look at multiple possible solutions – improves ones ability to understand various options, visualize/analyze key relationships among the data, and explore implications of decisions/tradeoffs. It enables analysis that would otherwise not be done.
·        Streamline…. – Helps affected managers and stakeholders readily understand key issues – having a better understanding of the options enables one to take more informed steps in the process and as a result facilitates (in many cases shortens) the process of building consensus.
·        Dramatically…. - comprehensive views of data + better analysis of options + reaching consensus more effectively = a more informed decision.

13. A FEDERAL GEOGRAPHIC DATA COMMITTEE (FGDC): Good fortune
OMB Circular A-16 already in place
National Spatial Data Infrastructure formed by Presidential Executive Order 12906
‘…coordinating geographic data acquisition and access….’
2000 – Stronger emphasis built into the A-16 circular

14. A FEDERAL GEOGRAPHIC DATA COMMITTEE (FGDC): Good fortune ……..
1992 – Administrations focus on streamlining government
Vice President tasked
Cost/benefits associated with and NSDI
Secretary of Interior directly involved
Raised awareness and participation of all other cabinet offices
Eight years of close attention

15. Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC)
Organisation and Operation

16. What’s the budget …….? Annually, about $4.9M USD
About $2.3M USD for salary
About $2.6 M USD discretionary
CAP Grants …… $1.0 – $1.5M
Standards
Framework
Clearinghouse/portal
Partnerships
Geospatial One-Stop
International
……… etc.

17. FGDC Steering Committee Cabinet Officers and Agencies:
Interior (Vice Chair)
Agriculture
Defense
Energy
HHS
HUD
Justice
State
Transportation
EPA
Emergency Mgt
Library of Congress
NASA
Archives
OMB (Vice Chair)
Commerce
NSF
TVA
GSA

18. FGDC Working Groups (8) Metadata Clearinghouse Standards
Historical Data
Biological Data
Facilities
Sustainable Forest Data
Earth Cover

19. FGDC Thematic Subcommittees(13)
Base Cartographic Data
Cadastral
Cultural and Demographic Data
Federal Geodetic Control
Geologic
Ground Transportation
International Boundaries
Soils
Spatial Climate
Spatial Water Data
Vegetation
Wetlands
Marine Coastal

21. FGDC Staff Support Staff Director (Ivan Deloatch)
Deputy Staff Director (0)
Geospatial One-Stop (6+)
Framework & Cooperating Groups (1)
Standards (1+)
Metadata (1+)
Clearinghouse (1)

22. FGDC Staff Support International Program (3.0) Education & Training
Grant Programs (1)
FGDC Secretariat Support (1)
Administration and Finance (1)
Staff Assistants (2)
Systems and Network (2)
Communications (1)

23. NSDI In the United States Strong high-level political federal support
FGDC starts 1990
High level political support
OMB Circular A-16
NSDI Presidential Executive Order 1994
Secretarial involvement in the FGDC
Extensive partnerships established
Standards -- nationally, internationally
Clearinghouse network
Open policy for federal spatial data

24. Federal Geographic Data Steering Committee
It’s not just federal…….
States
Counties
Municipalities
Non-Governmental Organisations
Industry
But ………..

25. The Federal Geographic Data Committee …. what’s new?
Major focus within the Federal Government
An effort to reach into states and communities
Need a sustained effort to drive the concept and application to the states and local governments
UTILITIES …….
·        Expand…. – Brings information together in new ways – the ability to integrate various layers of data from multiple sources & visualize the data into one or more comprehensive views.
·        Enhance…. – Look at multiple possible solutions – improves ones ability to understand various options, visualize/analyze key relationships among the data, and explore implications of decisions/tradeoffs. It enables analysis that would otherwise not be done.
·        Streamline…. – Helps affected managers and stakeholders readily understand key issues – having a better understanding of the options enables one to take more informed steps in the process and as a result facilitates (in many cases shortens) the process of building consensus.
·        Dramatically…. - comprehensive views of data + better analysis of options + reaching consensus more effectively = a more informed decision.

26. The Federal Geographic Data Committee …. what’s new?
Geospatial One-Stop
E-gov
E-com
NSDI Future Directions
·        Expand…. – Brings information together in new ways – the ability to integrate various layers of data from multiple sources & visualize the data into one or more comprehensive views.
·        Enhance…. – Look at multiple possible solutions – improves ones ability to understand various options, visualize/analyze key relationships among the data, and explore implications of decisions/tradeoffs. It enables analysis that would otherwise not be done.
·        Streamline…. – Helps affected managers and stakeholders readily understand key issues – having a better understanding of the options enables one to take more informed steps in the process and as a result facilitates (in many cases shortens) the process of building consensus.
·        Dramatically…. - comprehensive views of data + better analysis of options + reaching consensus more effectively = a more informed decision.

27. What is the President’s management agenda?
…… pathway to a government that delivers results….
Making it … easier, faster, cheaper….
for all levels of government and public to
access geospatial data and information
-         With today’s emphasis on digital spatial data, new products are created with greater frequency. There continues to be, however, some institutional resistance to putting data into a form such that it can be widely used. With this increased production comes the potential for substantial duplication of effort, as virtually identical digital products appear from different agencies to satisfy their often very specific needs.
-         The costs of creating and maintaining digital spatial data are high, so it is particularly important that data created at considerable cost and effort be collected to standards and shareable to ensure that the collected data be fully utilized to realize all of its potential benefits.

28. What is the President’s management agenda?
E-Government ….. Use of digital technology to transform government operations to improve efficiency and effectiveness
It is a means to an end; not an ‘end’ in itself……….
-         With today’s emphasis on digital spatial data, new products are created with greater frequency. There continues to be, however, some institutional resistance to putting data into a form such that it can be widely used. With this increased production comes the potential for substantial duplication of effort, as virtually identical digital products appear from different agencies to satisfy their often very specific needs.
-         The costs of creating and maintaining digital spatial data are high, so it is particularly important that data created at considerable cost and effort be collected to standards and shareable to ensure that the collected data be fully utilized to realize all of its potential benefits.

29. What is Geospatial One-Stop?
Goal ….. Provide federal and state agencies with a single point of access to geographic information reducing/eliminating redundant data collection and archives.
Milestones …..
Identify federal inventory of framework data
Focus on standards
Deploy Geospatial 1-stop portal
-         With today’s emphasis on digital spatial data, new products are created with greater frequency. There continues to be, however, some institutional resistance to putting data into a form such that it can be widely used. With this increased production comes the potential for substantial duplication of effort, as virtually identical digital products appear from different agencies to satisfy their often very specific needs.
-         The costs of creating and maintaining digital spatial data are high, so it is particularly important that data created at considerable cost and effort be collected to standards and shareable to ensure that the collected data be fully utilized to realize all of its potential benefits.

30. So how does does all of this relate to the NSDI???
One and the same………
Another way to promote and drive some of the basic cannons of the NSDI
Really a mechanism to:
keep the pressure on …….
To keep the principles of the program in front of the NSDI advocates and the user community
To percolate the concepts to the lowest levels

31. The Federal Geographic Data Committee …. what’s new?
Geospatial One-Stop
E-gov
E-com
NSDI Future Directions
·        Expand…. – Brings information together in new ways – the ability to integrate various layers of data from multiple sources & visualize the data into one or more comprehensive views.
·        Enhance…. – Look at multiple possible solutions – improves ones ability to understand various options, visualize/analyze key relationships among the data, and explore implications of decisions/tradeoffs. It enables analysis that would otherwise not be done.
·        Streamline…. – Helps affected managers and stakeholders readily understand key issues – having a better understanding of the options enables one to take more informed steps in the process and as a result facilitates (in many cases shortens) the process of building consensus.
·        Dramatically…. - comprehensive views of data + better analysis of options + reaching consensus more effectively = a more informed decision.

32. FGDC/NSDI Future Directions
Why do we need to …….?
Added one-stop
1994 & 97 strategic plans developed
New staff director
Really need the local data holdings to adopt
Questions about the coordination of NSDI, GOS, and CTM
Attention to Homeland Security

33. FGDC/NSDI Future Directions
…and so, to the question
Where do we want to be in 2014?

34. FGDC/NSDI Future Directions
What is the process?????
FGDC staff built straw-man
Involve other stakeholders
Consumed the entire FGDC coordination committee

35. FGDC/NSDI Future Directions
VISION:
Current and accurate geospatial data will be available to contribute locally, nationally, and globally to economic growth, environmental quality, and stability, and social progress

36. FGDC/NSDI Future Directions
1. Forging partnerships with a purpose
Expand the governance model

37. The Federal Geographic Data Committee …. what’s new?
Major focus within the Federal Government
An effort to reach into states and communities
Need a sustained effort to drive the concept and application to the states and local governments
UTILITIES …….
·        Expand…. – Brings information together in new ways – the ability to integrate various layers of data from multiple sources & visualize the data into one or more comprehensive views.
·        Enhance…. – Look at multiple possible solutions – improves ones ability to understand various options, visualize/analyze key relationships among the data, and explore implications of decisions/tradeoffs. It enables analysis that would otherwise not be done.
·        Streamline…. – Helps affected managers and stakeholders readily understand key issues – having a better understanding of the options enables one to take more informed steps in the process and as a result facilitates (in many cases shortens) the process of building consensus.
·        Dramatically…. - comprehensive views of data + better analysis of options + reaching consensus more effectively = a more informed decision.

38. FGDC/NSDI Future Directions
2. Making framework real
…generating framework data themes that will include collection, documentation, access, and utilization of data.

39. FGDC/NSDI Future Directions
3. Communicating the Message
…recognized across the nation as the primary source for the availability and use of reliable spatial data

40. Create a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) ………
To encourage the collection, processing, archiving, integration, and sharing of geospatial data and information using common standards and interoperable systems and techniques
….. and accessible via the web

41. Genesis of the US National Spatial Data Infrastructure
FGDC formed
1994 NSDI formed by Presidential Executive Order 12906
International awareness
1999 Implementation Teams started
2001 OMB Circular A-16 updated
2002 Geospatial One-Stop
Outside of the US, similar SDI initiatives were being implemented and planned in other nations and regions of the world. Additionally, the concept of a Global Spatial Data Infrastructure was formalized with the first international gathering of interested nations in Germany, 1996.
In 1998, an extensive NAPA Study of Geographic Information in the 21st Century was issued, with over 50 recommendations for furthering the NSDI

42. Create a Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) ………
To encourage the collection, processing, archiving, integrating, and sharing of geospatial data and information using common standards and interoperable systems and techniques
….. and accessible via the web
·        Expand…. – Brings information together in new ways – the ability to integrate various layers of data from multiple sources & visualize the data into one or more comprehensive views.
·        Enhance…. – Look at multiple possible solutions – improves ones ability to understand various options, visualize/analyze key relationships among the data, and explore implications of decisions/tradeoffs. It enables analysis that would otherwise not be done.
·        Streamline…. – Helps affected managers and stakeholders readily understand key issues – having a better understanding of the options enables one to take more informed steps in the process and as a result facilitates (in many cases shortens) the process of building consensus.
·        Dramatically…. - comprehensive views of data + better analysis of options + reaching consensus more effectively = a more informed decision.

43. Global Spatial Data Infrastructure
GSDI conferences
GSDI 1 Bonn Germany Sept 1995
GSDI 2 Chapel Hill NC October 1997
GSDI 3 Canberra Australia November 1998
GSDI 4 Capetown South Africa March 2000
GSDI 5 Cartagena Colombia May 2001
GSDI 6 Budapest Hungary September 2002
GSDI 7 Bangalore India February 2004
GSDI 8 Cairo (with FIG) April 2005

45. Creating the GSDI Association
Incorporated in Virginia in June 2002
Board of Directors operating since September 2002
Past, present and incoming Presidents, chairs of technical and Legal and Economic Working Groups and secretariat
Bylaws agreed by Steering Committee/ Council in January 2003
Fully operational by GSDI 7 in 2004

46. GSDI Secretariat Progress 2003
Permanent Committees for:
Asia & the Pacific (PCGIAP)
Americas (PCIDEA)
Europe (EUROGI)
Africa (CODI and partners)
KISM, UNECA, CODI, EIS Africa

47. GSDI – An idea at the cusp Vision……….
Foster SDI development locally to globally
Access data at a variety of scales and from multiple sources
Common standards an interoperable systems and techniques
Heavy reliance on partners world-wide

48. GSDI – An idea at the cusp Goals……….
Promote and develop awareness and exchanges
Facilitate data access/discovery via clearinghouse, portal web services
Stimulate & conduct capacity building
Conduct and sponsor SDI development research
Engage partners to help

49. FGDC & GSDI Secretariat Success stories………
Cookbook:
Doug Nebert; Editor in Chief
It contains contributions from many nations
FGDC/GSDI will maintain it and make it available on the GSDI website
It is a living document

50. Editor: Douglas D. Nebert, Technical Working Group Chair, GSDI
Developing Spatial Data Infrastructures:
The SDI Cookbook
Version 1.0
6 July 2000
Release for Review at the Fourth Global Spatial Data Infrastructure Conference, Cape Town, South Africa
Disclaimer: This draft represents a work-in-progress that has been compiled from numerous contributions and available online documents contributing organisations. Full acknowledgement of contributions and citations will be provided in the initial public draft.
Editor: Douglas D. Nebert, Technical Working Group Chair, GSDI
Document Available
At:

51. Cookbook Objectives
Define a reference environment for building compatible spatial data infrastructures for use by all communities
Promote best practices, technologies, and guidance for their implementation in a changing Internet environment with low-cost reference implementations, wherever possible
Create an online resource and information web for dissemination

52. Cookbook Design Concept
Chapter
Meta
data
Online
Mapping
Integrating
Services
Case
Studies
Data
Catalog
Access
Outreach
Terms
Context
and
Rationale
Organisational
Approach
Implementation
Approach

53. Chapter Review
Each chapter has a lead individual to build content with others
Where possible have progression of context, through abstract model, to implementation
Conclude with Recommendations
Include hyperlinks and external references
Have just released Version 2.0 for the GSDI-7 conference

54. Version 2.0 Version 2.0 (English) has two new chapters:
“Other Services” describing geospatial service interfaces and chaining
“Terminology” including how one can standardise terminology and includes a glossary of the document
Updated reference to all current work: existing standards and specifications

55. Chapter Seven: Other Services
Additional related services are to be described here, e.g. coordinate transform
Standards: OpenGIS Services (CTS, Service Chaining)
Lead: Nadine Alameh, GST

56. Ingredients for success
The FGDC has lived and prospered
through 3 different political
administrations ……. Why?
Maintained high level policy awareness
Always promotes better governance
Keep the pressure on

57. Additional Information
Federal Geographic Data Committee
Global Spatial Data Infrastructure
Permanent Comm. for Geog. Info. for Asia and the Pacific
Perm. Comm. For the Americas
European Umbrella Org. for Geog.
Open GIS Consortium

60. WHAT IS AN I-TEAM ?
In the US, it is a collaborative process for a state to organize the way it produces, archives, and shares its digital geospatial assets
….. a State SDI
·        Expand…. – Brings information together in new ways – the ability to integrate various layers of data from multiple sources & visualize the data into one or more comprehensive views.
·        Enhance…. – Look at multiple possible solutions – improves ones ability to understand various options, visualize/analyze key relationships among the data, and explore implications of decisions/tradeoffs. It enables analysis that would otherwise not be done.
·        Streamline…. – Helps affected managers and stakeholders readily understand key issues – having a better understanding of the options enables one to take more informed steps in the process and as a result facilitates (in many cases shortens) the process of building consensus.
·        Dramatically…. - comprehensive views of data + better analysis of options + reaching consensus more effectively = a more informed decision.

61. Why do we want I-Teams ?
Helps all levels of government fulfill their missions
Develops links between:
The US FGDC and the State and its data
The State and the County/City data
Supports and facilitates:
The US NSDI in concept and operation
Geospatial One Stop
GSDI ……. local to global
·        Expand…. – Brings information together in new ways – the ability to integrate various layers of data from multiple sources & visualize the data into one or more comprehensive views.
·        Enhance…. – Look at multiple possible solutions – improves ones ability to understand various options, visualize/analyze key relationships among the data, and explore implications of decisions/tradeoffs. It enables analysis that would otherwise not be done.
·        Streamline…. – Helps affected managers and stakeholders readily understand key issues – having a better understanding of the options enables one to take more informed steps in the process and as a result facilitates (in many cases shortens) the process of building consensus.
·        Dramatically…. - comprehensive views of data + better analysis of options + reaching consensus more effectively = a more informed decision.

62. What is it not?? It is not a new agency It is not more bureaucracy
Probably not looking for more money
Although ………………????
Not separate from NSDI or FGDC!!
·        Expand…. – Brings information together in new ways – the ability to integrate various layers of data from multiple sources & visualize the data into one or more comprehensive views.
·        Enhance…. – Look at multiple possible solutions – improves ones ability to understand various options, visualize/analyze key relationships among the data, and explore implications of decisions/tradeoffs. It enables analysis that would otherwise not be done.
·        Streamline…. – Helps affected managers and stakeholders readily understand key issues – having a better understanding of the options enables one to take more informed steps in the process and as a result facilitates (in many cases shortens) the process of building consensus.
·        Dramatically…. - comprehensive views of data + better analysis of options + reaching consensus more effectively = a more informed decision.

63. What Do I-Teams Do? Address institutional barriers
Identify most effective ways to collect, maintain and distribute data
Designate data stewards
As best we can to fit into NSDI recommendations including:
Metadata creation
Clearinghouse development
Framework
etc
·        Expand…. – Brings information together in new ways – the ability to integrate various layers of data from multiple sources & visualize the data into one or more comprehensive views.
·        Enhance…. – Look at multiple possible solutions – improves ones ability to understand various options, visualize/analyze key relationships among the data, and explore implications of decisions/tradeoffs. It enables analysis that would otherwise not be done.
·        Streamline…. – Helps affected managers and stakeholders readily understand key issues – having a better understanding of the options enables one to take more informed steps in the process and as a result facilitates (in many cases shortens) the process of building consensus.
·        Dramatically…. - comprehensive views of data + better analysis of options + reaching consensus more effectively = a more informed decision.

64. What Do I-Teams Do?
Develop Enterprise Plans (I-Plans) for data production and publication by the most appropriate partner(s) at accuracy and scale(s) needed by local - state jurisdictions

66. The Federal Geographic Data Committee …. what’s new?
Implementation Teams (I-Teams)
Geospatial One-Stop
E-gov
E-com
·        Expand…. – Brings information together in new ways – the ability to integrate various layers of data from multiple sources & visualize the data into one or more comprehensive views.
·        Enhance…. – Look at multiple possible solutions – improves ones ability to understand various options, visualize/analyze key relationships among the data, and explore implications of decisions/tradeoffs. It enables analysis that would otherwise not be done.
·        Streamline…. – Helps affected managers and stakeholders readily understand key issues – having a better understanding of the options enables one to take more informed steps in the process and as a result facilitates (in many cases shortens) the process of building consensus.
·        Dramatically…. - comprehensive views of data + better analysis of options + reaching consensus more effectively = a more informed decision.