Mr. Battin noted that the intent is to create a framework of element occurrences with an established level of accuracy, to devise a method of aggregating data so that data owners and interests will not be compromised, and to develop a process for using and sharing the data. To prepare for the discussion, agency representatives should become familiar with their agency's requirements for biological diversity data. Mr. Battin will provide the proposal for distribution to the Coordination Group and discussion at the January Coordination Group meeting. Mr. Stein noted that the issues relate to ecological communities, not just to species. The SWG suggested that such instructions would actually be a standard for encoding and should be publicly reviewed.
Further discussion is needed to clarify the issues so they can be resolved.
Included in this group will be Mr. Nebert, Mr. Barton, Mr. Spear, and Mr. Hogan. A report and final discussion on this issue will be scheduled for the December Coordination Group meeting. Mr. Hogan noted that the geodetic and the national spatial data parts of the positioning accuracy standard will be submitted for approval of public review at the December meeting, as will the point profile for the Spatial Data Transfer Standard. The digital orthoimagery standard has been returned to the Base Cartographic Subcommittee for clarification of the scope statement before it goes through public review. Coordination Group members are encouraged to attend the SWG meeting on December 10 for an opportunity to exchange ideas with these visitors.