The FGDC will participate fully in the GeoData Alliance. Yes, but not in a conventional sense. The GeoData Alliance is open to all individuals and institutions that subscribe to its purpose and principles in conducting the organization s activities. Those who join as full participants are called members. Institutions need not operate in accord with the purpose or principles internally-that is, a private company need not become chaordic to join as an institutional participant.
Participants join through one of six broad categories called sectors.
The primary purpose served by these sectors is the creation of a balanced council of trustees. They do not constrain members participation in GDA activities in any way beyond election of the council. The initial sectors are listed in Table 2. GDA will be an enabling organization, providing a trustworthy context in which members can come together in new ways to undertake activities, resolve problems, form new enterprises, address critical issues, and develop new products and services that realize the purpose in accord with the principles. GeoData Alliance belongs to its members.