Geospatial Policies and Standards

These policies, guidance, and standards allow EPA to more easily share information by making it possible for many different organizations to use the same format and structure for their data and applications. These documents are of interest to the staff of federal, state and local agencies who create either data and applications, or the policies that guide the development of data and applications.

• EPA policies and guidance
• Other federal policies
• EPA GIS technical guidance

EPA Policies and Guidance

1. EPA Geospatial Strategic Plan 
   1. Purpose: Provides direction and guidance for the EPA Geospatial Program (FY2023-2027).
   2. Contact: Shelly Thawley (thawley.michelle@epa.gov)

Guidance on Software and Tools

1.  ArcGIS StoryMaps Guidance and Publication Requirements
   1. Purpose: Establishes a standard approach to making ArcGIS StoryMaps.
   2. Contact: Alex O'Neill (oneill.alexander@epa.gov)
2. ArcGIS Web StoryMaps Web Standards 
   1. Purpose: Allows map products to effectively communicate environmental data.
   2. Contact: Alex O'Neill (oneill.alexander@epa.gov)

Data Collection and Documentation

1. Collection and Documentation of General Descriptive Geospatial Site Data
   1. Purpose: Provides a uniform method for collecting, documenting, and managing cleanup sites.
   2. Supported Programs: Superfund (CERCLA) and RCRA Corrective Action (CA)

Data Publishing and Metadata

1. EPA GeoPlatform Data Publishing Workflow SOP
   1. Purpose: Guides individuals through the process of publishing data to EPA's GeoPlatform
2. EPA Metadata Technical Specification
   1. Purpose: Establishes guidelines for publishing geospatial and non-geospatial metadata.
   2. Contact: Robert Homsher (homsher.robert@epa.gov)

Data Management Policies

1. Enterprise Data Management Policy (EDMP) & EPA National Geospatial Data Policy
   1. Purpose: Establishes the operating framework for geospatial data management at the EPA.
   2. Contact: Alex O'Neill (oneill.alexander@epa.gov)
2. National Geospatial Data Policy Procedure for Geospatial Metadata Management 
   1. Purpose: Establishes procedures for maintaining geospatial metadata.
   2. Contact: Robert Homsher (homsher.robert@epa.gov)

Aviation Technology Policies

1. EPA Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Policy
   1. Purpose: Provides rules on the use of UAS and data collected at EPA's direction.
   2. Contact: Robert Homsher (homsher.robert@epa.gov)

Other Federal Policies

1. Geospatial Data Act
2. Foundations for Evidence Based Policymaking Act
3. Federal Data Strategy
4. Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC):
   1. The FGDC is a 32 member interagency committee composed of representatives from the Executive Office of the President, and Cabinet level and independent Federal agencies. View FGDC and OMB policies and plans on the FGDC website. 

Technical Guidance

1. National Geospatial Deliverable Standard
   1. Purpose: Establishes a uniform method for submitting geospatial data to the US EPA .
2. EPA Metadata Style Guide for Geospatial and Non Geospatial Data
   1. Purpose: Provides suggestions on metadata creation adhering to EPA Metadata Technical Specification. The Style Guide provides suggestions on geospatial and non-geospatial metadata creation that adhere to EPA’s Metadata Technical Specification and requirements from OMB’s Project Open Data (POD) and ISO’s 19115 standards.