Reston, VA – MAPPS (www.mapps.org), the national association of private sector geospatial firms, today announced the release of model legislation for state legislaturesto help coordinate state level partnerships for the collection of enhanced elevation data in support of the nationwide effort led by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in its 3D Elevation Program (3DEP).

MAPPS has led a national campaign in support of 3DEP funding in Congress, Federal agencies, and the Office of Management and Budget. The model bill for introduction in state legislatures, developed by MAPPS staff and endorsed by the MAPPS Board of Directors, is designed to complement the national effort by providing bottom-up, grass roots, state-level support for 3DEP.

“This bill does not authorize or appropriate state funds. It does, however, express support for 3DEP and provides for coordinated efforts within a state on statewide LiDAR. This will not only provide greater efficiency by encouraging the concept of ‘map it once, use it many times,’ but will save money by providing for the economy of scale of statewide LiDAR collection and enhances a state’s eligibility for Federal funds through the USGS BAA process,” said John “JB” Byrd, MAPPS Government Affairs Manager.

MAPPS encourages geospatial advocates to contact state legislators to discuss introduction of this model bill in their respective states.  This consists of MAPPS member firm principals, as well as surveyors and other stakeholder groups, including  a coalition of more than two dozen organizations from geospatial, science, housing, engineering, infrastructure, flood risk management and the environment that support 3DEP.

ABOUT MAPPS

MAPPS is the only national association of private sector firms in the surveying, mapping and geospatial field in the United States. MAPPS member firms are engaged in surveying, photogrammetry, satellite and airborne remote sensing, aerial photography, hydrography, aerial and satellite image processing, GPS and GIS data collection and conversion services. Associate members include firms that provide equipment, hardware, software, products and services to member firms. For more information, visit www.mapps.org.