National Research Council, Division on Earth and Life Studies, Ocean Studies Board, Mapping Science Committee, Committee on National Needs for Coastal Mapping and Charting Geospatial Framework for the Coastal Zone

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The coastal zone is of enormous importance to the well-being of the nation, as our lives and economy are inextricably linked to the features and activities that occur within this dynamic region. In order to understand and address the effects of natural and anthropogenic forces in the coastal zone, a holistic multidisciplinary framework is required to account for the interconnectivity of processes within the system. The foundation of this framework is accurate geospatial information"information that is depicted on maps and charts.A Geospatial Framework for the Coastal Zone National Needs identifies and suggests mechanisms for addressing national needs for spatial information in the coastal zone. It identifies high priority needs, evaluates the potential for meeting those needs based on the current level of effort, and suggests steps to increase collaboration and ensure that the nations need for spatial information in the coastal zone is met in an efficient and timely manner.