IMAGE Act

The Management Association for Private Photogrammetric Surveyors (MAPPS) urges members of Congress to facilitate continued United States leadership, both technologically and economically, in the field of remote sensing. By supporting the IMAGE Act, Congress will enhance the duties of the Office of Space Commercialization (OSC) under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the Department of Commerce by advocating for Federal Government utilization of commercial remote sensing and geospatial services, data and products.

What designation does the legislation provide?
The IMAGE Act will designate statutory authority to the OSC as lead agency to implement three Federal policies regarding commercial remote sensing services, data and products. The first policy? The 2004 NASA Inspector General’s report for the House Science Committee which found NASA and other Federal agencies fail to fully utilize the capabilities of commercial remote sensing firms and that “a potential market for commercial data exists for Federal agencies involved in operations and applications of remote sensing data.” The report suggested “a commitment … is needed to ensure Federal agencies are able to identify applicable commercial products for operational use and to communicate such needs to the commercial sector.” Most importantly, the IG report recommended “an independent office with a mission that would further the use of commercial data in Federal agencies.” The second policy? President Bush’s 2003 Commercial Remote Sensing Space Policy (CRSSP). The third policy? The 2002 Tenet Memo promoted use of commercial remote sensing data by the CIA and other intelligence agencies.

How beneficial would this designation be to the Federal Government?
The result of the status quo is wasteful government spending and a lack of cohesive application of remote sensing and geospatial technologies to government programs involved in national defense, homeland security, emergency preparedness and response, environmental protection, resource management, economic development, transportation and other activities. Remote sensing and related geospatial activities can play a critical role in government at all levels. In addition, the geospatial and remote sensing community was identified by the U.S. Department of Labor in President Bush’s “High Growth Jobs Training Initiative.” The opportunity in this area is promising, provided the government does not impede the anticipated expansion by its own counter-productive policies and actions.

What opportunities will the IMAGE Act create for mapping firms?
The IMAGE Act will authorize the OSC to work to assure private sector leadership in performing geospatial activities; perform surveying and mapping activities that meet Federal standards, specifications, and schedules; and assume responsibility for performing surveying and mapping activities resulting from basic research performed by Federal agencies. The OSC will work with other Federal agencies to assure that the government utilizes the commercial remote sensing community to the maximum extent possible, will fight unfair government competition with and duplication of the private sector, and will recommend policies and legislation to assure that the U.S. Government supports, and does not impede, growth in this community.

In the 109th Congress, Senator George Allen (VA) introduced S. 4006 which was cosponsored by his colleague Senator James Inhofe (OK). MAPPS is seeking members of the Senate and House to introduce the bill. For more information, please contact John Byrd, MAPPS Government Affairs Manager, (703) 787-6996 or jbyrd@mapps.org.