Resolution: Promoting Data Sharing and Usage Among Great Lakes Organizations
Adopted on May 12, 2000

Whereas, most Great Lakes organizations collect scientific and cultural data from the Great Lakes ecosystem and have stored these data in a database; and

Whereas, these data are in varied formats and are stored in databases that may or may not be compatible with each other; and

Whereas, these data sets are often analyzed using geographic information systems tools, presenting them in various forms for scientific and technical comparison; and

Whereas, increasing public interest in the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem has encouraged Great Lakes organizations to use geographic information system (GIS) tools as a means of disseminating data and research results; and

Whereas, there is no clearinghouse or repository for these data or GIS layers, nor a coordinating body to ensure that these items are broadly available; and

Whereas, with such a coordinating body, Great Lakes research organizations could make their data available, reduce duplication of research through sharing results, form partnerships to broaden impact of their research and maximize their efforts; and

Whereas, the Great Lakes Commission has the capability to coordinate geographic information system efforts on behalf of Great Lakes organizations, and create a clearinghouse of data and GIS layers which will enhance and support current and future Great Lakes research.

Therefore, Be it Resolved, that member jurisdictions of the Great Lakes Commission direct staff to work toward the development of a comprehensive "Great Lakes GIS clearinghouse" in collaboration with relevant agencies and organizations both within and outside government with a goal of completion by December 31, 2001; and

Be It Finally Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission will pursue future opportunities for Great Lakes GIS development in partnership with other organizations such as the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, NOAA, U. S. EPA, USGS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Environment Canada.

Adopted by the unanimous action of the eight member states of the Great Lakes Commission at the 2000 Semiannual Meeting in Duluth, Minnesota on May 12, 2000.