GEOSPATIAL FRONTIERS

A Publication by Project Geospatial

LOOKING BEYOND

THE MAP

Geospatial Frontiers, a new publication from Project Geospatial, brings together leading voices and experts from across the geospatial ecosystem to tackle the industry's most pressing challenges. Through in-depth articles and discussions, Geospatial Frontiers aims to explore innovative solutions and spark critical conversations that will shape the future of geospatial technology and its applications.

AUTHORS

Adam Simmons

Keith Barber

Nation at a Crossroads: FY2026 Budget Proposal Threatens to Dismantle U.S. Geospatial Supremacy, Risking Economic and Infrastructural Integrity
Adam Simmons Adam Simmons

Nation at a Crossroads: FY2026 Budget Proposal Threatens to Dismantle U.S. Geospatial Supremacy, Risking Economic and Infrastructural Integrity

A stark vision for America's fiscal future now casts an ominous shadow, as the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget threatens a veritable demolition of non-defense federal capabilities, launching an unprecedented assault on the agencies underpinning our nation's world-leading geospatial infrastructure with a staggering $163 billion targeted for removal from base non-defense spending . This plan strikes at the heart of essential government functions, and even as it calls for "unprecedented increases for defense" , the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) faces a deep paradox: its direct appropriations may rise, but devastating cuts to civilian partners like NOAA, NASA, and USGS threaten to hamstring its operational effectiveness, potentially forcing NGA to divert its own increased budget to backfill widening data gaps and maintain "GEOINT Supremacy" with a critically weakened foundational support system. The reverberations are already palpable, and as the geospatial community prepares for the annual GEOINT Symposium in St. Louis, all eyes will be on leaders like NGA Director Vice Admiral Frank Whitworth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, as an industry on edge desperately seeks clarity and a beacon of confidence to navigate these profoundly troubled times.

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Open Source Geospatial Takes Center Stage for Resilience at FedGeoDay 2025
Adam Simmons Adam Simmons

Open Source Geospatial Takes Center Stage for Resilience at FedGeoDay 2025

FedGeoDay 2025, held April 22nd in Washington D.C., was a packed and energized convergence of over 200 geospatial experts dedicated to a vital mission: building resilience through open source tools and data. Project Geospatial's coverage of the event revealed a community deeply committed to collaboration, showcasing everything from NASA's critical Earth observation data applications and foundational government datasets like USGS's 3DAP to the complexities of AI reliability, the dynamics of open data initiatives like OpenStreetMap and Overture Maps, and the necessity of robust cybersecurity. The day underscored the immense potential of open geospatial solutions in facing increasing challenges and the collective effort required to harness their power for societal benefit. The palpable energy and high turnout signaled a community ready to tackle complex problems together, leveraging open platforms for a more resilient future.

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The Geodesy Crisis in the United States: A Comprehensive Analysis of its Importance, Workforce Challenges, and Potential Consequences
Adam Simmons Adam Simmons

The Geodesy Crisis in the United States: A Comprehensive Analysis of its Importance, Workforce Challenges, and Potential Consequences

The United States is facing a looming crisis in its geodesy workforce, threatening the nation's capacity to maintain and advance this essential science. Our research delves into the definition, applications, and history of geodesy in the US, examining the workforce challenges and potential consequences if this crisis remains unaddressed.

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Unlocking the Potential: Reimagining the Commercial Remote Sensing Market
Keith Barber Keith Barber

Unlocking the Potential: Reimagining the Commercial Remote Sensing Market

The high cost of commercial remote sensing data is a major obstacle to widespread adoption. As Keith Barber notes, 'Right now, the price point is such that it's still cheaper to go hire 150 guys to walk that field than it is to use the technology.' By refactoring the executability of the commercial and government markets from a macro-economic perspective and moving to a Defense-wide budget, the price per image or access would decline, amortizing the value and creating a price point where commercial adoption would rapidly increase, essentially baselining the cost.

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