Progress Report: GSDI Case Studies - March 27, 2001

As reported to you earlier work has begun on GSDI Case Studies. Beth Lachman of Rand is the Project Lead. The contract for the Study is administered through the US Federal Geographic Data Committee on behalf of the GSDI Secretariat and Steering Committee. In addition the Geographic Survey Institute of Japan is investigating the possibility of contracting directly with Rand as its contribution to the Case Study Project.

On March 27, 2001 I received a Progress Briefing and Report from Ms. Lachman on the project. I am pleased to report that the design of the study and the work done is excellent. I believe that we will receive a analysis and report that will help the GSDI Steering Committee and community learn about other global activities, their experiences and how we can more successfully address some of the challenges and decisions in front of us.

The next steps in the Study for Ms. Lachman are to screen potential case studies and identify key individuals and literature sources for the most promising case studies. Ms. Lachman is also planning on participating in the April 25 GSDI conference call to give an update. Ms. Lachman will be contact some of you as part of the study but you should also feel free to contact her for more information or to suggest Case Studies for consideration.

Contact Information:

Beth Lachman

RAND, 6^th Floor

1200 South Hayes Street

Arlington, VA 22202

Phone: 001-703-413-1100 x5279

E-mail: bethl@rand.org