Framework Management Group

CHARTER

Last Update: 10-10-01

Current Chairperson: Jerry Harless, Puget Sound Regional Council (updated 10-03-02)

Charter Member Organizations:

Federal:
Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Reclamation
Environmental Protection Agency
National Marine Fisheries Service
National Park Service
Natural Resource Conservation Service
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Forest Service
U.S. Geological Survey
U.S.D.A. Natural Resource Conservation Commission

State:
Community Trade and Economic Development
Department of Health
Department of Information Services
Department of Natural Resources
Department of Ecology
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Department of Revenue
Department of Transportation
Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation
Pacific States Marine Fisheries

Local:
City of Seattle
Clark County
Douglas County
King County
Lincoln County
Pierce County
Puget Sound Regional Council
Snohomish County
Spokane County
Stevens County Partnership
Thurston County
Yakima County
Map Metrics

Private:
Bonneville Power Administration
ESRI
Rayonier
Longview Fibre Inc.
Simpson Timber Co.
Weyerhaeuser Co.

Tribe:
NWIFC

Introduction

This document describes the purpose, organization, and operating processes of the Framework Management Group (FMG). Relationships to the Washington Geographic Information Council (WAGIC) and to the Washington State geospatial framework development are detailed.

Background on Washington State Geospatial Framework

In order to describe the purpose of the FMG, it is necessary to first describe what the Washington State geospatial framework is, and why it is needed. The framework includes geospatial data which are collected and maintained by many organizations in Washington State and will be organized and managed as a framework which is readily available and supports the National Spatial Data Infrastructure. The framework will include geodetic control, digital orthoimagery, elevation, transportation, hydrography, governmental units and cadastral data. All data producing organizations will be encouraged to work together in partnership to develop common data management protocols and to reduce duplication. The data producers will strive to meet the data requirements which are common to the partner organizations.

Rather than continuing to gather and use data as separate organizations, the framework will produce opportunities to reduce expenditures for data collection and maintenance by spreading the costs across many organizations with similar data needs. Opportunities to obtain useful and useable information for areas surrounding each organization's jurisdictional boundaries will be available. Standardization of data will provide an environment for continued data sharing. As the framework grows and evolves over time, it will benefit the entire community.

The FMG envisions a shared geospatial framework that is dynamic and:

• Embodies the needs of the stakeholders
• Promotes enduring cooperation and partnerships
• Utilizes common standards
• Facilitates the exchange of ideas and information
• Supports the National Spatial Data Infrastructure

Framework Management Group Membership Composition

The Framework Management Group (FMG) members include federal, state, local, private, and tribal organizations that are involved in building the geospatial framework within Washington State. Each organizational member may have one or more participants involved in FMG activities. The group mailing list includes over a hundred people with an average of thirty-five participants per FMG meeting. Membership is free and widespread participation is encouraged.

Framework Management Group Origin and Purpose

The FMG first convened in April 1996 and functions as a permanent subcommittee to the Washington Geographic Information Council (WAGIC). Responsibilities include coordinating geospatial framework development in Washington State. Meetings are held quarterly. The FMG group provides framework coordination that includes; fostering partnerships among organizations, encouraging widespread participation, mediating disputes among participants, providing guidance to specific framework development projects, and establishing framework priorities and business plans.

Key Objectives of the Framework Management Group

The FMG has six key objectives, each providing an environment for sustained and supported geospatial framework development in Washington State. The objectives include:

• Coordinating the Washington State geospatial data framework development
• Fostering partnerships
• Maximizing community participation in framework development
• Establishing framework development priorities
• Guiding specific framework projects
• Gaining state legislative recognition of framework development in Washington

Key Assumptions of the Framework Management Group

Key assumptions critical to the success of the FMG are:

• Members support the general framework concepts including; adopting common data standards, reducing duplication of effort, and sharing in the collection, use and maintenance of framework data.
• Participation and funding are available for the framework projects.
• The Washington State Geospatial Framework will grow and evolve over time.

Washington Framework Project Themes

At present, the framework themes the FMG is focusing on include:

• Cadastral
• Digital Orthoimagery
• Elevation
• Geodetic Control
• Governmental Units
• Hydrography
• Transportation

Measures of Success

The success of the Framework Management Group's mission to build a geospatial framework in Washington State will be measured primarily by five criteria. These are associated with the recruitment of members; the funding and participation in framework projects; the timeliness of framework development; the coordination and communication efforts; and exposure to the state legislature. The Framework Management Group will be considered successful if:

• Organizational membership grows by at least ten percent per year over the first five years of establishment.
• Necessary funding is garnered for framework projects.
• At least three statewide framework projects are completed and operational within the first five years of establishment.
• Members express satisfaction with communication and coordination efforts.
• The FMG serves as an educational mechanism regarding framework efforts to the state legislature.

Framework Management Group Decision Making Process

Decisions are made by consensus. Consensus is achieved when:

• Everyone has a chance to offer their ideas and opinions
• Everyone's ideas and opinions are considered
• Most are in support and no one actively opposes the decision
• Everyone will support the decision

If consensus is in doubt or a critical decision is being made, then a voting procedure will be used as follows:

• Four fingers raised = I will support it
• Three fingers raised = I will not oppose it
• Two fingers raised = I will not support it
• One finger raised = I cannot live with this. It conflicts with my organizational goals and/or personal values.

If anyone in the group raises one or two finger, the decision is stalled and discussion must continue until all votes indicate three or more fingers. In the case where a decision is deadlocked, the FMG has the option of presenting the issue to the WAGIC for resolution.

Organizational Structure and Governance

Washington State Geographic Information Council

The Framework Management Group functions as a permanent subcommittee of the Washington State Geographic Information Council (WAGIC). WAGIC is an advisory body to the FMG and supports the vision of the Washington Geospatial Data Framework. WAGIC also serves as a resource for dispute resolution and/or deadlock decision making by the FMG. Periodically, a designated FMG representative will report on framework related status at WAGIC meetings.

FMG Chairperson

The FMG has an elected chairperson that serves a two year term. A chairperson may serve no more than two consecutive terms. Elections for the chairperson are held on even year fall meetings by majority vote. Responsibilities include conducting quarterly meetings. This position also serves as a liason to WAGIC. The chairperson may choose to appoint another FMG representative to serve in the capacity of the liaison.

Framework Management Group (FMG)

The FMG is a consensus building body that provides overall direction to individual framework projects. The FMG determines framework priorities, identifies and facilitates resolution of common framework issues, and ensures coordination among the projects. Overall framework decisions and decisions that are out of individual project scope are made by the FMG. Widespread participation is solicited and encouraged from federal, state, local, private, tribal, and professional organizations.

DNR Framework Coordinator

FMG meetings and communication are supported and organized by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Framework Coordinator. The FMG meets quarterly with agenda mailings at least two weeks prior to scheduled meetings. Agendas identify decision and discussion items. Additionally, the Framework Coordinator is responsible for fostering coordination among framework projects, encouraging new partnerships, and soliciting funding for framework projects.

Framework Projects

Individual framework projects, such as the Transportation, Hydrography, and Cadastral Framework Projects, operate within the auspices of the FMG. Projects leaders report on project status at each FMG meeting. Decision or discussion items related to the projects are identified on the agenda prior to the scheduled meeting. Decisions within the scope of a project are made by the specific project participants.

The general approach to framework projects is to organize a technical team in addition to, or as a subgroup of, the overall project participant team. Variation to this approach is expected per project. Any project subgroups that are formed, such as technical teams, may provide decision options and recommendations. Final decisions are made by the entire group of project participants. The most appropriate process for decision making may vary per project and can be determined by participants. Decisions that are out of project scope will be brought forward to the FMG.

Further Information

For further information about the Framework Management Group or if you are interested in becoming a member, please contact Carrie Wolfe at phone: (360) 902-1639 or e-mail: carrie.wolfe@wadnr.gov.