1999 ASPRS Open Skies Policy

ASPRS Releases Policy Statement on Open Skies for Data Acquisition and Access

ASPRS: The Imaging and Geospatial Information Society has released an official policy statement on Open Skies for Data Acquisition and Access, declaring it "supports the unrestricted acquisition and widest possible distribution of data and imagery from spaceborne platforms."

"This policy statement follows an extensive review and discussion of related policies, and largely mirrors existing policies promulgated within the broader international space policy community," said ASPRS Executive Director James R. Plasker. "Adoption of the policy is timely given the recent successful launch of IKONOS with one-meter imaging capability," Plasker added.

ASPRS President Michael Renslow noted "This Policy recognizes the importance of a stable regulatory environment in the continued investment in commercial space assets. If we are to have continued implementation of robust non-governmental spaceborne systems, it is critical that rules and regulations governing their use be well understood and predictable. Recent U.S. policy changes affecting the level of resolution able to be acquired over some areas of the World are not in the long-term best interest of our profession, the industry, or this Nation."

In making its decision ASPRS acknowledged the United States leadership in defining, formulating and establishing the policy and practice of Open Skies, and the remote sensing principles and policies. As such, ASPRS consulted "The Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space; The U. N. Principles on Remote Sensing; The 1992 Land Remote Sensing Policy Act; and The Policy Statement on Data Management for Global Change Research (Bromley Principles).

ASPRS member Don Hemenway, who was involved in formulating the policy statement said, "ASPRS members believe that open access to imagery is critical for the advancement of knowledge and our Nation. This policy emphasizes that point and puts the society's members firmly on record for the United States to continue and expand its lead role in democratic access to information vital to all."

The ASPRS policy statement details are listed on this web site for your information (Open Skies Policy Press Release -- http://www.asprs.org/news/archive/99-10-openskiespolicy.html).

Founded in 1934, ASPRS is an international professional organization of 7,000 geospatial data professionals. ASPRS is devoted to advancing knowledge and improving understanding of the mapping sciences to promote responsible application of photogrammetry, remote sensing, geographic information systems and supporting technologies.

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page URL: http://www.asprs.org/news/99-10-openskies.html

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(06 October 1999)