Welcome to the NTDP–Field Data Collection
and GNSS Testing Program

NTDP Field Data Collection and GNSS Testing Program Purpose: Ensure that Forest Service (FS) GNSS field-data collection initiatives and related activities are coordinated between FS business communities with a geospatial field data collection need using Agency approved hardware and software.

NTDP staff coordinates several groups and community of practice that provide recommendations, guidance and advice to stakeholders, to address mobile Global Navigations Satellite Systems (GNSS/GPS) technology concerns and issues upward from the field users. The FS Mobile Geospatial Technology Advisory Group (MGTAG) (internal link only) is the primary community of practice which supports the FS service mobile GIS community and the research and wildland fire mobile technologies groups. The NTDP GNSS Testing Program evaluates and tests emerging GNSS and mobile hardware for location accuracy under typical field conditions in open, medium and heavy canopy test environments. These GNSS Accuracy reports are made available to FS and the public by using the GNSS Accuracy Testing Reports link below.

Mission Statement

To provide cutting edge geospatial (GNSS) field data collection guidance and support to the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture and other government agencies and the public by delivering timely, accurate and customer focused support to the field units and the public.

Stakeholders:

U.S. Forest Service, Chief Information Office, Assett Management (Mobile Device Field Testing for future procurement efforts)

U.S. Forest Service, Chief Information Office, Geospatial Branch

U.S Forest Service, Geospatial Office

U.S Forest Service, Programmatic Areas requiring Geospatial Field Data Collection for program/data requirements

Other Federal Agencies with Geospatial FIeld Data Collection requirements