The federal government collects, maintains, and uses geospatial data to improve decision making and to support numerous functions, including national security, law enforcement, and health care. Many activities depend on critical analyses of geospatial data, such as maintaining transportation infrastructures and quickly responding to natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, and fires. However, some data is collected multiple times by Federal, state, and local entities, resulting in duplication of effort and resources.

The Geospatial Data Act of 2018 (GDA) requires each covered agency to fulfill 13 responsibilities to foster efficient management and use of geospatial data — information linked to specific geographic locations. The GDA also mandates the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to submit to Congress a biannual audit report on the agency’s progress fulfilling the GDA’s responsibilities.

The collection and use of geospatial data are especially critical for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to support its diverse range of missions encompassing law enforcement, border protection, emergency management, critical infrastructure protection, and national operations. For example, after Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the Federal Emergency Management Agency used geospatial data to assist with response and recovery efforts.

In the second of a series of audits assessing the Department of Homeland Security’s compliance with the GDA, OIG said progress has been made but more...

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