Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Hydrography Addressing Tool
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The people who study rocks and rivers in the U.S. want to keep collecting important information using a special tool that helps put things on a map. They are asking for ideas on how to make the tool better and easier to use for everyone, just like making a toy easier to play with!
Summary AI
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is requesting public comments on a proposal to renew and revise an information collection, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information collection involves the Hydrography Addressing Tool (HydroAdd), which helps users link their data with the National Hydrography Dataset. This collection is voluntary and aims to minimize reporting burdens while providing necessary data in an efficient format. The USGS is especially seeking feedback on the utility, clarity, and burden of this information collection.
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is proposing to renew an information collection with revisions.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The Federal Register document in question involves a request by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for public comments regarding a proposal to renew and revise an information collection tool known as the Hydrography Addressing Tool (HydroAdd). This initiative aligns with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, aiming to streamline data collection processes while minimizing the related burden on respondents.
General Summary of the Document
The HydroAdd tool is designed to help users link their external datasets, such as geographical observations, with the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD). This initiative allows for more comprehensive data management and analysis regarding the nation's stream networks. The USGS is particularly interested in public feedback concerning the relevance, utility, clarity, and potential burdens of this user-driven initiative. Comments from stakeholders are encouraged to ensure the system effectively aids data collection and dissemination processes as intended.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several concerns arise regarding the practical aspects of this information collection initiative:
Time Estimate for Responses: The document states an estimated completion time of 1 minute per response, which may understate the time required for users to register, prepare geospatial data, and address this data to the NHD. This estimation could potentially deter respondents who may misjudge the commitment involved.
Modifications to HydroAdd: While the document notes ongoing modifications and improvements to the HydroAdd tool that involve changes in data hosting and authentication methods, it ambiguously suggests that these updates will not affect information collection. This claim could lead to confusion, as users might experience differences in usability or the registration process with such changes.
Technical Proficiency Requirement: The document implies that users need some GIS knowledge to effectively use the HydroAdd tool, which may create an access barrier for potential users who lack such expertise. This assumption might limit the tool's inclusivity and utility across a broader audience.
Lack of Timeline for Modifications: The document indicates that improvements to the tool are under development but does not specify a timeline for completion and implementation. This lack of clarity might impact user expectations and planning.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, the document aims to improve data management and encourage public engagement in the revision process. However, the potential underestimate of the time requirement and the demand for technical know-how could discourage participation from interested citizens or smaller organizations with limited resources. Transparency regarding updates and the user-friendly execution of these tools are vital to their success.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Positive Impacts: For stakeholders such as government agencies, educational institutions, and organizations with GIS expertise, the HydroAdd tool presents an opportunity to effectively link and utilize hydrography-related data. The enhancements discussed could improve the efficiency and accuracy of data processing and analytics.
Negative Impacts: Conversely, users with limited technical experience in geospatial information systems might find the tool challenging to navigate, particularly with insufficient guidance regarding required technical proficiencies. These users may also encounter difficulties if the modifications to the tool affect usability without clear communication from the USGS.
In conclusion, while the USGS's effort to revise and refine the Hydrography Addressing Tool represents a significant step toward enhanced data utility, attention is required to address potential user engagement barriers and ensure that feedback mechanisms are responsive and adequately inform ongoing developments.
Issues
• The document provides an estimated completion time per response of 1 minute, which may be overly optimistic given that users must register, share geospatial data as a hosted web feature service, and address their data to the NHD.
• The document describes modifications and improvements to the HydroAdd tool, including changes in the hosting service and authentication method, yet it claims these modifications do not affect the information collection. This might be unclear as users may experience differences in the registration or data submission process due to these changes.
• The phrase 'modifications to improve the HydroAdd tool are currently in development' lacks specificity regarding the timeline for these modifications and their implementation, which may affect user experiences and expectations.
• The document's description of HydroAdd users might imply the necessity for a certain level of technical proficiency (e.g., knowledge of GIS) that is not explicitly stated. This may lead to ambiguity about who the tool is accessible to.