| Abstract: | The Spatial Data Transfer Standard (SOTS), as a standard, is somewhat of a paradox. Standards help to establish order and promote stability. As such, SDTS serves both as a standard and a catalyst for change. Beyond being the first major geographic information systems(GIS) standard, SOTS has invoked—and continues to invoke—significant changes throughout federal organizations and other' organizations that interact with them. The changes inspired by SDTS focus attention on the importance of GIS standards. This importance, in turn, is the underlying force in creating a GIS standards infrastructure. The infrastructure provides a mechanism/process for developing, approving, and coordinating GIS standards in the federal, national, and international communities. |
