The Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access (PASDA) program, established by Penn State in 1995, is celebrating 30 years of helping the commonwealth use data to make better decisions, from protecting the environment to planning for emergencies. In November, Gov. Josh Shapiro recognized PASDA for its decades of service as a trusted source of publicly funded geospatial data that support economic development, education, research and public decision-making across the state.
Bruce Logan, director of Penn State's Institute of Energy and the Environment, which administers PASDA, said the governor's recognition underscores the value of sustained public investment in research and data sharing.
"PASDA highlights how research institutions can serve the broader public good," Logan said. "Through PASDA, Penn State helps ensure that geospatial data are shared and used to address Pennsylvania's environmental, planning and infrastructure challenges."
Maurie Kelly, PASDA's director, said the recognition reflects both PASDA's work and the broader culture of data sharing in Pennsylvania.
"It means so much to us to know that we are valued by the community and the state," Kelly said. "It represents everyone who has shared their data with PASDA over the years. Pennsylvania is truly a leader in data sharing, and we are proud to be part of that history."
When PASDA was established, it was among the nation's first statewide spatial data clearinghouses. It serves as Pennsylvania's central, open-access repository for publicly funded geospatial data, providing free access to imagery, elevation data and other spatial datasets. By preserving and sharing these resources, PASDA ensures that public investments in mapping and data collection deliver long-term value.
Over the years, PASDA has supported a wide range of public-sector activities, including land-use planning, infrastructure development, environmental conservation, emergency management, hazard mitigation and economic development. By reducing duplication of data collection, clearly documenting how datasets are created and used, and providing long-term data stewardship, PASDA has helped save time and money for taxpayers across Pennsylvania.
As geographic information system (GIS) director for Mifflin County, Laura Lettiere manages countywide geospatial datasets and has worked with Kelly and PASDA for more than two decades.
"PASDA greatly supports the work that I do on a daily basis," Lettiere said. "The Mifflin County GIS department works extensively with data and informational requests from the public. Local municipalities, school districts and conservation districts rely heavily on GIS data for projects involving stormwater management, transportation mapping, zoning analysis and floodplain planning. These projects and initiatives require interactive and cooperative working relationships as well as open sharing of quality geospatial data."
Beyond information sharing, PASDA provides online tools such as the Pennsylvania Mine Map Atlas, an interactive database of the state's underground mines, and the Pennsylvania Flood Risk Tool, which allows users to view flood risk using the latest mapping data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
According to Kelly, PASDA data are also widely used beyond government. Universities, schools and nonprofit organizations rely on the program to support research, education and public engagement. Private-sector firms use PASDA resources for site selection, engineering, environmental assessment and innovation, strengthening Pennsylvania's economy.
In addition to supporting current decision-making, PASDA plays a critical role in preserving Pennsylvania's spatial and cartographic history. The program provides long-term stewardship for irreplaceable datasets, including historic aerial imagery, parcel data and land-use records that document decades of change across the landscape.
Kelly said the program's longevity and continued relevance are rooted in its commitment to service and its relationships within the geospatial community.
"People know us after all these years, and they know they can reach out, ask questions and get assistance when they need it," Kelly said. "We truly believe what we do helps people get their work done and solve problems, and we are deeply dedicated to the geospatial community in this state."
As geospatial technologies continue to evolve, PASDA remains engaged with emerging tools and approaches, including 3D data, real-time spatial information and GeoAI, which applies artificial intelligence to geospatial data. PASDA is also exploring new ways to stream and deliver complex spatial data to users, opening additional opportunities to support planning, energy and environmental decision-making.
According to Kelly, PASDA's work is reinforced by strong geospatial leadership and collaboration across Pennsylvania, including the State Geographic Information Officer and the Pennsylvania Geospatial Coordinating Board, which help coordinate data sharing and services across agencies and partners statewide.
As PASDA enters its fourth decade, the program continues its core mission of preserving, managing and providing access to high-quality geospatial data to support informed decision-making across the commonwealth, Kelly said.
PASDA is a cooperative project of the Governor's Office of Administration, Office for Information Technology and the Institute of Energy and the Environment at Penn State.
