National Civil Applications Program

Abstract

The National Civil Applications Program (NCAP) is a component of the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Mapping, Remote Sensing, and Geographic Investigations Program. The NCAP serves Federal civil agencies by providing for the acquisition, dissemination, and exploitation of classified remote sensing systems and data in support of mission responsibilities for land and resource management, environmental and scientific studies, homeland security, and hazards/disaster management. Civil applications of classified remotely sensed imagery began in 1969 when the USGS provided Federal civil agencies with access to imagery for various uses, including mapping, charting, geodesy, and management of the Nation's lands and resources. The Civil Applications Committee (CAC) was established in 1975 to provide oversight and coordination of these activities. The CAC is composed of 11 Federal departments and independent agencies. The USGS, through the Secretary of the Interior, is delegated responsibility to chair the CAC. The use of classified remotely sensed data has increased dramatically over the past 10 years. There has been an expanded emphasis on using data for environmental monitoring and research and for hazards detection, warning, and emergency response. To address the growing requirements and better serve the Federal civil community, the USGS expanded its investment in NCAP facilities and infrastructure during the 1990s. The USGS Advanced Systems Center (ASC) in Reston, Va., was built in 1993 and serves as the hub of NCAP operations. The USGS operates regional facilities in Denver, Colo.; Rolla, Mo.; Sioux Falls, S. Dak.; and Menlo Park, Calif. An interagency NCAP facility is located in Anchorage, Alaska. Each USGS facility provides the infrastructure, systems, and expertise required to support the growing diversity of civil applications.