The BTAA-GIN offers a proven, collaborative model for NSDI modernization, combining robust technical infrastructure with sustainable governance and community-driven innovation. Operating for over a decade, BTAA-GIN supports geospatial data discovery, stewardship, and preservation across 13 U.S. states and 17 member universities. Its core asset is the BTAA Geoportal, aggregating metadata from over 200 sources and serving over 100,000 resources. BTAA-GIN’s contribution highlights a regional academic model for building durable, interoperable, and FAIR-aligned spatial data infrastructure through community engagement and technical evolution.
Key Features
• BTAA Geoportal (Discovery Platform)
Aggregates metadata from 200+ sources into one of North America’s largest academic geospatial catalogs. Enables search by content, location, and time—not just by data source—supporting intuitive discovery. Backed by the OpenGeoMetadata Aardvark profile (based on DCAT and GeoDCAT).
• Collaborative Governance Model
Features a multi-tiered structure with Coordination, Technology, Community Engagement, and Knowledge Committees. Promotes shared decision-making across 17 universities, supporting both technical and professional community development.
• Geodata Collection & Preservation Initiative
Proactively archives born-digital geospatial datasets using FAIR principles. Includes versioning, data dictionaries, and formats like Cloud-Optimized GeoTIFFs (COGs) and PMTiles to support long-term reuse.
• Technology Stack Transition (2025–2026)
Shifting from GeoBlacklight (Ruby on Rails) to a modular, Python-based architecture. Emphasizes open APIs, sustainability, accessibility, and integration with modern tools like QGIS plugins and potential AI workflows.
• Community & Engagement Programs
Hosts the annual Big Ten GIS Conference (664 registrants in 2025). Publishes a quarterly newsletter and maintains educational resources such as video tutorials and a guide to data citation.
Benefits & Impact
• Sustainable, Scalable Governance
Long-standing, peer-based governance ensures continuity and adaptability across institutions.
• Interoperability & Metadata Reuse
Shared profiles and open APIs support integration with national and international SDIs and other discovery platforms.
• Preservation of At-Risk Geospatial Data
Prevents loss of digital public datasets that may otherwise be overwritten or deleted.
• Enhanced Discovery for All Users
Serves academic, government, and public users through improved metadata standards and user-centered design.
• Future-Proof Technology Strategy
Modular architecture and API-driven design ensure flexibility for new tools and long-term accessibility.
Use Cases
• Academic Research and Education
• Digital Preservation of Geospatial Records
• Regional and National SDI Integration
• Open Metadata Ecosystems
• Public and Government Access