1. INTRODUCTION 
Reality is that the allied military and intelligence communities need solutions today. 
This is achieved by initially populating data bases through conversion of existing 
analog products into a digital form. This then must be highly standardized to ensure 
true interoperability in joint or combined operations. Current users of geospatial data 
are not normally sophisticated GIS experts and therefore, expect information to be 
provided in a totally non ambiguous manner. Subsequent editions of these products 
will be compiled from new centre line data. As producers we are faced always with 
doing more with less, therefore it is imperative that todays production systems are 
capable of producing simultaneously both soft and hardcopy products. Even though 
future systems will be more sophisticated and responsive, there will still be a stated 
requirement to support todays standard geospatial products. This will remain a 
challenge for system developers. 
2. STRATEGIC DIRECTION 
It is imperative that we must recognize and acknowledge enabling technologies such 
as microelectronics, satellite navigation, telecommunications, computer power and 
storage, sensors, data basing and networking. Today, and for the next several years, 
we will continue to provide a number of standard products with specific 
encapsulations and defined media. These will be used by fielded systems or 
preprocessed prior to use. The future is accessible online or near online data bases 
with data available in a standard exchange format which can be visualized using 
standard tool boxes or utilities. It is expected that these data bases will use either 
object-oriented or relational Data Base Management System (DBMS) concepts. 
3. CLIENT/USER SERVICES 
There is a need for improved accuracy, precision and currency, along with 
responsiveness. An efficient and effective feedback mechanism is essential to allow 
the user to query an inventory or catalogue, metadata and requirements status. 
Another aspect which has to date received very little attention, is the real time 
updates and maintenance issue. This will require a bidirectional process to accept 
value added data and validate it in near real time. Education and training of the user 
is equally important, but historically does not receive the priority that it should. 
4. STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS 
The area which everyone recognizes as critical, yet are reluctant to participate or 
invest in is standards. Investment in standards is imperative critical for without them 
we will continue to face the unsatisfactory situation which we all now must live with. 
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