[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 36 (Friday, February 24, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11558-11559]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-03594]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; 3D Nation 
Requirements and Benefits Elevation Data Study Questionnaire

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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[[Page 11559]]

SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before April 25, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Ashley Chappell, NOAA Integrated Ocean and Coastal 
Mapping Coordinator, 1315 East West Hwy SSMC3 Rm 6813, Silver Spring, 
MD 20910, 240-429-0293, or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office 
of Coast Survey and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National 
Geospatial Program plan to conduct a follow-on study to the National 
Enhanced Elevation Assessment (NEEA) white paper finalized in 2012 
(NEEA overview can be found at https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2012/3088/). 
This NEEA follow-on study will incorporate coastal and ocean 
requirements for elevation data along with a revisit of the terrestrial 
elevation data needs assessed via a similar survey in 2010 (OMB Control 
No. 1028-0099). The primary tool to gather information will be a 
questionnaire covering a wide range of business uses that depend on 3D 
data to inform policy, regulation, scientific research, and management 
decisions. For purposes of this questionnaire, 3D data refers to 
topographic data (precise three-dimensional measurements of the 
terrestrial terrain) and bathymetric data (three-dimensional surface of 
the underwater terrain). Questions will be asked about how 3D data 
relate to other data types such as the shoreline; characteristics of 
tides, currents, and waves; and the physical and chemical properties of 
the water itself. A series of questions will be asked as they relate to 
specific Mission Critical Activities. These will include questions 
about the area (geographic extent), 3D data accuracy requirements, 
linkages to other data to support a wide range of analysis, and 
benefits of having the required data.
    NOAA, USGS and partner mapping agencies are working to improve the 
technology systems, data, and services that provide information about 
3D data and related applications within the United States. By learning 
more about business uses and associated benefits that would be realized 
from improved 3D data, the agencies will be able to prioritize and 
direct investments that will best serve user needs. This questionnaire 
is part of an effort to develop and refine future program alternatives 
that would provide enhanced 3D data to meet many Federal, State, and 
other national business needs.
    Because 3D data are collected and used to meet a wide range of 
mission critical needs, we are seeking input from managers and data 
users from a variety of government entities (e.g., Federal, State, 
local, Tribal) as well as not for profit, academic, and private/
commercial entities. The findings are expected to establish a baseline 
of national business needs and associated benefits for 3D data and 
associated technologies. This baseline will enhance the responsiveness 
of NOAA, USGS, and partner agency programs to stakeholder needs, and 
inform the design of directed future programs that balance 
requirements, benefits, and costs at a national scale. Collected 
responses will be aggregated at the agency and national levels. 
Responses associated with individuals will not be distributed. The 
information collection process will be guided by an interagency 
management team led by NOAA and USGS with support from a professional 
services contractor. The information collection will be conducted using 
a standardized template. Responses are one-time and voluntary. In-
person interviews to clarify questionnaire results may also be 
arranged. The draft questionnaire will be posted for the duration of 
this public comment period at the NOAA Integrated Ocean and Coastal 
Mapping site (https://iocm.noaa.gov/).

II. Method of Collection

    Emails will be sent to a comprehensive list of stakeholders, with 
requests to forward to any other interested participants. The emails 
will include a link to the online survey, which can also be provided 
upon request by paper or other means. In-person interviews may follow 
to resolve questions, clarify answers and add more detail to responses.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-xxxx.
    Form Number(s): None.
    Type of Review: Regular (request for a new information collection).
    Affected Public: Federal government, State, local or tribal 
governments; not-for-profit institutions, academia, business or other 
for-profit organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 600.
    Estimated Time per Response: 2 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,200.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 in recordkeeping/
reporting activities.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: February 16, 2017.
Sarah Brabson,
NOAA PRA Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017-03594 Filed 2-23-17; 8:45 am]
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