[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 18 (Friday, January 29, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7542-7544]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-01954]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment 
Request; 3D Nation Elevation Data Requirements and Benefits Study

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

ACTION: Notice of information collection, request for comment.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other 
Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information 
collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information 
collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The 
purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment 
preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES: To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed 
information collection must be received on or before March 30, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to 
Adrienne Thomas, NOAA PRA Officer, at [email protected]. Please 
reference OMB Control Number 0648-0762 in the subject line of your 
comments. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise 
sensitive or protected information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
specific questions related to collection activities 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

    This is a request for extension of a currently approved information 
collection.
    NOAA, the U.S. Geological Survey (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 continuing to learn about 
business uses and associated benefits that would be realized from 
improved 3D data, the agencies can more effectively prioritize and 
direct investments that will best serve user needs. The 3D Nation 
Elevation Data Requirements and Benefits Study [3D Nation Study] is 
part of the continuing effort to develop and refine future program 
alternatives that would provide enhanced 3D data to meet many Federal, 
State, and other national business needs.
    In 2017, NOAA and the USGS initiated a 3D Nation Study follow-on 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/). The 3D Nation Study incorporates coastal and ocean requirements 
for elevation data together with terrestrial elevation data needs. The 
primary tool to gather information is 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 the study, 3D data refers to topographic elevation data (precise 
three-dimensional measurements of the terrestrial terrain) and 
bathymetric elevation data (three-dimensional surface of the underwater 
terrain). The 3D Nation Study seeks to understand needs for 3D 
elevation data in terms of mission critical activities, geographic 
extents of data needs, accuracy requirements, frequency needed, and 
anticipated benefits of having the required data. The study also aims 
to describe 3D elevation data needs in relation to other data types 
such as the shoreline; characteristics of tides, currents, and waves; 
and the physical and chemical properties of the water itself.
    Because 3D data are collected and used to meet a wide range of 
mission critical needs, the 3D Nation Study seeks 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 will update a baseline of national 
business needs and associated benefits for 3D data and associated 
technologies. This baseline enhances the responsiveness of NOAA, USGS, 
and partner agency programs to stakeholder needs. It is intended to 
inform the design of directed future programs that balance 
requirements, benefits, and costs at a national scale. Collected 
responses are aggregated at the agency, organization, state and 
national levels. Responses associated with individuals are not 
distributed. The information collection is conducted using a 
standardized template. Responses are one-time and voluntary. In-person 
interviews to clarify questionnaire results may also be arranged. The 
current version of the study questionnaire is available at the 3D 
Nation Study information site (https://my.usgs.gov/confluence/display/3DNationStudy/Questionnaire).

II. Method of Collection

    Emails are sent to a comprehensive list of stakeholders, with 
requests to forward to any other interested participants. The emails 
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. 
Responses may be summarized at the organization level and verified by 
respondents willing for their input to be included in final reports and 
appendices.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-0762.
    Form Number(s): None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission (extension of a current 
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: 1200.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 in recordkeeping/
reporting activities.
    Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
    Legal Authority: Coast and Geodetic Survey Act of 1947 (33 U.S.C. 
883a et seq.).

IV. Request for Comments

    We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau 
to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is 
necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether 
the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy 
of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed 
collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions 
used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of 
the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden 
on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology.
    Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of 
public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request 
to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone 
number, email address, or other personal identifying information in 
your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment--including 
your personal identifying information--may be made publicly available 
at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your 
personal identifying information from public review, we

[[Page 7544]]

cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Sheleen Dumas,
Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information 
Officer, Commerce Department.
[FR Doc. 2021-01954 Filed 1-28-21; 8:45 am]
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