The FGDC supports international Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) development. The Office of Management and Budget (OBM) Circular A-16 encourages the FGDC to participate in building the Global Spatial Data Infrastructure (GSDI) in addition to building the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI).

International SDI activities make good business sense while they contribute to good governance.  In this way FGDC ensures that the policies, procedures, standards, metadata, and related components that are developed within the U.S. are compatible with our neighbors’ as well as  globally.  The rationale for sharing geospatial information across city, county, and state boundaries applies to sharing across international boundaries as well.  Watershed, ecosystem, and related boundaries do not stop at political borders.  Moreover disasters, famine, poverty, diseases, and similar human issues do not stop at international boundaries.  Interantional SDI's can help alleviate these problems by providing geospatial information and related services.

• How do I find data from around the world?
• SDI Reference Manual – SDI Cookbook
• International Newsletters
• Group on Earth Observations (GEO) & Global Earth Observations System of Systems (GEOSS)
• Cross Border Projects (Canada/USA)
• Global Spatial Data Infrastructure Association
• Regional Spatial Data Infrastructure Development
• Training and Capacity Building and GSDI Small Grants Program