POSE: Phase I: An open source ecosystem for a decentralized geospatial web

NSF Award Search · 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $299,996 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This project explores new ways to make location-based data more trustworthy and useful in everyday life. Location information supports many critical activities, including disaster response, environmental monitoring, infrastructure management, and security. However, most of this data is currently managed through centralized systems that can be vulnerable to failures, manipulation, and limited transparency. This project investigates an alternative approach based on decentralized technologies that allow data to be shared, verified, and managed across distributed networks rather than controlled by a single entity. By bringing together researchers, developers, and stakeholders, the team will design and grow an open, collaborative ecosystem for robust location data. The effort helps ensure that future technologies — including agent-based automated systems that rely on location information — can operate with greater reliability, transparency, and accuracy. While Web 2.0 technologies enabled volunteered geographic information, interactive maps, and cloud services, these advances have also concentrated control in centralized systems, creating vulnerabilities and a need for a more trustworthy and durable geospatial data infrastructure. Meanwhile, decentralized computing technologies, such as blockchains, peer-to-peer networks, consensus mechanisms, digital signatures, and cryptographic protocols offer advantages that address these challenges in ways traditional systems cannot. Their

Key facts

NSF award ID
2550229
Awardee
University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
SAM.gov UEI
NPU8ULVAAS23
PI
Taylor M Oshan
Primary program
01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Estimated total
$299,996
Funds obligated
$299,996
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
06/01/2026 → 05/31/2027