In May of 1997, GDM established with the USGS National Mapping Division, an Innovative Parnership (IP) to provide outreach to state agencies with interest in acquiring products, including DEMs and DLG data not currently available.

GDM was involved with "co-op" type contracts where multiple agencies all contribute to the funding pool that supports the data collection process. Typically, this translates to each of the contracting partners getting more data for less cost. Redundancy is eliminated with multiple agencies collectively contracting for their data needs and making it available to the public.

Products that can be produced from this IP include, but are not limited to, transportation networks, hydrology, land-use layers, hypsography (contours), and high-resolution digital elevation data.

The Innovative Partnership program provides a mechanism whereby State agencies that typically do not have the full resources required to complete large, critical mapping and GIS data development tasks can effectively team with other Agencies to produce adequate funding though a well-integrated combined resource approach. GDM provides the technical expertise to assure that the end products meet or exceed all specifications.

A typical life-cycle of an IP starts with establishing a line of communication between GDM, the interested agency, and the USGS-appointed State Liaison Officer. GDM works with the Liaison Officer and the requesting agency to fully understand the specific needs and, when necessary, elaborate on the benefits of the data base, mechanisms for development, timeliness, and distribution.

GDM has completed data production for the State of Delaware under the IP, and is currently using this mechanism under contract to the Texas Water Control Board for the Texas STRATMAP program.