The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS)

NIDIS is designed as a user-based drought information system that assesses potential drought indicators and impacts in order to provide tools for anticipating, preparing for and mitigating the effects of drought. 

NIDIS Goals (Text taken from WGA report, see link below)

— Develop the leadership and partnerships to ensure successful implementation of an integrated national drought monitoring and forecasting system;

— Foster, and support, a research environment that focuses on impact mitigation and improved predictive capabilities:

— Create a drought "early warning system" capable of providing accurate, timely and integraed information on drought conditions at the relevant spatial scale to facilitate proactive decisions aimed at minimizing the economic, social, and ecosystem losses associated with drought;

— Provide interactive delivery systems, including an Internet portal, of easily comprehensible and standardized products (databases, forecasts, GIS-based products, maps, etc.); and

— Provide a framework for interacting with and educating those affected by drought on how and why droughts occur, and how they impact human and natural systems

NIDIS Information & Links
WGA Report: Creating a Drought Early Warning System for the 21st Century: The NIDIS, 2004
Senate NIDIS Bill, May 2006
House NIDIS Bill, June 2006