Over the years we've provided pointers and descriptions of many fine GIS Spatial Data repositories and data clearinghouses. However, many resources change location, upgrade their servers etc... leaving behind dead links all over the web. Enter our 2009 State GIS Data Clearinghouse Directory - if you have a pointer to a better State resource than listed here please share with us so we can update the directory. This is hands-down, THE best resource around to point you to State GIS Data nodes... (and Canada too!)
Alabama - The Geological Survey of Alabama (GSA) with support from the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) has developed and maintains a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) Isite Node of the National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse that houses metadata and geospatial data sets archived by the GSA and State Oil and Gas Board. See also http://www.alabama.gov/portal/index.jsp and Virtual Alabama from Alabama DHS
Alaska - Alaska Geospatial Data Clearinghouse from the USGS
Arizona - The Arizona Geodata Portal. The Portal is maintained and hosted by the Arizona State Cartographer's Office. The Portal is designed to provide GIS users with links to Internet map services, FGDC compliant metadata, and geospatial data downloads. Search for Census data, imagery, transportation data layers and much more (more than 108 data layers)
Arkansas - For those GIS users in search of free data products for the State of Arkansas, we've provided pointers to several data repositories where users have free access to a wealth of popular GIS data sets including: DRGs, DOQs, DEMs, aerial photos, NAIP data, and much more... read on about the Arkansas GeoStor. GeoStor from the Arkansas Geographic Information Office. The name GeoStor refers to a comprehensive, web-based geodata delivery system. Find data, use the map viewer, or download rasters via FTP. For a total score, raster data products are available directly via this FTPserver. Users will find access to direct downloads of: 6 inch orthos, historic map composites, NAIP data (2008), stet DOQQs (1 m res. GeoTIFF and Mr SIDs, collared and no-collar DRGs (24k) and much more
Seehttp://www.geostor.arkansas.gov/G6/Home.html?q=ftp
GeoStorprovides DOQQs, DRGs and much more in an FTP-able format. You'll find 1990 and 2002 DOQQs in MrSID and TIF formats. There's also Landsat images as well as 1:24k DRGs - Seehttp://www.geostor.arkansas.gov/G6/Home.html?q=ftp
California - The California Geospatial Clearinghouse - Cal-Atlas site facilitates the coordinated and sustainable development, maintenance, licensing and sharing of geospatial data and web map services by California government agencies, partners and stakeholders. California government agencies work with the California GIS Council, regional GIS collaboratives and the broader California GIS community to define the data architecture, systems, standards, agreements and processes for a fully integrated and effective California Spatial Data Infrastructure. discover, download and contribute data. See also http://gis.ca.gov/catalog/ -
Colorado - State of Colorado GIS Portal where you can find information about spatial data available and GIS activities and developments in the state. See also http://coloradogis.nsm.du.edu/Portal/
Connecticut - The Connecticut State Library & MAGIC.
Delaware - The "DataMil" is another geography network and meta data explorer
District of Columbia (D.C) - For years the District of Columbia has provided public access to city operational data through the Internet. Now the District provides citizens with the access to 277 datasets from multiple agencies, a catalyst ensuring agencies operate as more responsive, better performing organizations. Use the data catalog below to subscribe to a live data feed in Atom format and access data in XML, Text/CSV, KML or ESRI Shapefile formats.
Florida - Florida Geographic Data Library (GIS datasets) - See also Labins (Aerials/Topos/DEM etc) - http://data.labins.org/2003/ Also noteworthy, Central Florida GIS. The CFGIS initiative seeks to increase coordination among users of geographic information systems in Central Florida. Its two primary components are a regional users group and a data clearinghouse. The portal provides access to community message boards, data, and other useful user resources. http://www.cfgis.org
Georgia - Georgia GIS Data Clearinghouse (registration required) An excellent search tool. A GIS Data Clearinghouse that provides universal access to a comprehensive spatial information warehouse that is cooperatively developed and actively maintained in conjunction with innovative tools and services to extend the utility and societal benefits of spatial information technologies to all the citizens of Georgia.
Hawaii - The State Office of Planning is responsible for the planning and coordination of activities that are critical to the State?s enterprise GIS. The primary goal of the Statewide GIS Program is to improve overall efficiency and effectiveness in government decision-making. See also the Hawaii State GIS Program at http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/gis/
Idaho - Inside Idaho's State GIS Clearinghouse. The mission of the Idaho Geospatial Committee is to provide a forum for the GIS community to facilitate the use, development, sharing and management of geospatial data; and to communicate the value of geospatial information to citizens and decision-makers - This is made possible via the State's Inside Idaho web portal.
Illinois - Illinois Natural Resources Geospatial Data Clearinghouse . Access Illinois GIS data sets and documentation (metadata) for ArcIMS Interactive Map Services, USGS digital topographic maps, aerial photography, orthoimagery, orthophotography, geology, land use, natural resources, and infrastructure. Illinois data sets and map data layers are available for download free of charge.
Indiana IGIC - The Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC) is a nonprofit membership organization of GIS users, professionals and educators. Administered by an elected board of directors, IGIC is recognized as the official statewide coordinating body for Indiana geographic information.
See also... The Indiana Spatial Data Portal (Indiana University) The ISDP provides access to more than 17 terabytes of Indiana geospatial data. Most datasets are available to the public for download and have no use restrictions. On online map service is available for use via the Indiana Map
also... INGISI - Indiana GIS provides the backbone that enables visitors to search for data and maps through the Data Clearinghouse. Additionally, a vast amount of GIS data and related information is accessible via this fine portal. Locate a professional using the Rolodex, access numerous State Webmapping resources, find educational information. See also http://in-ulib-clark.ads.iu.edu/metadataexplorer/
Iowa - The Natural Resources Geographic Information System (NRGIS) Library is the geographic information system (GIS) developed and maintained by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It is a collection of more than 15,000 geographically referenced databases - see also http://www.iowagis.org/
Kansas - The Kansas Geosapatial Commons. The Kansas Geospatial Community Commons (KGCC) is an initiative of the Kansas GIS Policy Board and the Data Access & Support Center (DASC). KGCC is designed to be a place for state and local governments and the private sector to share & discover geospatial information & connect with the Kansas GIS community.
Kentucky - Kentucky Division of Geographic Information - DGI. DGI is responsible for encouraging, coordinating, and implementing GIS programs within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. DGI works with both state and local government, and serves as a liaison to federal mapping agencies. See also http://kygeonet.ky.gov/
Louisiana - Louisiana Geographic Information Center. LAGIC was established by the Louisiana GIS Council (LGISC) and the Louisiana Office of E-Services to facilitate the distribution of geographic information, provide technical assistance, and support GIS data development among state, federal, and local government. See more here See also http://doa.louisiana.gov/lgisc/
Maine - the Maine GIS State GIS Clearinghouse . MEGIS provides technical support for Maine GIS data, estimates on custom mapping, as well as consultation on data and application development. Visitors to MEGIS will find the latest news updates, a great GIS rolodex, free data downloads, and much more.
Maryland - Global Land Cover Facility (GLCF) - The GLCF develops and distributes remotely sensed satellite data and products concerned with land cover from the local to global scales. This fabulous resource is a must visit for anyone seeking small scale Global coverage for large areas. Data holdings include Landsat scenes, MODIS, ASTER, Quickbird imagery (high res) and SRTM DEMs. Primary data and products available at the GLCF are free to anyone via FTP. Be sure to also check out the U of Maryland See also http://www.marylandgis.net/index.jsp
Massachusetts - Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA)/MassGIS a complete data repository, now also providing 2008 ortho imagery. You'll also find Image Data, Census/Statistical Data, Coastal and Marine Features, Conservation/Recreation data and much more.
Michigan - Michigan Center for Geographic Information (CGI). The Michigan Center for Geographic Information (CGI) provides leadership, technical expertise and policy for the development, use, dissemination, promotion and sharing of geographic information in the state of Michigan. Of particular interest to the GISuser, the data library with more than 60 data layers available.
Minnesota - The Minnesota Geographic Data Clearinghouse provides a number of ways to find information about Minnesota's geographic information system data resources. We suggest you also visit the geoGateway
Mississippi - Mississippi Automated Resource Information System (MARIS) is the center of GIS data haldings in MS... USers can search and retrieval of data descriptions (metadata), retrieval of Mississippi data sets, posting of news related to GIS developments, announcements of upcoming meetings and events, mapping of data sets, access and retrieval to aerial photography covering Mississippi.
NEW... The Mississippi Geospatial Clearinghouse (www.gis.ms.gov) under the purview of the Mississippi Coordinating Council for Remote Sensing and
Geographic Information Systems (www.giscouncil.ms.gov ) By visiting the MGC you can view and obtain GIS data, maps, information,and much more to help you build effective GIS applications.
Missouri - Missouri's State GIS clearinghouse is MSDIS, the Missouri Spatial Data Information Service - See also the Missouri Geographic Information Systems Advisory Committee at http://www.mgisac.org/
Montana - Montana State Library, Natural Resource Information System. A gateway to geospatial information and data for the State of Montana. Extensive collection of vector GIS data, raster topographic maps, and aerial photos, with links to on-line map services and other data collections. See also the State of Montana Base Map Service Center and the Montana GIS Portal
Nebraska - The Nebraska Geospatial Data Center provides web access to a wide variety of geospatial databases developed and/or maintained by various state, federal and local government agencies, academic institutions, and private entities. This one-stop enterprise portal for on-line searching, accessing, displaying and mapping available geo-data relating to the geographic area of Nebraska.
Nevada - The Nevada GIS Society. The Nevada State Mapping Advisory Committee (SMAC) is an organizing body in Nevada charged with the development of the State's GIS Clearinghouse. Additionally, they organize annual conferences and maintain the non-profit Nevada Geographic Information Society. A formal clearinghouse is in the planning stages and in the meantime SMAC maintains a website that provides links to agencies that provide GIS coverages. See also http://www.nbmg.unr.edu/geoinfo/geoinfo.htm and http://keck.library.unr.edu/
New Hampshire - New Hamshire GIS data online at NH GRANIT. The NH GRANIT Web Site provides access to New Hampshire's statewide geographic information system. The mission of New Hampshire GIS is to promote the efficient use of New Hampshire's diverse resources by utilizing geographically related information in an effective way and by providing geographic information and corresponding tools to citizens and organizations.
New Jersey - The New Jersey Geographic Information Network (NJGIN), Users can search and download data, look for a job, download imagery, use the discussion forum and more. Of particular interest to the GISuser, the site has available (for free) The 2002 Orthophotos in MrSID format.
New Mexico - New Mexico Resource Geographic Information System Program (RGIS). RGIS is a cooperative program between the University of New Mexico (UNM) and the State of New Mexico Information Technology Commission (ITC). They are dedicated to advancing applications of GIS technology within New Mexico's State agencies, local government and private industry while also providing access to data, training, and technical support for geographic information users, as well as those who desire to incorporate geographic information into their processes and apps.
New York - New York State GIS Clearinghouse is a complete resource for NY State GIS data holdings provided via a webmapping gateway - be sure to see the ortho imagery app!
North Carolina - North Carolina One Map. NC OneMap is a public service providing comprehensive discovery and access to North Carolina's geospatial data resources. See also NC DOT for a wealth of GIS data http://www.ncdot.org/it/gis/
North Dakota - North Dakota From this web site geospatial data, web services, applications, and information are available. Use the Hub Explorer to view and query data, make maps, and download data. Use the Hub Data Portal to search for downloadable data, applications, and web services. These capabilities are made possible through the State of North Dakota's GIS Hub which provides the essential infrastructure to share core geographic datasets through a publicly available data warehouse while leveraging the State's existing data, infrastructure and expertise.
Ohio - OGRIP (Ohio Geographically Referenced Information Program) is an organization whose goals are to: encourage the creation of digital geographic data of value to multiple users, foster the ability to easily determine what geographic data exists and foster the ability to easily access and use this data.
Oklahoma - The Center for Spatial Analysis (CSA) at the University of Oklahoma is a multidisciplinary university research center specializing in the study and application of geospatial science and technology. See also the Oklahoma Center for Geospatial Information http://www.seic.okstate.edu/
Oregon - Oregon Geospatial Enterprise Office (GEO). OGEO helps to coordinate GIS activities in the state, facilitates communication about GIS issues, and maintains the website that hosts statewide geospatial data for the State of Oregon, the Oregon Geospatial Data Clearinghouse (OGDC). GEO is primarily funded through an assessment paid by all state agencies. Their mission is simple... To provide statewide leadership in promoting the use of GIS technology and to ensure the availability of easily accessible, high quality geographic information. See also http://www.gis.state.or.us/data/index.html
Oregon Geospatial Enterprise Office (GEO) - this fine resource offers visitors the spatial data library, DOQs, DEMs, and pointers to other fine oregon data resources.
Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access (PASDA). PASDA serves as the the Commonwealth's node on the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), Geospatial One Stop, and the National Biological Information Infrastructure. Pennsylvania's official public access geospatial information clearinghouse, PASDA provides a wealth of data, information, and educational resources that will impress.
South Carolina GIS (SCGIS) acts as a general GIS data portal to access downloadable data from other agencies throughout the state of South Carolina - make a map, get GIS data and much more.
South Carolina - DNR GIS Data Clearinghouse. The purpose of this site is to make available the GIS data that SCDNR has been developing since 1989.
South Dakota - the South Dakota State GIS Node. The Clearinghouse currently reads more like a GIS 101 providing a definition of GIS and a history of GIS activities in the State. Discussion of "base data" like DRG, DEM, and DOQQs is presented but there's no access to these data here. The other links on the portal are pretty much even less useful as far as I can tell... a weak message board and a training link lead to very little information. On a more positive note, some links to interactive maps have been provided. These lead to some basic ArcIMS services which show us that there has been some efforts in the past to publish something to the web. Try also the APTA http://www.apta.com/government_affairs/GIS/sd.cfm
Tennessee - The Tennessee Federal GIS Data Server. Developed by a consortium of Federal GIS personnel throughout the state of Tennessee, this server distributes spatial data layers that are shared among Federal, State, and local GIS facilities. Using this fine resource, visitors have simple and fast access tenabling download of DOQQs, DEM, and DRG data for the State of Tennessee. Another great GIS data portal and a must bookmark for those requiring spatial data for Tennessee.
Texas - THE place in TX is TNRIS, a subsidiary of the TX Water Development Board.
ALSO, see The Texas Hazard Mitigation Package (THMP), is a free online resource http://www.thmp.info/
Vermont - VT Geographic Information System (VGIS) Data Warehouse. You can download free Vermont GIS data here including regional and local coverages.
Virginia - Virginia NAIP Data via VITA. The USDA partnered with Virginia for the 2008 NAIP program which allowed for full state coverage, improved accuracy, and delivery of a "four band" image which includes an additional near infrared band.
Washington D.C. - DC GIS Data Clearinghouse - The mission of the DC Geographic Information System (DC GIS) is to improve the quality and lower the cost of services provided by the DC government, through the District's collective investment and effective application of geospatial data and systems.
West Virginia - The WV GIS Clearinghouse. The WV GIS TC has an ambitious goal to provide focus, direction and leadership to users of geographic information systems (GIS), digital mapping and remote sensing within the State of West Virginia. Data hounds will be pleased to find loads of freely available data products available here, in addition to many other useful GIS resources. The West Virginia GIS Technical Center provides statewide GIS services to advance the State's Spatial Data Infrastructure. A few of these services include the State Data Clearinghouse, a GIS People Directory, and the MapWV.gov web mapping portal
Wisconsin - Wisconsin Land Information Clearinghouse (WISCLINC)
Wyoming - Wyoming Spatial Data Clearinghouse node of the National Geospatial Data Clearinghouse, a component of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), operated by the Office of GIS. 2002 USGS DOQQs are now available
Finally, if you can't locate what you need, then your MUST visit is the USGS Seamless data server. Most users know about it (or should know about it), therefore, as a result it sometimes gets forgotten. Think of the seamless data distribution system as the grand-daddy of the USGS geospatial repositories... and then some! This site has complete coverage of theNational Elevation Dataset that supercedes Digital Elevation Models, complete DOQQ coverage, over 30 TB of urban imagery, one-time coverage of full resolution Landsat imagery, and much more. Also, the data are seamless, so you can put a box aroundthe data without having to figure out quadrangles and then having to assemble them all. Here's some details from our friends at the USGS if you need to hear more... See http://seamless.usgs.gov/ or see also http://www.gisuser.com/content/view/10201/53/
Canada GIS nodes:
AltaLIS: Digital Mapping for Alberta: Alberta Government and Spatial Data Warehouse (SDW): This site provides access to a variety of geospatial information for the province of Alberta. Downloadable data includes property, terrain, and base data
Nova Scotia - GeoNova - GeoNOVA is the name adopted by the Province of Nova Scotia to describe it's corporate approach to the creation, maintenance, and distribution of geographic information. GeoNOVA encourages the creation of corporate geographic information resources collected, maintained, and distributed to accepted standards and shared amongst all users within the Province to support decision making and to reduce duplication of effort. See also GANS
GeoSask: Saskatchewan’s Source for Land Information: Government of Saskatchewan: Upon registration, this site provides users with downloadable files for the province of Saskatchewan including cities, rivers, towns and lakes.
Manitoba Land Initiative: Government of Manitoba: This site requires registration. Upon registration, users are provided with access to a large database of geospatial information, including topographic maps, land use/land cover, digital elevation models and a variety of other files.
Ontario Basic Mapping: The Geography Network: This site provides users with access to downloadable layers for all of Ontario. This includes datasets like Conservation Authorities, highways, National and Provincial Parks and many more.
Service New Brunswick: Government of New Brunswick: This site provides downloadable geospatial data for the province of New Brunswick, including civic addresses, topographic data and orthophotos.
Yukon Spatial Data Clearinghouse: Government of Yukon: Department of Highways and Public Works: This site provides access to a variety of spatial information for the Yukon. Data includes base information, elevation, mining, oil and gas, first nations, forestry and much more.
GNWT Spatial Data Warehouse - The Geospatial Portal is the online gateway for the GNWT and the public to discover and access the geographical data stored by the GNWT in the Spatial Data Warehouse. Through this website, you can search for data layers of interest, query them, and display them on a map.
Thanks to all the members of the GISuser LinkedIn group who provided comments and clearinghouse tips and kudos to Matt and the contributors of The GIS Forum for their input as well!
A suggestion to coordinators of State GIS activities... I would urge you all to agree upon a naming convention, perhaps something to the effect of "The XXXXX State GIS Clearinghouse" (or similar) enabling fast, simple web search to locate "official" State GIS repositories. Also, as State GIS repository websites become obsolete, consider providing a redirect weblink to the current State GIS node... no more Error page not found messages!
This is a VERY common landing page when conducting Google searches for State GIS data links!
If you'd like to suggest a data clearinghouse resource, please use this handy form... or you can contact Glenn directly via Twitter using @gletham, email editor @ gisuser.com, or even reach Glenn via the GISuser LinkedIn Group - thanks for the input!
Top iPhone related GIS and Geo Tech news stories from 2009 - At the end of the year its always interesting for us to look at some of the stats and results to identify trends and more important, to see what our readers think is hot! In the "news" category it seems that iPhone related geo tech items were extremely popular.
Geo Social Location Checkin to Twitter from iPhone - With the cool SXSW event taking place Austin, TX, everyone who's anyone in social and social location seems to have rolled out updates this week, making your choice for how to check-in to your social media bookmarks even tougher to decide on!
10 Awesome GIS and Mapping apps for the iPhone - I recall last year at the ESRI UC when an iPhone was on stage showing a prototype app (think ArcPad on iPhone). It was then that I realized the iPhone platform is going to be BIG in mapping and there's a ton of opportunity for developers.
Nokia Booklet 3G, unboxing video and image gallery... Those of you in the USA who pop in to BestBuy occasionally, you may have seen a stand showing off the Nokia Booklet 3G. A sleek, 3G enabled, SIM slot (AT&T) sporting netbook.
Interesting Tweeple - 10 Geo Technology & Geo-Social Women of Twitter - given the growing love for geospatial and location-aware technologies, I’ve decided to hype 10 women that I feel make a significant contribution to the Geo-Twittersphere. If you’d like to add 10 knowledgeable and useful Twitter contacts to your Geo following list I highly suggest the following: (in no particular order)
10 Geo Social Location-Aware Apps Making Waves... With Twitter's opening of their location API to developers there's going to be a ton of third party apps that will enable Twitter users to share location-aware information via their Twitter accounts.
Signs that indicate you may be a GeoGeek (aka. GeoNerd) and some suggested Geo blogs - Chances are good that if you are a Geo Geek then you already know it and likely refer to yourself as one. However, there’s many of you out there that may be on the fence and wondering… “am I a Geo Geek?" Read on for a comprehensive list of signs you might be a GeoGeek followed up by some suggested Geoblog reading.
Real-time GPS Mapping and GIS Solution Aids Efficient Disaster Management - Saturday, February 7, 2009 will forever be known as Black Saturday in the State of Victoria, Australia. In the midst of a 10-year drought, a record breaking heat wave descended upon the state, with temperatures exceeding 45 degrees C (110-120 deg F), breaking all-time record highs in some cities - Victoria Police Use Trimble Juno SC Handhelds to Speed Assessment of Damage Caused by Bush Fires.
2010 ESRI Federal User Conference February 17-19, 2010, Washington D.C. Walter E. Washington Convention Center - The FedUC is the largest geospatial conference for federal agencies. Connect with other leaders, decision makers, and GIS professionals.
The International LiDAR Mapping Forum 2010 - Tenth Anniversary Event! ILMF 2010 will be held from March 3 - 5, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency in Denver at Colorado Convention Center.
The NAVTEQ 2010 Global LBS Challenge Awards Ceremony will be held during Ignite at O'Reilly Where 2.0. Be among the first to hear as NAVTEQ announces the winners for the North America region. Participants will be competing for a global prize pool of $10 million and growing by showcasing pre-commercial location-enabled apps using NAVTEQ map data & products. March 30, 2010, during Ignite Where, 7:30pm - 9:00pm, at the Marriott San Jose, CA
WHERE2.0 2010 - Now in its sixth year, the Where 2.0 Conference is where the grassroots and leading edge developers building location-aware technology intersect with the businesses and entrepreneurs seeking out location apps, platforms, and hardware to gain a competitive edge. For 15% use Discount Code: whr10lbs
Over the years we've provided pointers and descriptions of many fine GIS Spatial Data repositories and data clearinghouses. However, many resources change location, upgrade their servers etc... leaving behind dead links all over the web. Enter our 2009 State GIS Data Clearinghouse Directory - if you have a pointer to a better State resource than listed here please share with us so we can update the directory. This is hands-down, THE best resource around to point you to State GIS Data nodes... (and Canada too!)
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