Geographic Information Systems
Contents
- Introduction
- Reference Sources
- Basic GIS Information
- Documents
- Washington State GIS
- Public Disclosure GIS Issues
- Related MRSC Pages
Introduction
Geographic information systems (GIS) are computer-based systems used to store, display, and analyze geographically referenced data, i.e. data identified according to their locations. GIS are also defined as computer-based mapping and information systems that enable the user to analyze geographic data in a variety of ways. GIS have a wide variety of applications for public works, planning and permitting, public safety, and other local government activities.
If you have information to share or are aware of other Web sites that we should link to, please contact Carol Tobin, Planning Consultant at ctobin@mrsc.org, or call (206) 625-1300.
Reference Sources
- Court Decisions
- Thomas Drummond v. City of Bellevue, King County Superior Court Case No. 93-2-22537-7 (1993). The city's GIS database systems were determined to be subject to full public disclosure and not a trade secret or subject to the Trade Secret Act.
- Selected MRSC Library Holdings - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) [Note: Clicking on this link will take you to a list of documents available on loan through the MRSC library.]
Basic GIS Information
- “GIS and Your Community,” The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development, Pennsylvania State University, 2003
- GIS.com – The Guide to Geographic Information Systems - Introductory guide to GIS (provided by ESRI)
- GIS Lounge – GIS information portal. Site provides introductory information about GIS.
Documents
The following are sample GIS agreements, ordinances, policies, and brochures from Washington jurisdictions.
- Bellingham
- GIS SDE Test Server/Geodatabase Design - Phase 1, (
4.99 KB) 2002. Agreement with firm to provide training and consultation for ESRI application. Also first phase in SDE Development (Spatial Data Engine).
- On-Call GIS Services Agreement, ( 272 KB) 2007.
- GIS SDE Test Server/Geodatabase Design - Phase 1, (
- Benton County - GIS Fees
- Camas - Draft Memorandum of Agreement for Operation and Maintenance of Geographic Infomation Services, ( 1.03 MB) 2006.
- Federal Way
- Kent - Request for Proposals for 2009 Digital Orthophotography Project ,( 1.14 MB) 1999.
- Kirkland
- Klickitat County - Draft Memorandum of Agreement for Data Sharing, 1999.
- Lakewood - GIS Disclaimer to and Warranty by Users of GIS Data
- Seattle - Pricing Guide - Maps and Mapping Services
- Stevens County - GIS Brochure
- Walla Walla
- GIS Data Request Form
- GIS Data Standards, See links at bottom of page.
- Yakima County - Map Price List
Washington State GIS
- Washington State Department of Ecology GIS
- Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Washington State Department of Health GIS Home
- Washington State Department of Natural Resources
- Washington State Department of Revenue - GIS Data Downloads
- Washington State Department of Transportation
- Washington State Office of Financial Management - GIS Data
- Washington Geographic Information Council
- Washington State Geospatial Clearinghouse
Public Disclosure GIS Issues
- "Geographic Information Systems Data Requested for Commercial or Non-commercial Purposes," in Public Records Disclosure for Washington Cities and Towns, Report No. 61 Revised, November 2009
- "Public Disclosure and GIS Digital Data in Washington," (
25kb) David Rideout, Spokane County Public Works Department, Division of Engineering and Roads, Geographic Information Manager. WA-URISA Conference, April 6, 2004