Brochure

Cover

(MGISAC Logo)
Missouri GIS Advisory Committee
Telephone (573) 751-5518
http://www.mgisac.org

Interior

About the Missouri GIS Advisory Committee

WHY FORM A COMMITTEE?

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) represent a valuable asset that can be useful to many people and organizational entities. Producing, analyzing and assessing computerized maps showing the location of highways, utilities, natural resources, and the distribution of specific populations are among the many uses of GIS. To maximize the benefits that can be realized through GIS, it is important that all geographic information adhere to standards that ensure data interoperability and that provide adequate documentation for data consumers to make judgements as to its utility. It is also important that the information be made available to interested parties as a sharable asset. To accomplish these objectives, a statewide committee consisting of GIS professionals as well as other interested persons representing local, state, academic, regional, and federal organizations was created.

A BRIEF BACKGROUND

Missouri has utilized geographic information and related technology (GI/GIT) for over 20 years, with a coordinated statewide approach to these technologies since 1995. GIS usage and application continues to grow across the state. The majority of state agencies as well as larger counties and municipalities are now using GIS with the remainder at least aware of the technology.
Collaboration and partnering are a key element in many ongiong initiatives to further expand the digital data holdings of the state. Direction for GI/GIT leadership and coordination is provided by the Information Technology Services Division (ITSD) of the Office of Administration, which has been very supportive of the growth in GIT. The Missouri GIS Advisory Committee was established under the ITSD and is the leading coordination body for GIT in Missouri. Support for this group is provided by the Missouri Spatial Data Information Service (MSDIS), a state-funded center located within the Department of Geography at the University of Missouri with the purpose of providing archival and distribution services for digital GIS data to users in Missouri.

MGISAC PURPOSE

While not established by Gubernatorial or Legislative actions, the MGISAC was established as a standing committee under Misssouri's Chief Information Officer. Its purposes are: to foster cooperation among state agencies, local governments, private industry, academia, federal government and others in the field of GIT; to advise and assist ITSD in the coordination and advancement of GIT in Missouri State Government; to develop and recommend GIT management procedures and goals for state government as outlined in the Missouri GIS Strategic Management Plan; to assure the highest quality of information and reduce unnecessary duplication in the application of GIS technology; to provide a forum for interaction among state government agencies and other stakeholders with regard to policies and standards on the development and uses of GIS; and to enhance the recognition of GIS at the local, state and federal levels through the sharing of GIS products and research findings.

MGISAC ROLES

MGISAC has several roles, including providing direction and oversight to the MSDIS, developing and publishing standards, representing the state at national meetings and events, hosting an annual statewide GIS conference, coordinating database development, and providing a forum for the state’s GIS community. MGISAC by-laws, strategic plan, and work plan documents are posted on the MGISAC Web site. The work plan addresses the following four activity areas and goals:

  • Maintain and expand the spatial data archive.
  • Set database and related standards for the GIS user community.
  • Expand the use of GIS technology in Missouri Government.
  • Plan MSDIS activities and report regularly on progress.

For more information call the Missouri Geographic Information Officer at (573) 751-5518 or visit us at http://www.mgisac.org

Back Pages

MSDIS logo
Missouri Spatial Data Information Service
http://msdis.missouri.edu
What is MSDIS?
The Missouri Spatial Data Information Service (MSDIS) was established at the University of Missouri's Geographic Resources Center (GRC) in 1995 following initial funding provided by the Legislature. The Budget Bill provided monies to the GRC to establish a spatial data clearinghouse and provide services to state agencies and others in this regard. MSDIS has continued to operate and grow since then, including the acquisition of additional state and federal funds. Data collected from state, federal and many other other sources are made available to the public free of charge.

MSDIS has the following goals:

  • To allocate MSDIS resources where they will most benefit the Missouri GIS community.
  • To establish and make available to the GIS community in state government and beyond a core data base of geographic information to be held and maintained in common as a continuing asset within an archive.
  • To encourage development, maintenance, and dissemination of thematic data bases built on the core data base foundation.
  • To advise and assist the Office of Information Technology in setting GIS standards in Missouri.
  • To encourage use of GIS technology and geographic data resources in state government by providing practical support to users.
  • To inform and educate supervisors, managers and other professionals in the state about GIS technology, its current capabilities and future potential.

The MSDIS provides support services to the MGISAC and provides GI access and distribution services for the state. The MSDIS is a registered National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) clearinghouse node and is searchable via those mechanisms. The Program Director is Timothy L. Haithcoat, 104 Stewart Hall, Columbia MO 65211.

Phone: (573) 882-2324
Email: HaithcoatT@missouri.edu.

Missouri GIS Advisory Committee
Telephone (573) 751-5518
http://www.mgisac.org