1. Data Sharing We all need data
There are a huge number of different types of data
Needs:
Right theme
Right Area of Interest (AOI)
Right precision and accuracy
Compatible format

2. Challenges Performance: Formats: Documentation
Local will always be faster
GIS datasets can be huge
Projection on the fly is slow
Formats:
New ones are typically too complex
Documentation
Typically the data is available with little documentation
Little or none on accuracy and precision

3. Vector Data Formats Point-Specific Formats General Vector Formats
Tab-delimited Text
Comma separated values
General Vector Formats
Shapefiles: Really popular
Coverages: Going away?
SDTS: Future uncertain at best?
Scalable Vector Graphics: Can be georeferenced
KML: Widely used, becoming a GIS standard, still not geo-referenced
Spatial Data Transfer Standard

4. Raster Formats Imagine: IMG Tagged Image File Formats: TIFF
ASCII Grid: Widely used
Ersi Grid: Being replaced by IMG?
JPG: Georeferenced with world file and prj
BIL, BIP, BSQ: and other “binary” formats
All have a “header” file (HDR)

5. Hierarchical Data Formats
Hold the promise of a single “self-describing” data file
So far the promise has not been met
NetCDF converters now in ArcGIS
Examples:
Hierarchical Data Format: HDF
Network Common Data Form: netCDF

6. Computer-Based Data Storage
Computers have 2 places to store data:
Dynamic Random Access Memory (RAM)
“In Memory”
Goes away when the power goes off
“Static” RAM, Disks, Tapes
“In Files”
Does not go away when the power goes off
Goes away when your “disk” crashes
Examples
Memory/Thumb “sticks”
Network drives
Local drives
“Floppy” discs
- “Geographic” only needs to be mentioned on a map when the data is presented as “Geographic” data

7. GIS Data Access In Memory In File Loaded in ArcGIS Traditional Files:
Shapefiles, TIFF, IMG, MXD, EOO, PRJ…
Network Files:
Links to download
Web services
Databases

8. Promise of the “Cloud” What is the cloud? Promise: Reality:
Lots of servers on the Internet providing “services”
Promise:
Universal access to data
High-performance
High-quality
Reality:
Lots of problems with compatibility
Typically slow
Questionable to undocumented quality

9. The Cloud Esri’s Backgrounds
Great if you use the background’s spatial reference and have strong Internet connection
Problems:
Cut-off labels
Projecting on the fly
Slow Internet connection

10. ArcOnline GIS Is Moving Into the “Cloud”
Your data will be stored on other companies servers
You’ll use web applications to access, analyze, distribution, and publish your data!
Thoughts?

11. What works Large datasets on your workstation Serving data on servers
Scripts to download, process data
Web services for frequent, small transfers (scripted)

12. Shared Storage Successes
Shared network drive
Can be on a workstation
Define the folder organization!
Make sure it is backed up
DropBox for Teams
Maintains local copies
Trying it out with OSU/DOE research team

13. Metadata ISO 19115:2003 The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC)
Geographic information - metadata
The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC)
Content Standard for Geospatial Metadata
Being superseded by North American Profile (NAP) of ISO 19115:2003
ISO/TS 19139:2007
XML Implementation of ISO 19115

14. ArcGIS Maintains their own metadata format
Import/Export to and from other formats
ArcToolbox -> Conversion Tools -> Metadata
ArcMap -> Customize -> Options
Changes the required fields

15. ArcGIS

16. Jim’s Recommendation
Use and contribute to a “Directory of GIS Web Resources”
See ibis.colostate.edu (coming to HSU soon)
When publishing data:
Add at least the required metadata (including accuracy and precision)
Publish on simple web page with links to zipped data in common file formats