Washington County GIS Office
GIS Office Staff: |
 Information Technologies Department240-313-2260 Ronald Whitt, Director |
WHAT IS GIS? A GIS (Geographic Information System) is a system for management, analysis, and display of geographic knowledge, which is represented using a series of information sets such as maps layers, geographic data sets, processing and work flow models, data models, and metadata (data about data). A GIS can produce information that answers specific questions and allows you to share that information with others. By visualizing relationships, connections, and patterns in data, you can make informed decisions and increase efficiency throughout the organization. The main elements of a GIS are: Software, Hardware, Data, Procedures, and People. If any one of these elements is missing or under supported, the GIS will not function properly. An Enterprise GIS is an integrated, multi-departmental system of components used to collect, organize, analyze, visualize, and disseminate geographic information using a distributed network architecture.  Digital Spatial Data Distribution Policy The purpose is to establish procedures for the licensing and distribution of digital spatial data ("DSD") to the public by the GIS Office of the Department of Information Technologies on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners for Washington County, Maryland. The policy of the County is to provide for effective control over the distribution of DSD. These types of data can only be accessed and viewed with computerized software specific to that purpose, the most common types of which are known as Geographic Information Systems ("GIS") and Computer Assisted Drafting systems ("CAD"). Other software may or may not be suitable for viewing these types of data, but the County makes no representations as to the effectiveness of any software. Data are distributed by non-exclusive license and not sale. The County retains exclusive title and ownership of all data. All rights not specifically granted in the license agreement are reserved to the County. | |
Page Modified
7/14/10 10:09 AM