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: • 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 • 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

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

7. GIS Data Access • In Memory • Loaded in ArcGIS • In File • 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? • 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 • 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