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Use of Third Party Mapping Tools in State Government. WAGIC Meeting June 18, 2009. Geographic Information Technology (GIT) Committee Report – 2/26/09.
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Use of Third Party Mapping Tools in State Government WAGIC Meeting June 18, 2009
Geographic Information Technology (GIT) Committee Report – 2/26/09 • Purpose: Provide an overview of issues related to licensing of third party map visualization products such as Google Earth, Google Maps, and Microsoft Virtual Earth within the state government environment. • Background: Use of these products can be useful within state government. However, there are differences between the various products and the language contained in the licensing agreements is difficult to decipher. These products are easily downloaded by staff and there are undoubtedly many copies being used. The state is potentially at risk of violating published license agreements.
GIT Committee Report (cont.) • Issues/Actions: Many staff in the state government have downloaded various third party map visualization products without considering the technical, license, and legal implications to the state of having done so. • Next Steps : Decide whether the Committee wishes to address the various third party map visualization products on the market, recommend a standard for state use, and determine how to legally use such products.
Agency Policy Related to the Use of Third Party Mapping Software – 4/1/09 • Department of Natural Resources (DNR) • Does not have a policy at this time concerning third party software usage. • Has over 500 copies of Google Earth installed on 1500 agency PCs. • Department of Ecology (ECY) • ESRI’s ArcGIS Explorer is the agency standard geographic visualization tool. • Exceptions are granted to the policy for the usage of the Google Earth Professional product if the user can demonstrate that ArcGIS Explorer will not meet their business needs. The user’s program is required to pay the $400/year license fee to Google. • Under no circumstances is the use of the free Google Earth product allowed on agency computers. • Free Google Earth is used at Padilla Bay because it is an Educational Institute.
Agency Policy Related to the Use of Third Party Mapping Software (cont.) • Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) • Maintains a list of software standards. When a user requests a new software package, the request is reviewed including any licensing conditions of use. • Users cannot download and install any software without permission. • Department of Revenue • DOR maintains a list of software standards. • Reviewing how agency staff could use it internally for data capture purposes. No intentions for use on any externally facing applications. • Office of Financial Management (OFM) • OFM is in the process of setting formal standards. • Reviewing how agency staff could use it internally for data capture purposes. No intentions for use on any externally facing applications.