About MSDIS

MSDIS is the Missouri Spatial Data Information Service, a spatial data retrieval and archival system. GIS technology is emerging worldwide as the standard tool for integrated management of geographic information. Geographic information, often referred to as spatial information, can be defined as any piece of information that can be referenced by an x, y location. GIS technology enables managers and users of geographic information to achieve higher levels of information integration and to perform more complex analyses than are practically feasible in manual environments.

MSDIS is responsible for data storage and access, standardization of both digital and tabular data, creation of the data dictionary, compilation of metadata, and statewide GIS user information networks.

Why have the Missouri Spatial Data Information Service?

Every institution in the state can greatly benefit through the existence of a spatial data retrieval and archival system. The role of the program extends far beyond the simple task of data storage. It includes standardization of both digital and tabular data ( accuracy, transfer, protocols, formats, projections, etc.), the creation of a data dictionary, spatial library system, and a statewide user directory, as well as to provide access to spatial data files on Missouri. This will increase the use of existing digital and tabular data sets by changing their accessibility and availability. The most obvious benefit is a decrease in the potential for duplication of database construction for agencies wishing to use these data. The Missouri Spatial Data Information Service should lead to more informed decision-making and a wiser use of the Missouri's fiscal resources.

Where is the MSDIS located?

This service is located at the Geographic Resources Center (GRC) at the University of Missouri - Columbia. This site is the ideal place for such a service. The University represents a neutral entity within the state so agencies are more inclined to cooperate with a MU-based Center. The University is a Land Grant Institution and lends itself to the service and extension functions that such a service bureau supports. Federal agencies are also looking for places within each state to act as clearinghouses for the data sets created by their representative state affiliates. The MSDIS at MU's Geographic Resources Center meets this need.

The University has resident staff within the GRC with the technical experience to deal with these types of data. GRC staff screen the spatial and tabular archive in a supportive role to the actual staff of the MSDIS. The GRC has the ability to undertake data format conversions for the interchange of digital files between various machines and agencies. The GRC can also create a spatial tiling structure from which spatial data can be indexed, logged, and entered into a spatial library. From this library you could query the spatial database for all available layers for a given quadrangle or county. 

The MSDIS is providing administrative and technical support services for the GIS core database. In addition, limited service bureau capabilities are available to provide various products to state agencies. An enhanced service bureau function could develop in the future. The MSDIS also serves as a point of contact for other entities with interest in accessing the core database.