What is the Missouri Spatial Data Information Service?
MSDIS is the geospatial data clearinghouse for Missouri. Housed in the University of Missouri Department of Geography, funded by the State of Missouri Office of Geospatial Information, and supported by the University of Missouri College of Arts & Science, MSDIS archives and distributes critical geospatial data created by and for Missouri taxpayers.
Where did MSDIS come from?
MSDIS was officially founded in the Missouri budget for Fiscal Year 1995…
The Geographic Resources Center, located on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus, is working to coordinate the implementation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Some state agencies have GIS capabilities at this time (Conservation, Natural Resources, Highways and Transportation) and other state agencies are beginning to look at this new technology and need assistance in getting started. The Center will develop a clearinghouse for information on use of GIS systems and on those public data bases available. This would support the orderly implementation of GIS technology in agencies of state government, improve the quality and efficiency of state government services and decision-making through wider application of improved geographic information, enhance the capability of state government to use geographic data in pursuit of government mandates and objectives, and establish procedures for longer-term GIS technology management.
How is the data distributed by MSDIS used to support Missouri citizens?
MSDIS is responsible for the distribution of more than 100 TB of high-resolution aerial photography, LiDAR-derived elevation products, and other geospatial data related to administrative districts, healthcare facilities, recreation, conservation, and transportation. Examples of how these data are used include:
- Enabling economic development and emergency response through the availability of high-resolution statewide aerial photography for all of Missouri
- Ensuring life-saving care can reach Missourians thanks to accurate healthcare and transportation data
- Laying the groundwork for important environmental and engineering projects with up-to-data LiDAR-derived elevation data and many prior years of NAIP imagery
MSDIS saves money for the Missouri taxpayer
The data distributed by MSDIS are used in critical workflows by many Missouri state agencies including, but not limited to:
- Office of Geospatial Information
- Missouri Department of Natural Resources
- Missouri Department of Conservation
- Missouri Department of Transportation
A single, central geospatial data clearinghouse eliminates duplicate spending and effort by ensuring that multiple state agencies do not need to hire their own staff and set up their own data distribution architecture.
What else does MSDIS do for Missouri?
- MSDIS supports workforce development with GIS training sessions tailored to current state employees
- MSDIS prepares undergraduate students to be productive members of Missouri’s workforce through paid internships and independent study courses
- MSDIS supports Missouri’s school districts by preparing and updating their district map products
- MSDIS works with the Missouri Census Data Center and the Missouri State Library to create and share fact-based stories about people and places of the Show Me State
- MSDIS partners with world class scientists at the University of Missouri to provide geospatial expertise and support on cutting edge research
- MSDIS helps level the playing field for rural Missouri by providing GIS data and support typically only found in urban areas