A Critical Component of Missouri’s Data Architecture
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.
MSDIS is a powerful data partner that supports both state and local governments
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 efficiency through the availability of high-resolution statewide aerial photography for all of Missouri, including local jurisdictions and counties that would not normally have access to stable data
- Enabling the development of critical NG 911 data, 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 and increases government efficiency
The data distributed by MSDIS are used in critical workflows by many Missouri state agencies including, but not limited to:
- Missouri Office of Geospatial Information
- Missouri Department of Natural Resources
- Missouri Department of Transportation
- Missouri Department of Conservation
A single, central geospatial data clearinghouse eliminates duplicate spending and effort by ensuring that multiple state agencies and counties do not need to hire their own staff and set up their own data distribution architecture.
MSDIS is much more than just a clearinghouse
- 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