What is the Geographic Information Management System (GIMS)?

GIMS is a term used by DNR to describe a collection of related technologies used to manage spatial data. These technologies include geographic information systems, computer-aided design systems, automated and desktop mapping systems, remote sensing and image analysis systems, and their related database management systems. The goal of the GIMS program is to provide natural resource information to the public in a more efficient and effective manner.

What is metadata?

Metadata is a term that refers to data about data. Data documentation is important in maintaining the value of information. Without this documentation it is difficult to determine what data and information exist, the specific characteristics of the data, how appropriate the data are for a given use, and the availability of data. These issues are addressed by metadata.

Is this data available for downloading?

Most data described in the GIMS Metadata system are available for downloading. Simply follow the instructions provided in the Transfer Instructions portion of the metadata report, or call, email or fax your request to the contact person indicated in the report.

Since data distribution is the responsibility of the Division that creates and maintains the digital data, transfer formats and instructions may differ. Most files described in the GIMS Metadata are available free, however there may be a small charge involved depending on transfer medium, special extraction or conversion services requested. The contact person listed in the metadata report can provide the details for your specific data request.

Do I need special programs to use this data?

Digital data from ODNR is available in the formats used by Division that creates and maintains the data. To make use of the data the potential user must have software that can make use of these formats. Generally speaking the data will be in ARC/INFO Interchange (export or e00) format, ERDAS Imagine format, or Intergraph DGN or DWG formats. The metadata report for a data set lists what formats the data is available in.

For additional information on products offered by these companies see their web sites: for ARC/INFO and ArcView www.esri.com, for ERDAS www.erdas.com, and for Intergraph www.intergraph.com. If you are using some other mapping or Geographic Information System software, check your software manual. You may be able to use one or more of these formats.

For more information on the GIS software used at the ODNR, please consult Chapter 3 of the booklet, Geographic Information Policy and Guidelines of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (www.dnr.state.oh.us/programs/gims/hb_intro.html).

Why can’t I import the e00 files obtained from ODNR in ArcView?

ESRI’s ArcView does not accept Arc/Info’s export (e00) file format directly. The user must use the Import71 utility included with ArcView to reformat these files into Arc/Info coverages, which ArcView can read.

Is this all the digital data available from the Department of Natural Resources?

No. The Department of Natural Resources has been producing digital geographic data for more than twenty-five years. This data has been created, and is maintained and distributed by several Divisions within DNR depending on the mandate and responsibilities of the Division. The DNR metadata system is a relatively recent development, and many data sets have not yet been documented in the system. For more information on data sets that may be available from DNR, please visit the web pages of the responsible Division or consult the Division GIMS Contact List (www.dnr.state.oh.us/programs/gims/contacts.html).

What other sources of digital data exist in State of Ohio Agencies?

Several State Agencies use, produce and distribute geographic digital data. Though no comprehensive index currently exists, the following links provide a good starting point for locating this type of information.

Ohio Department of Administrative Services, GIS Support Center
http://www.state.oh.us/das/dcs/gis

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.state.oh.us/

Ohio Department of Development
http://www.odod.state.oh.us/osr/

Ohio Department of Transportation
http://www.dot.state.oh.us/map1/

Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
http://www.puc.state.oh.us/pucogis/