Functions of the MetroGIS Collaborative

MetroGIS’ main activities can be categorized as follows:

Maintenance of Metro Regional Geospatial Datasets

MetroGIS maintains the Memorandum of Agreement and Contract between the Metropolitan Council and the Seven Metropolitan Counties for the perpetuation and maintenance of the Metro Regional Datasets.
These datasets-availble in either regionally-approved or state-approved standardized formats-are made freely and openly available as a resource to governments, businesses, academic interest, non-profits and the general public. Current regionally available datasets include the following:


The Metro Regional Parcel Datatset
The Metro Regional Road Centerline Dataset
The Metro Regional Address Point Dataset
The Metro Regional Parks Dataset

The Metro Regional Trails and Bikeways Dataset

 

Maintenance of Regional Collaborative Operations

MetroGIS maintains this website as a consistent information sources, coordinates governance activities and work group sessions of the collaborative, conducts policy research relevant to supporing geospatial activities in the region, as well as hosting stakeholder meetings and works to ensure policy makers remain informed on relevant issues surounding geospatial data.

MetroGIS serves as a resource to the academic community as well as to national and international interests on operational procedure, funding, management and governance of inter-agency geospatial data sharing and development.
 

Regional Inter-Agency Projects

MetroGIS provides a platform and resources for on-going inter-agency projects and initiatives to develop new data and data standards. The MetroGIS collaborative partners work to identify shared data needs and to bring partner agencies at all levels of government together to address these needs through collaborative work.
 

Advocacy and Inter-Agency Coordination

MetroGIS takes an active interest in the legal and legislative aspects of geospatial data development, data sharing and public data availability. MetroGIS aligns its work plan, initiatives, research and project efforts with complementary initiatives at the city and county, regional, state and federal levels to reduce duplication of effort and maximize benefit for the geospatial community.