Frequently Asked Questions
General
- How can I add a question to this FAQ?
- Please feel free to contact the Geospatial Team if there are questions not covered on this page.
- How can I request data that is not listed in the data catalog?
- Fill out the DRCOG GIS Data & Maps request form.
- What is Metadata?
- Metadata is a term used to denote characteristics or quality of data. It represents the who, what, when, where, why and how of the resource. It is required to provide information about an organization’s data holdings and it helps organize and maintain an organization’s internal investment in spatial and non-spatial data.
File Formats
- What is OpenLayers?
- It is a free, client-side JavaScript API that enables you to easily put dynamic maps in your web pages. With OpenLayers, you get fully functional, interactive maps that draw quickly and look highly professional.
- What is KML?
- KML is a file format used to display geographic data in an earth browser, such as Google Earth, and Google Maps. A KML file is processed in much the same way that HTML and XML files are processed by web browsers. Like HTML, KML has a tag-based structure with names and attributes used for specific display purposes. Thus, Google Earth and Google Maps act as browsers for KML files.
- What is a WMS?
- A Web Map Service (WMS) is an OGC-compliant data standard for serving georeferenced map images over the internet. The images can then be displayed in a browser application, like ESRI ArcCatalog, Google Earth, or used as layers in a web mapping application, like a mashup made with a Google Maps basemap.
- What is a Shapefile?
- A shapefile is a file format that is developed and regulated by ESRI for data interoperability among ESRI and other software products. It stores geometric location and attribute information on geographic elements.
