For anyone not familiar with the geospatial data landscape in Wisconsin, finding data can be a daunting task.
With the goal of connecting data seekers to commonly-requested geospatial data, we recently unveiled a new section of our Website called “Find Data.” The idea is simple: provide no-nonsense advice on where to find certain key datasets that are relevant across many disciplines. Examples include parcels, roads, municipal boundaries, aerial imagery, and more. In the coming weeks, we expect to add information on elevation, county boundaries, soils, and addresses to the existing list.
The “Find Data” section is not intended to provide a comphensive overview of all possible data themes and sources available in the state; the hope is to provide a” push in the right direction” for the most commonly-requested data requests our office receives.
The new Find Data pages complement the “Find Maps” section we’ve had on our site for a number of years. In contrast to “Find Data”, “Find Maps” is aimed at the general public, who may not have the tools for utilizing geospatial data.
With this new feature now on our site, we quietly decommissioned the longstanding WISCLINC geospatial data clearinghouse. WISCLINC was made possible through a series of Federal Geographic Data Committee cooperative agreement grants in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. Maintenance on WISCLINC suffered over the years as funding for clearinghouse activities all but dried up.
With regard to data cataloging, our recent efforts have focused on developing a data discovery tool used by faculty, staff, and students at UW-Madison. Feedback on Geodata@UW has been very positive thus far, and the application is now in the early stages of expanding to serve the entire University of Wisconsin System.
If you have any comments or suggestions on the new Find Data pages, please feel free to contact me and I will share with the rest of the SCO staff.
