Regional GIS Data Collection

TJCOG has partnered with North Carolina Next Generation Network (NCNGN)* to establish a regional GIS program to be available to our members. The program will enable local jurisdictions to benefit from a simplified and cost-effective process for procuring aerial imagery and GIS planimetric data.  The program is currently underway for 2020, with expanded participation planned for 2021.

Participating governments/agencies have receive:

  • Current year orthophotography base data for generating GIS layers within their jurisdictional boundaries
  • The ability to add-on from a list of additional data layers generated from the orthophotography. Examples include:
    • Building footprints
    • Communication features
    • Hydrology
    • Railroads
    • Impervious surfaces
    • Roads
    • Recreation Features
    • Trails
    • Parking
    • Utility Structures
    • Transmission Lines
    • Vegetation
    • Topographic contours
  • Participation in a program that cuts across boundaries within the region

Development of a regional GIS data hosting site for the ongoing upkeep and sharing of the collected data is underway.  Program participants will also receive the data directly and to manage/use as part of their own GIS programs.  All participants will be able to benefit from the volume pricing and have access to regional data collected through the program.  Stay tuned for more information on this regional data hosting concept in coming months.

Participation

TJCOG has procured a vendor and agreed to a 3-year MOU with the vendor establishing pricing and schedule for this project.  Individual governments/agencies/ organizations can choose to participate on a year-by-year basis. 

In order to participate in 2021, interested parties must have notified the vendor of their intention to participate by December 2020.  Each participant typically establishes their own contract with the vendor based on the terms and conditions outlined in the TJCOG MOU to access the same cost savings and avoid having to go through a separate vendor qualification/selection process. The vendor has established a pricing structure that varies based on the size of the area data is being collected for—the more jurisdictions that participate, the lower the unit costs will be for everyone who participates. 

Additionally, because many of the TJCOG counties are scheduled for aerial photography by the state in 2021, this represents a unique opportunity to take advantage of the state orthophotos for development of planimetric data in those communities.

*North Carolina Next Generation (NCNGN) is a consortium of Triangle Universities and municipalities.  NCNGN was organized in 2012 to bring high-speed Internet to residences and businesses in the Triangle region.