The State Geographic Information Database (SGID) contains files and links to several different categories of data sets. Data presented for download on this site is considered to be in the public domain.

There are two main categories: vector GIS data sets [more info] wherein geographic features are represented by discrete points, lines, and polygons; and, raster data sets [more info], which represent geographic phenomena using a grid of raster cells or pixels.

SGID Content Links:

SGID Disclaimer

Data & Map Servers

ArcSDE Database

Image Server

ArcGIS Server

ArcIMS

Download GIS Data

Vector Data

Index, By Category

Index, By Name

Data Selector

Raster GIS Data

Aerial Imagery

USGS Topo Maps

Elevation/Terrain

Other Data Links

Info & Change Log

Data Standards

Support

SGID FTP Site

More on Geographic Data

Generally speaking, vector data is usually used to describe features such as roads, municipal boundaries (such as cities or counties), springs, streams, airports, etc.

Raster GIS data sets usually consist of data obtained from satellite or other remotely sensed data, and includes aerial photos, digital elevation models, scanned images of paper maps, etc.

Depending on the type of data, different data storage formats are used. Index web pages are maintained for vector and raster data on this portal that assist with the download process for specific geographic extents. These indexes also provide a link to metadata describing the datasets in detail.

Note: Most data contained within the SGID uses the Universal Transverse Mercator projected coordinate system (UTM Zone 12 North) using the 1983 North American Datum (NAD83). UTM Zone 12N, NAD 83 is the current state standard for projection, coordinate system, and datum.