GIS for Data Management and Integration

Georeferenced information, including the geodatabase, can be managed in several ways within ArcGIS.

The geodatabase adds structure and intelligence to seemingly disparate environmental data by applying rules developed to ensure integrity. Data can be effectively "checked out" of the geodatabase for use in the field before being reconciled when "checked back in." The transaction history is recorded and can be presented in its historical sequence.

The geodatabase is designed to handle information about data (i.e., metadata) which is created semi-automatically. By promoting data sharing among multiple users, duplicate efforts are reduced, leading to improved efficiency and cost savings. With the development of standards and environmental specific geodatatbase plans or schema, new tools have been created.

The investments made to create environmental data not only warrant the implementation of an efficient and reliable geodatabase structure but, once created, also allow that same data to be fully used across organizations.

Additional Information

Geospatial One-Stop
GIS Standards and Interoperability
Environmental Data Model