To provide consistency in managing the release of
GIS/Spatial information, both in digital and hard-copy format for the Interior
Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project (ICBEMP). Our intent is to:
Provide a consistent strategy for managing the release of GIS/Spatial data
from the ICBEMP GIS systems.
Provide timely response to requests and maintain a positive relationship
with the public while minimizing the impacts on our ability to complete ICBEMP
analysis.
Provide consistent application for the Science Team and EIS Teams involved
in the ICBEMP.
Provide information regarding the GIS/Spatial datasets that are available
for public release.
Provide GIS/Spatial information that is adequately described.
Provide GIS/Spatial information to the public in a manner which is cost
effective for the requester and the ICBEMP.
Policy
The GIS/Spatial information that forms the basis for the
decision-making process in the Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management
Project (ICBEMP) is available to the public to the greatest extent possible. The
ICBEMP will provide GIS/Spatial information to the public upon request as
outlined in this release policy.
Definitions
Available Data: are the themes of information available for
release to the public. Available Data List: is the listing of GIS data
available for release to the public. Layer: is the physical or digital
separation of spatial data according to a theme. Metadata: is the written
documentation about the data. Theme: may be composed of more than one layer
of spatial data.
GIS/Spatial Information Availability
I. For requests for GIS/Spatial
information that is listed on the Available Data List
(includes the Available Plot/Map List):
The BLM Oregon State Office (BLM Coordinator) will make available the
information maintained for release to the public, also known as the Available
Data.
Fees are set for particular types of records, including electronic and map
information. The level of fees is the actual cost of furnishing the
information. Federal offices are provided the information free of charge.
The GIS/Spatial Staff will be responsible for providing the information
for release to the BLM Oregon State Office (BLM Coordinator) on a regular
basis. The information regarding the Available Data List will be updated and
published for release to the public.
The BLM Oregon State Office (BLM Coordinator) will be the custodian for
requests for information made available through this process.
II. For
requests for information in the Administrative Record or GIS/Spatial data relied
upon to complete ICBEMP work not included in the process described above:
The ICBEMP Office will be responsible for retaining the Administrative
Record at that site.
Requests for GIS information other than what is listed on the Available
Data List will be subject to review under the FOIA in accordance with USDA
regulations.
FOIA requests will be directed to the ICBEMP Office in Boise, Idaho.
Requests for non-spatial data, including databases and papers will be
handled by the ICBEMP office under the FOIA.
GIS/Spatial Information Not Available for Public Release
GIS/Spatial
information which will generally NOT be made available for release include:
Layers containing information on the location of threatened or endangered
plant or animal species, archeological sites, or other resources where the
release of locational information would be contrary to the agency's statutory
duties.
Data Layers obtained by the Forest Service or BLM under a license or
agreement which restricts the release of that data.
Data Layers which are currently in development.
Process for Requesting ICBEMP Data
1. Digital Spatial Data
Outside parties submit to ICBEMP requests for data and/or maps by
completing the Available Data Request Form.
ICBEMP receives request and forwards it to BLM Coordinator for processing.
If the requester does not specify the format requirement in their request, the
Titan/Spatial staff will contact the requester to get the information needed
to process the request.
Spatial data will be released in ARC/INFO export
format; this is the format employed by ICBEMP. The digital data will be provided on CD-ROM unless otherwise
specified. If other than CD-ROM, requesters should specify export format and
desired media on the request form.
The Titan/Spatial Staff produces the CD-ROM, completes a transmittal
letter with the disclaimer statement and metadata information and sends this
information to the BLM Coordinator to be finalized. The transmittal letter
will be signed by the BLM Information Resource Management Branch Chief.
The BLM Coordinator will contact the requester by phone to inform them of
the cost of data requested. The BLM Coordinator will mail the transmittal
letter and requested data to the requester when payment is received. A file
copy of the letter will be retained by the BLM Oregon State Office (custodian)
and a courtesy copy forwarded to ICBEMP Office for record keeping purposes.
2. Hard-copy Maps and Associated Reports
Hard-copy maps (plots) that
are listed on the Available Map/Plot List can be provided following the process
outlined above. Spatial data and associated reports may be released in hard-copy
map and/or tabular form provided that either of the following conditions exist:
The data already exists in hard-copy form as a map or report.
The plot files, or macros, needed to generate the requested map and/or
associated reports currently exist in digital form.
3. Metadata - documentation about the data
Documentation necessary for
requesters to understand and interpret the provided data (metadata) will accompany the
data. An electronic copy of the metadata is provided on tape as a .DAT file. The
ICBEMP will use the Federal Geographic Data Commitee (FGDC) standard for metadata.
Fees
Fees will be assessed to cover actual costs of providing the media
(CD-ROM/tape/disk/paper), labor and any duplication costs (metadata).
Digital Spatial Data
Digital data will be provided on CD-ROM at cost.
Media will be provided by the responding
agency office for purposes of system security.
Hard-copy Maps
Hard-copy maps will be made available on paper. The cost
for each map is dependent on the size of the map.
Labor
The cost to burn digital spatial data onto CD-ROM or produce a
hard-copy map is $20.00 per hour.
Shipping arrangements
Special handling or shipping arrangements will be
provided at cost. Map products mailed in shipping tubes are assessed a fee
$1.50.
Duplication Costs
Hard copy metadata can be provided at a cost of $0.20
per page.
SAMPLE DISCLAIMER STATMENT:
This data was collected for the purpose of
analysis for the ICBEMP. This data represents ICBEMP data as of [date]. This
information may be updated without notification. The recipient may not assert
any proprietary rights to this information nor represent it to anyone as other
than Government-produced information. The ICBEMP shall not be held liable for
any activity involving this information with respect to, but not limited to,
lost profits, lost savings or any other consequential damages, the fitness of
this information for a particular purpose, and the installation of this
information, or results obtained. For additional information about this data
contact ICBEMP.
Map Disclaimer:
"The ICBEMP cannot assure the reliability or
suitability of this information for a particular purpose. Original data was
compiled from various sources. Spatial information may not meet National Map
Accuracy Standards. This information may be updated without notification". Untitled