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ACCESSIBILITY OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA 
Zsolt Nagy, Coordination Program Manager 
North Carolina Center for Geographic Information and Analysis 
State of North Carolina, USA 
Commission VII, Working Group 2 
KEY WORDS: Geospatial Data, Public Access, Information Highway, North Carolina, Policy, NSDI 
ABSTRACT 
The development and use of geographic information by government organizations, universities, and private 
corporations in the State of North Carolina is rapidly increasing. Sophisticated geographic information systems (GIS) 
currently exist in nearly all state agencies, large municipalities, and more than 60% of the state’s 100 counties. Data 
producers and consumers, now more than ever, depend on access to the geographic information resources developed 
in locations throughout the state to conduct their normal daily business. It has become obvious that guidelines, 
strategies, policies, and the technology must be in place so that the state, its entities, and citizens can easily access 
these data resources and fully benefit from the overall public investment in these programs. The North Carolina 
Geographic Information Coordinating Council (GICC) , an organization established by executive order of the Governor, 
provides oversight for all activities related to geographic information, geographic information systems and related 
technology in the state. A strategic plan, adopted by the GICC in 1994 provides the blueprint for the implementation of 
the coordination initiative. Results of the plan include the development of the state's Corporate Geographic Database 
and the state's Geographic Data Clearinghouse. The database and the clearinghouse include, but are not limited to, 
the following data themes: digital aerial photography, satellite imagery, geodetic control, elevation data, and information 
about highways, streets, waterways, land use, land cover, zoning, public and private land ownership, and 
demographics. Implementation of the strategic plan also includes taking full advantage of the North Carolina 
Information Highway (NCIH). The NCIH is a broad band fiber optic network based on ATM/Sonet technology capable of 
transmitting voice, data, image, and video at 155 million bits per second. The network serves as the backbone of the 
new age of communications in North Carolina. The use of the NCIH with GIS for interactive video problem solving and 
live transmission of spatial data across the state is emerging as a new business practice. This paper, and 
accompanying presentation, provides an overview of the current environment for coordination of the geographic 
information resources in the state, with particular reference to accessibility issues concerning the state's Corporate 
Geographic Database, the Geographic Data Clearinghouse, and the emerging utilization of the North Carolina 
Information Highway for interactive geo-based problem solving. 
GENERAL dictate an open environment for public access to 
information developed and managed by government 
"Current and accurate data will be readily available to agencies. The excerpts introduced above are 
  
contribute locally, nationally, and globally, to economic 
growth, environmental quality, and stability, and social 
progress.” 
---- Federal Geographic Data Committee, 1997 
"The federal government's policy of promoting open 
access, especially for all data used in public decision- 
making, should be maintained and the states and 
localities should be urged to adopt similar policies.” 
---- National Academy of Public Administration, 1998 
“The public records and public information compiled by 
agencies of North Carolina government or its subdivisions 
are the property of the people. Therefore, it is the policy 
of this State that the people may obtain copies of their 
public information free or at a minimal cost unless 
otherwise specifically provided by law. 
---- North Carolina General Statute, 1935 
The general policies and guidelines of federal and state 
government in the United States of America clearly 
statements prepared by the Federal Geographic Data 
Committee (NAPA, 1998), the National Academy of Public 
Administration (NAPA, 1998), and contained in the 
General Statutes of the State of North Carolina. Access 
to government information, including geospatial data held 
in government computer databases is a public right. 
In North Carolina, there has been a growing maturity in 
the production and management of geospatial data at all 
levels of government. Many state and local government 
organizations that build geospatial databases have 
evolved from infancy into robust data production and 
maintenance facilities. Data resources now available 
from many government agencies are of great depth. As 
these databases are completed and released, they are 
sought intensely by numerous consumers representing 
both public and private entities. 
North Carolina consists of approximately 31 million acres 
of land area and has a growing population base that is 
nearing 8 million. The state consists of 100 counties and 
more than 350 incorporated places (cities and towns). 
According to a survey conducted last year, 1997 Survey 
of GIS Availability in North Carolina Counties 
International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXII, Part 7, Budapest, 1998 137