Current Page: Policies

Richland County Policy and Procedures:

 Use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Form IT-0102

 Contents:

1.        Terms and Conditions

2.        Introduction
2.1       Overview
2.2       GIS Program 

3.        Programmatic Responsibilities
3.1       Software
3.2       Software Maintenance
3.3       Classification of Software 

4.        User Responsibilities
4.1       Appropriate Use
4.2       Access and Dissemination

 

  1.   Terms and Conditions

For the purpose of this policy, the following definitions are recognized:

Administration:   The exercising authority of Richland County, consisting of the County Administrator and Assistant County Administrators. 
Computer Resources:   Any of a number of computer related devices and components purchased by the County including, but not limited to:  PCs (personal computers), all components inside a PC, all components connected to a PC, monitors, printers, display stations, servers, mainframes, midranges, telephones, hubs, switches, routers, cabling, ALL software including operating systems, applications and data, all data lines, all phone lines, etc. 
GIS: Geographic Information Systems
IT:      Information Technology Department of Richland County
User:       Any person using Richland County computer resources including all employees, contractors, part-time employees, volunteers, students, interns, and other individuals who are provided access to Richland County GIS data, hardware, software, and systems.

 

For the purpose of this GIS policy, GIS is defined as the total of the information system designed to input, manage, update, analyze, and present spatially-related information collected by the County.  The information system includes personnel resources, hardware, software, data, procedures, policies, methods, and products related to GIS.  This system, as with any other public resource, demands that those entrusted with access and the functionality of its capabilities must be held accountable.  All users given access to any Richland County GIS resource will be provided with a written copy of this policy.  All users are expected to read, understand, and comply with this policy.  All GIS users must acknowledge receipt and understanding of this GIS policy by signing the attached form.

 Administration approves the content of all County policies. 

 The County reserves the right to monitor and record the usage of all County computer resources.  Prohibited conduct may result in disciplinary or criminal action against anyone violating the provisions of this policy or any other Richland County policies or procedures.

All users of Richland County computer resources are required to adhere to the guidelines outlined in this policy document.

 

 2.   Introduction

       2.1  Overview

All computer and GIS-related resources are provided by Richland County to facilitate authorized work for the County.  These resources are not provided for or intended to belong to a particular individual.  All such resources purchased by Richland County for County related work are the property of Richland County and subject to rules and conditions set forth by the Administration through Policies.

 2.2  GIS Program

The mission of the GIS initiative is to establish a foundation of geographic information to support community decision-making.  The GIS program will provide the technological vision and leadership to deploy appropriate spatial technologies that will contribute towards an enriched community.  Hereby, we will reinvent, reengineer, and streamline government wherever spatial technology can contribute towards increased efficiencies, increased effectiveness, and reduced costs.

  

3.   Programmatic Responsibilities

 3.1    Software 

It is the responsibility of the GIS department to provide County users with the tools necessary to create, maintain, and use geographic data for County business. In supporting County users, the department will assist in defining needs, requirements, and functionality of necessary GIS software components. As software is needed, the GIS department will be responsible for the purchase, installation, administration, and maintenance of licensed GIS products.

To address liabilities of unlicensed software (software piracy), a user may not install GIS software on any computer. The only GIS software titles that you are allowed to install or distribute (as outlined by the terms of the product license agreement) are ArcExplorer and ArcReader.

3.2  Software Maintenance 

In an effort to consolidate software inventories and coordinate continuous upgrades, all ESRI software licenses have been registered to Richland County under a single customer number. Users should contact a member of the GIS team for software support. Users should not request software upgrades directly from ESRI. These upgrades will be automatically shipped to the GIS department. GIS staff will install the upgrades on user machines to ensure continued compatibility between all users. 

3.3  Software Classes 

To support GIS users, GIS personnel are tasked with assisting any County department in evaluating hardware, software, data, custom application, and procedural needs.  To monitor programmatic costs, all GIS expenditures will be the responsibility of the GIS department.  All GIS-related hardware and software requests will adhere to the specifications established by the Technical Committee in its November 1998 meeting as follows: 

Ø         Power user  

Ø         Technical user

Ø         Casual user

Ø         Data browser / public access terminal 

     County departments are encouraged to utilize the GIS department as a resource for application development, project assistance, and technological planning. 

 

4.   User Responsibilities

       4.1  Appropriate Use 

The primary use for all hardware and software purchased by GIS is for GIS and its related applications only.  Hardware and software for daily operational needs, such as word processing and spreadsheets, are not the responsibility of the GIS department.  Requests for office software products should be directed to the Department of Information Technology. 

       4.2  Access and Dissemination 

Users will not disseminate or redistribute GIS-related software or data. Following GIS data licensing and services procedures (GIS-0200), all GIS-related data will be distributed to third parties under a Standard County GIS Data Licensing Agreement that must be signed by the requesting party. This policy covers all data, regardless of format, developed and/or maintained in any Department as part of the County Geographic Information System. All requests for data should be directed to the GIS department. Before any data are released, the Standard County GIS Data Agreement must be approved by the GIS department as well as the individual department director or person responsible for the stewardship of the requested data. This policy is intended to limit the County liability for geographic data under local, State, and Federal laws.