To: Delrico J. Loyd, Governmental Operations Committee Chairperson
From: Ken Koleda, GIS Director
title
RE: Approval of an Updated GIS Data Pricing Schedule – Open GIS Data Effort
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of updated fee schedule.
BACKGROUND:
There has been a wide-ranging effort for several years to make GIS data more readily available to potential users. Recently the State of Michigan is promoting this effort as well. 25-30 Michigan counties make at least some GIS data available for free.
DISCUSSION:
We receive only about $2,500 to $3,000 per year in revenue from GIS data sales. For many years we have had the data available online for viewing for no cost to the users. There are many benefits to having open GIS data: including reduced staff effort to fill requests, decreasing the time and effort of anyone seeking to develop, redevelop, or locate a business in the county. Open the doors to research or non-profit groups that could bring benefits to the county residents in various ways from environmental to recreational. There are many counties including all those larger than ours which already have open GIS data policies in place. The GIS Steering Committee voted to support this on 9/22/2026.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
Should free staff from fielding inquiries on data and filling requests
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Will result in reduced income of approximately $2,500-$3,000 per year.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
None
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
None
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
The conforms with the County priorities in the category of a collaborative culture. More ready access to our data would help ensure that the most authoritative data is available to all. Any entity providing services to the community may benefit from this and in turn benefit the community. Many prospective uses of the data exist to support economic development which is also a key county priority
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBE...
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