RAILROAD COMMISSION UPGRADES PUBLIC GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION MAPPING SYSTEM FOR ONLINE VIEWING OF OIL, GAS AND PIPELINE DATA IN TEXAS

AUSTIN – The Railroad Commission of Texas today announced upgrades to the agency’s online Geographic Information System (GIS), which is used by the public to view statewide oil, gas and pipeline data.

The upgrades are part of the Commission’s Information Technology Modernization Program to assist operators conducting business with the Commission online and to increase transparency of oil, gas and pipeline data to the public. The Public and Legacy GIS Viewers are now both available on the enhanced Public GIS Viewers (Map) Web page found at:

http://www.rrc.state.tx.us/about-us/resource-center/research/gis-viewers/

Chairman Christi Craddick said, “The enhancements the Commission has made to the GIS viewer will allow the public to better keep up with the oil and gas industry, and allow those in the industry to more easily and efficiently access information critical to their businesses.”

Commissioner David Porter said, “We are always looking for ways to harness technologies to keep up with the fast-paced energy industry. Along with viewing mapping well data by county, API numbers or street addresses, with this new enhanced viewer, the public can now draw a defined radius tool around a well, and they also have a variety of different printing formats.”

Commissioner Barry Smitherman said, “This upgrade is part of our continuing efforts to make oil and gas well and pipeline information available to the public in an accessible and easy manner. The enhanced viewer will help keep members of the public and the industry better informed about the activities of this dynamic and growing industry.”

The Commission encourages the public to review the new  Public GIS Viewer and complete an online survey at: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1889974/Public-GIS-Viewer-Survey on the Public GIS Viewer by 11:59 p.m. Dec. 21, 2014. All feedback will be considered by the Commission prior to a final version of the Public GIS Viewer being released. The Legacy GIS Viewer will no longer be available on the Commission’s website after the final release of the Public GIS Viewer.

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About the Railroad Commission

Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state. The Commission has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including more than 90 years regulating the oil and gas industry. Additionally, the Commission promotes research and education on the use of alternative fuels and has jurisdiction over gas utility, surface mining and pipeline industries. Our mission is to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. To learn more, please visit http://www.rrc.texas.gov/.