Digital Map Data

Please review all information below, including the sample test files and FAQ information, before placing an order for digital map data.  Selection of an export format that is compatible with the GIS software package it will run on is the responsibility of the user.

Projection File

Some GIS Software packages require that the GIS Layer have a predefined coordinate system.

• Right click onto rrc_latlong.prj and select Save Link As for each .shp file and rename it to match the .shp file received.
  • For example, for wellsb167.shp file, rename downloaded file to wellsb167.prj.

Map & Associated Data

• Digital map data:
  • Base Map, Wells, Surveys & Pipelines layers may be purchased as a complete package or individually.
  • Geographic Coordinates; Latitude/Longitude Decimal Degrees, NAD 27
  • May be obtained via CD or RRC FTP.  Note:  For delivery by RRC FTP a Railroad Commission FTP account is required.  For first-time RRC FTP users, a new RRC FTP account will take up to 7 business days to create.
  • Export Formats
    • .SHP (ArcView Shape Files) - can be used directly with ArcView, imported into ArcInfo, compatible with many other GIS software packages
    • .E00 (E00 ArcInfo Interchange Files) - can be used to move or exchange data between other ArcInfo sites, can be directly imported into ArcInfo; may be compatible with other GIs software
    • original RRC ASCII format is no longer available

• API Data - ASCII data file and dBase (.dbf) file containing the API number, survey name, well number, lease name, lease ID number, completion date, and plug date.

• Manuals available online (include data format and dictionary):
  • "Digital Map Information", publication OGA094 (paper copy available for $13.00)
  • "API Well Data File", publication OGA096 (paper copy available for $5.00)

Digital Map Data and API Data Sample Test Files

Please review the sample test files before ordering digital map data to determine which file format will work best with your GIS system. Sample test files include:

• ArcView Shape and ArcInfo Interchange files for each available map layer for Aransas County
• API Data file for Aransas County in both ASCII and dBase (.dbf) format
• Well Symbols Font file and ArcView Legend file

Ordering Information

• Prices for:
  • Digital Data by onshore County
  • Digital Data by Coastal County, including Texas offshore areas
  • Digital Data by Statewide categories
  • Compact Disk cost is $1.00
  • Postage is $2.00

• Ordering & Payment:
  • Orders must be made by written request or you may use our Request for Electronic Data Form in Fill-In PDF format or in PDF format.  In accordance with the Texas Public Information Act, the Railroad Commission will act upon or respond to your request within 10 business days.
  • Please note that all requests require a 24 hour minimum processing period.
  • Payment is required in advance by check or credit card. 
    (Please do not send credit card information by email or fax.)
  • Checks should be made payable to the Railroad Commission of Texas.

• Inquiries or orders should be made with the Electronic Data Coordinator:
  • (512) 463-7254
  • fax (512) 463-7200
  • e-mail at digital@rrc.state.tx.us
  • Railroad Commission of Texas
    Central Records
    P.O. Box 12967
    Austin, TX  78711-2967

NOTICE/DISCLAIMER: The following data sets were generated from the Geographic Information System of the Railroad Commission of Texas. Base map information was obtained from U.S. Geological Survey 7.5 minute quadrangle maps. Patent Survey lines from Texas General Land Office maps were interpreted onto the U.S. Geological Survey base. Oil and gas well data and pipeline data were obtained from public records at the Railroad Commission of Texas (the Commission).

The data sets provided by this system are continually being updated and refined and are intended solely for the internal use of the Commission. The Commission shall not be held liable for use of these data sets, which are provided as a public service for informational purposes only. PLEASE NOTE that these data sets are NOT intended to be used as an authoritative public record for any geographic location or as a legal document and have no legal force or effect.

Users are responsible for checking the accuracy, completeness, currency and/or suitability of these data sets themselves. The Commission makes no representation, guarantee or warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, currency, or suitability of these data sets, which are provided "AS IS." The Commission specifically disclaims any and all warranties, representations or endorsements, expressed or implied, with regard to these data sets, including, but not limited to, the warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of privately owned rights.