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The Data Access and Support Center (DASC) was created by the State of Kansas, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Policy Board. This board was established by the governor in 1989 to develop Kansas GIS technology management policies and direct the Kansas GIS Initiative. The GIS Policy Board consists of directors of the major State, Federal, and local agencies that are utilizing GIS technology.
One of the issues this board faced was access policy for the growing core database being developed by the Kansas GIS Initiative. The Kansas GeoDatabase is a collection of various digital spatial information that is necessary to conduct spatial analysis. The GIS Policy Board realized that a central delivery and distribution center for core GIS databases was "essential to ensure the effective and efficient development and implementation of GIS technology in State government." The Data Access and Support Center was established in 1991, to administer the access to the core database.
Cooperation between agencies in Kansas has led to the development of a sizable core database. The GIS Policy Board has a budgeted fund allocated in the State's Water Plan to help acquire the necessary layers of information. Currently data are being acquired and developed for Kansas from various Federal, State, and educational institutions. They are stored in several computers at the Data Access and Support Center awaiting distribution.
DASC is a cooperating member of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) DASC's node contains Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) compliant metadata, FTP access, search capabilities, and metadata submission capabilities.
The Data Access and Support Center has five basic functions associated with its task of maintaining the Kansas GeoDatabase. DASC services were intended primarily for the member agencies of the Policy Board, but are provided to all other governmental and public organizations as a State service. Below are the basic services DASC offers.
Receive, archive, and catalog all core databases. Maintain associated documentation and information.
Check and verify integrity of data to ensure they meet GIS Policy Board's database standards.
Convert and transform databases to varying software formats, computer architectures.
Distribute databases as requested and handle inquiries for DASC services.
Promote and assist the use of the core database and GIS technologies and produce the State GIS web portal.
These are the services that are currently being offered. In years to come, DASC hopes to provide more services. If additional funding can be acquired DASC would expand its services to provide more user support as Geographic Information Systems are very complex and require dedicated qualified personnel to support their operation. Ideally, DASC would provide training for various GIS systems, assist in map production, and help trouble-shoot software deficiencies.