Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offer unique opportunities to analyze and compare disparate types of information. They are opening up new opportunities to deliver both information and services. The value of GIS and spatial data can be seen most dramatically in applications that promote economic development, public health and safety, and environmental quality.
The New York State GIS Cooperative project, initiated by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, demonstrated the depth and variety of existing human, technical, and data resources in the state. This report presents the results of that project. It shows the extent to which spatial data needs overlap among key policy and applications areas. It examines how data sharing strategies can reduce the cost and increase the value of GIS.