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Geographic Information System (GIS) & Open Data

Transforming data into information, and information into knowledge.

GIS Unit Mission:
To support the implementation and use of geographic information system (GIS) software, hardware, and services department-wide. MDOT’s GIS Unit provides innovative solutions that solve spatial problems and support more informed decisions about Michigan's transportation infrastructure. The unit develops and maintains the following services: enterprise GIS databases, linear referencing systems, web services, ArcGIS Online, Open Data Portal, GIS training, and Transportation Asset Management System (TAMS) implementation. 

What is GIS?
A collection of computer hardware, software, and geographic data for capturing, storing, updating, manipulating, analyzing, and displaying? all forms of geographically referenced information; i.e., data identified according to their locations (latitude/longitude, state plane coordinates, etc.). GIS combines geography with system information. In simple terms, it is a map linked to a database.

What is Linear Referencing and where to find it?
Linear Referencing is a method of storing and maintaining spatial data along a measured linear feature. MDOT currently uses Esri Roads and Highways to manage the Linear Refencing System (LRS) and the data that is a part of this system. The LRS home page contains info on the LRS and download links to the most up to date versioned data.