Figure 1: Louisiana Spatial Data Framework

The vector data on this disc are stored as both ESRI shapefiles (*.shp) and ArcGIS 9.1 compatible Personal Geodatabases (*.mdb). These data can be accessed in their corresponding Framework directory (for shapefiles) and/or Personal Geodatabase. The raster products available on this disc are stored as either GeoTIFF or compressed MrSid format. Raster data can be accessed in the imagery folder on this disc.

The majority of vector layers are provided in Geographic NAD 1983 coordinates. Users are advised to consult metadata for details. All raster data are in UTM zone 15 NAD 1983 coordinates. As noted above, raster images are provided as GeoTIFF or compressed MrSid files.

Users can access either Shapefiles or Personal Geodatabases by browsing the data directory on this disc.

Please Note:
Numerous features can be justifiably assigned to multiple framework layers because their relevance is applicable to two or more themes and/or they are functionally ambiguous. Because of this, it is likely that users would group the features differently. The layers were therefore placed into framework groups that may not satisfy everyone. However, anyone may change groupings or not have groups at all.

Additional information about the Louisiana and National spatial data framework initiative is available at the Louisiana GIS Council (LGISC) web site and the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) web site.

Standalone Data Collections:

Data sets representing mission-specific projects or larger works are stored separately in the data collections folder. These data sets were developed for specialized applications, and incorporate well defined relationships among features and attributes that necessitate continuity. As such, the value of these data is germane within the context of the collections folder in which they reside.

Metadata:

The majority of geospatial features in this collection are supplied with FGDC compliant metadata. Every effort was made to provide metadata with this compilation. Some records, however, are incomplete. Any questions regarding the data provided in this compilation should be directed to the contributing agency identified in the metadata and not to the sponsors of the DVD. Metadata are stored with each shapefile, and can also be accessed within the metadata folder located under each framework directory.