GIS Data Policies
OPM’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Office was established in 2022 following the passage of Public Act 21-2 during the 2021 June Special Session. It is directed by a Geographic Information Officer (GIO) and resides within the Data and Policy Analytics Unit of OPM.
The GIS Office is responsible for:
- Coordinating the collection, compilation, and dissemination of GIS data from and to state agencies, regional councils of governments, municipalities, and other constituencies
- Managing a publicly accessible geospatial database
- Using GIS to support economic development efforts in the state
- Providing training and outreach on the use of GIS
- Administering a statewide orthoimage and lidar program
- Adopting geospatial data standards, guidelines, and procedures
- Performing technical data processing to create, aggregate, and organize existing and new datasets
- Developing broadband data and mapping in accordance with Public Act 21-159
The GIO establishes goals for the GIS Office through consultation with the Geographic Information Systems Advisory Council established pursuant to Section 79 of Public Act 21-2.
Below is a list of GIS-relate statutes in Connecticut:
Sec. 4d-90. Geospatial information. Capacity, policies, and standards. Assistance to municipalities and regional councils of governments. Grants. Report. (June Sp. Sess. P.A. 05-3, S. 84; P.A. 08-19, S. 4; P.A. 10-32, S. 154; P.A. 11-48, S. 271; 11-51, S. 65, 144; 11-80, S. 8; P.A. 13-247, S. 214; 13-299, S. 6; P.A. 14-139, S. 1.)
Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 4d-90 gave the Office of Policy and Management the authority to coordinate geospatial information system capacity for municipalities, regional councils of government and the state and to establish policies for the collection, management, and distribution of GIS information.
Sec. 4d-91. Geographic Information Systems Office. Geographic Information Officer. (June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-2, S. 78.)
Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 4d-91 established the Geographic Information Systems Office within the Office of Policy and Management and created the position of the Geographic Information Officer (GIO). The GIO is responsible for:
- Coordinating the collection, compilation, and dissemination of GIS data across the state
- Managing a geospatial data clearinghouse for public access to GIS data
- Supporting economic development efforts in the state through the provision of GIS information,
- Providing training and outreach on the use of GIS data
- Administering the creation and acquisition of GIS data, including aerial imagery, elevation, and parcel information
- Adopting geospatial data standards, guidelines and procedures to ensure consistency and quality of GIS data
- Performing technical data processing to aggregate and organize existing datasets and create new datasets
Sec. 4d-92. Geographic Information Systems Advisory Council (June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-2, S. 79.)
Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 4d-92 created the Geographic Information Systems Advisory Council to consult with the Geographic Information Officer (GIO) on matters relating to GIS data. The GIS Advisory Council is tasked with:
- Developing priorities for GIS and developing an annual five-year plan for those priorities and
- Making recommendations to the GIO on GIS priorities and planning.
The GIS Advisory Council membership consists of:
- The GIO
- The Chief Data Officer
One representative from the following agencies with expertise in GIS:
- Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
- Department of Transportation
- Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection
- Department of Public Health
- Two representatives of different regional councils of government with expertise in GIS
- Two representatives of different municipal governments with expertise in GIS
- One representative of the University of Connecticut with expertise in GIS
- One representative of a public utility company
- Two representatives from different private companies with expertise in mapping applications for commercial purposes
Sec. 16-330b. Broadband Internet access service map. (P.A. 21-159, S. 2.)
Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 16-330b tasks the Office of Policy and Management with developing and maintaining a broadband map, showing the availability and adoption of broadband service in the state. The statutes require OPM to develop the first broadband map by December 1, 2022 and for it to be updated on an annual basis.