The Montana GIS Portal Gets a Facelift!

The Montana State Library announced today the launch of the updated Montana Geographic Information System (GIS) Portal.† The Portal serves as the primary source for locating Montana GIS data.† The GIS Portal can be viewed at: http://gisportal.msl.mt.gov.

GIS software allows users to create and analyze digital map data to leverage the fundamental principle of geography- that location is an important factor to consider when making decisions.

"The Montana GIS Portal provides access to geographic data for our state," said Evan Hammer, manager of the Library’s Natural Resource Information Service program. "Montana agencies use GIS for a large number of projects, ranging in subject matter from the property reappraisal process to the mapping of water rights to the management of forest resources. The Montana GIS Portal helps people find data to use in concert with their GIS and mapping tools to perform analysis that drive decisions made by policy makers around the state."

The new portal features a redesigned interface, improved search results, and access to a wider variety of map service types. The Portal also contains an on-line map viewer to view basic maps and air photos of any location in Montana.

"The data catalog includes 400 spatial data sets from several contributors including the Montana Base Map Service Center, the Montana State Library, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, and Flathead County," said Hammer. "Our staff works with state, county and local governments as well as other data providers to help them register their data and maps with the Portal."

The Montana GIS Portal is made available by the Montana State Library in partnership with the Montana Department of Administrationís Base Map Service Center. GIS information is provided by Montana state agencies, federal agencies, local governments, and other GIS offices throughout Montana.

Anyone producing GIS data in Montana that would like to contribute to this project by registering their data in the Montana GIS Portal can contact the Portal Administrator ([email protected]) for assistance.

Through its statewide programs, the Montana State Library empowers Montanans; enhances learning in families and communities; builds 21st Century skills; and provides opportunities for civic participation. For more information, visit http://msl.mt.gov.