Landmark Ruling Liberates California GIS Data

The California Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Sierra Club's quest to have publicly held GIS data made available for a nominal fee under the California Public Records Act.

1 minute read

July 10, 2013, 8:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

"The California Supreme Court ruled Monday that digital mapping files known as geographic information systems must be released under the state's public records law," reports Tony Barboza. "The decision could make it easier for media organizations, advocacy groups and others to obtain government GIS databases, rich collections of data that can be used to display and analyze multiple layers of geographical information."

"Terry Francke, general counsel for the open-government group Californians Aware, said the court's decision has major significance for the increasing number of people requesting detailed government planning and mapping databases."

For additional background on the case, see our prior post.

FULL STORY: Digital mapping files are public records, state Supreme Court rules

Monday, July 8, 2013 in Los Angeles Times

Technology California GIS Data Orange County Sierra Club Public Records View More

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