Data Policy

Section 1. Purpose

In order to integrate geospatial technology into the work flow of multiple divisions under the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) the collection of accurate and consistent geospatial data is critical. Therefore, to ensure and improve compatibility between the divisions, geospatial data standards need to be implemented throughout the Department. This is needed to provide accurate and integrated analytical quality data to assist the WVDOT with its mission to provide a safe, effective, and efficient movement of resources for the people of West Virginia.

Section 2. Policy

This policy establishes minimum standards for the collection and documentation of coordinates for all geospatial information regulated under or within the jurisdiction of the WVDOT. The goal of this policy is to increase geospatial accuracy, promote integration, and improve precision within the WVDOT and meet standards for all Divisions. It is also intended to facilitate the integration of high accuracy data into the WVDOT's Geographic Information Systems (GIS), thereby promoting the enhanced use of geospatial analyses to improve informed decision making throughout the WVDOT.

This policy applies to all WVDOT personnel and programs including contractors and grantees that collect geospatial data. Requirements of this policy apply to all spatial data collected including, but not limited to, survey data, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) data, Computer Aided Design (CAD) data, and aerial photography.

Henceforth, geospatial coordinates are to be collected utilizing technology capable of a one meter level of accuracy. Techniques such as GPS or conventional surveying should be used to obtain positions at accuracies greater than one meter. GPS should be used to obtain positions at the highest possible accuracy. The recommended standard for representing and reporting geospatial data is as follows.

a)	Coordinate System:	Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)
	Datum:	North American Datum (NAD) 1983
	Zone:	17 North
	Coordinate Units:	Meters
	Altitude:	Height above mean sea level (MSL)
	Vertical Datum:	North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) 1988

b)	Alternate format that will be accepted:
	Coordinate System:	US State Plane 1983
	Zone:	WV North 4701 or South 4702
	Altitude:	Height above mean sea level feet
	Vertical Datum:	NAVD 1988

c)	Any deviation from above formats must be approved by the WVDOT GIS Section.
d)	Legacy geospatial data:
	There will be a systematic process of improving legacy geospatial data to the newhigher accuracy standard. In cooperation with the WVDOT GIS Section, each division will develop a plan within 6 months of signing this policy to move legacy data to the new standard.
e)	1).Future geospatial data: All positions obtained utilizing GPS will be differentially corrected and willadhere topolicy standards.

	2). All CAD work will be in either the recommended coordinate standard or one of the alternate formats.
f)	All remotely sensed information being purchased and/or services requested will be coordinated withthe WVDOT GIS Section.

g)	It is important that the WVDOT develops a national reputation of providing high quality geospatial data in compliance with the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) standards. Therefore, if geospatial data is to be used for the purpose of populating a GIS external of the WVDOT then the distribution of that data is to be completed by the WVDOT GIS Section.


h)	Purchase of software, hardware and contractual services related to GIS and GPS are to be coordinated with and approved by the WVDOT GIS Section.

i)	All geospatial data collected by any and all WVDOT Agencies will be provided to the WVDOT GIS Section digitally in one of the above designated projection systems in a timely manner.

j)	This policy does not preclude or rescind more stringent regional or program specific policy requirements.

For questions or comments, contact us at DOTSupport@wv.gov.