little WRC logo GIS data

Overview
The Windham Regional Commission is both an active user and an active producer of GIS data. We are part of the Vermont Geographic Information System, a term that relates to the numerous GIS users in Vermont who participate in data development and exchange through statewide data standards and procedures. We utilize state-level data distributed by VCGI in its original format, state-level data updated or modified for local use, and original data produced by WRC for town or regional level projects.

Looking for Basic GIS Data?
If you're looking for GIS data, you should first visit the Vermont Center for Geographic Information web site. VCGI maintains and distributes a wealth of GIS data. All of the statewide base data layers, such as roads, town boundaries, and railroads, as well as many more specialized data layers, are available for download. Their "GIS Starter Kit" CD also contains many of the standard data sets.

Data Specific to the Windham Region
Many of the general data layers that you may need are available directly from VCGI. We encourage you to obtain these data from them, as VCGI is set up to make data available freely and efficiently through their web site.

Windham Regional Commission has developed a good deal of regional or town-specific data for use by the Commission and its member towns. Most of these data are not available directly from VCGI or anyone else. We are in the process of inventorying, documenting, and cataloging these data specific to the Windham Region and its towns. Clicking on the links below will bring up a detailed data listing for that town or project area:

GIS data and viewing software available on CD
The WRC has created CDs for a number of towns which include GIS data and viewing software. These CDs allow people with limited GIS experience to view data on their home or office computer.

The CDs generally include data from both VCGI and WRC simplified with logical attribute codes, digital topographic maps, a sample orthophoto or two, and ArcExplorer, a free data viewing software from ESRI. Data are accessed through one of several ArcExplorer "projects," in which a number of GIS data sets have been assembled and symbolized. With data gathering, interpretation, and symbolization already done, the user can focus on just a few of the most importation GIS functions: data viewing using the zoom and pan functions, and retrieving information using the identify and query functions.

Instructions for loading the data are included on the CD. WRC is happy to provide officials from Windham Region towns with instructions on how to use ArcExplorer. We have prepared a brief instruction sheet with some of the most basic functions to help get you started. The sheet, which is in Microsoft Word format (448k), can be downloaded by clicking here.

Data CDs are available for the following towns:

A CD prepared for Newbrook Fire and Rescue is also available for the towns of Newfane, Brookline, and Townshend.


last updated 9/10/08