Florida Geographic Data Library

The Florida Geographic Data Library (FGDL) is a collection of Geospatial Data, and serves as a mechanism for distributing spatial (GIS) data throughout the state of Florida. The FGDL is warehoused and maintained at the University of Florida’s GeoPlan Center, a GIS Research and Teaching Facility, with support from the Florida Department of Transportation. The GIS data available in FGDL is collected from various state, federal, and other agencies (“data sources”) who are data stewards, originators, producers, or publishers.

GeoPlan’s experienced analysts work with staff from the data origin to bring Florida spatial data into the FGDL library, follow good data management procedure, and guide data sharing within a framework for standardization. Ultimately, the FGDL serves as a data housing operation that provides a full spectrum of users with access to open source information. The FGDL therefore supports research and improves decision-making through many practices, throughout the state.

FGDL data categories are very diverse, and include land cover, hydrography, soils, environmental quality, conservation, transportation, and boundaries. In 1998, when the project was launched, the website consisted of 80 layers. The site currently contains over 600 layers and continues to expand into new disciplines and practices. FGDL has grown into an integral academic library for the College of Design, Construction, and Planning in the University of Florida and is a valuable resource for a variety of professions in the state of Florida.