About PASDA
Services
The data made available through PASDA is provided by our data partners to encourage the widespread sharing of geospatial data, eliminate the creation of redundant
data sets, and to further build an inventory (through the development and hosting of metadata) of available data relevant to the Commonwealth.
PASDA serves as a resource for locating data throughout the Commonwealth through its data storage, interactive mapping/webgis applications, and metadata/documentation efforts.
PASDA services are provided free of charge to all users and data providers. The data on PASDA is provided by federal, state,
local and regional government agencies, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions throughout the region.
- Data Storage and Access
PASDA works directly with state and federal agencies, local and regional governments, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions to
access to the widest variety of data possible. There is no fee to store or provide access to data via
the PASDA clearinghouse.
- Inventory and Documentation (Metadata)
PASDA will create FGDC standard metadata free of charge for any agency, organization, or data stakeholder.
The metadata will also be hosted by PASDA for the purposes of developing the state data inventory.
- Data Liaison Activities
PASDA staff work directly with state agencies to identify, document, and provide access to agency data.
PASDA works directly with state and federal agencies, local and regional governments, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions to
access to the widest variety of data possible. There is no fee to store or provide access to data via
the PASDA clearinghouse.
- Metadata Training
PASDA staff provide free metadata training and training in the use of PASDA for individual organizations and groups. PASDA offers formal training twice a year at different locations
throughout the Commonwealth. If you would like to participate in or host a metadata or PASDA training session, please contact pasda@psu.edu.
- Educational Outreach
PASDA works with non-profit organizations such as watershed groups and K-12 schools to promote the knowledge and use
of GIS. PASDA develops lessons, tutorials, and guidelines for new GIS users.
- Presentations & Seminars
PASDA staff offer seminars and presentations at meetings, conferences, and schools.
- User Assistance
PASDA is committed to providing timely user assistance with the PASDA website and the data available through PASDA. Since PASDA is not the originator of the data found on the site, specific questions about data sets are often best directed toward the data contact listed in the metadata. However, feel free to contact PASDA with any question
- Acquiring Data from PASDA Offline
All data on PASDA can be obtained on CD-ROM, DVD, or other media through a cooperative arrangement with the Pennsylvania State Data Center for a nominal charge.
