Rule 110-12-9-.03. Mapping Standards

Rule 110-12-9-.03. Mapping Standards

1. (1) Requirements for Data Submission. If a party elects or is required to provide a map within the SDS, the geospatial data used in producing such maps must be submitted to the Department in a GIS (Geographic Information System) digital vector data format simultaneously with the submission of the SDS. The submission shall meet the technical standards as promulgated by the Department. These standards are outlined in the "Service Delivery Strategy Technical Specifications for Data, Mapping, and Document Assembly" guidance document, located on the Department's website.

2. (2) Map Elements for Service Area Maps. Maps visually represented in the SDS document shall be created using mapping software such as ArcGIS or QGIS that enables compliance with the data requirements detailed by the Department's website. Maps produced by any other method (e.g., by hand on a printed map, using a computer-based "painting" or "drawing" program to place shapes on top of a map, etc.), will not be verified. Any map verified in previous iterations of the SDS which do not conform with these standards must be recreated in a manner that complies with current standards and must be included as a component of the next SDS submitted for verification.

   At minimum, one county-level map (zoomed to the visible extent of the county) must be provided for each service being mapped and visually represented in the SDS document. Each map visually represented in the SDS document shall conform to the requirements, below:

   1. (a) Layers. Each service area map must clearly show one or more Service Area Boundary Layers and one or more of the following layers as appropriate: County LayerMunicipal Boundary Layer*Parcel Layer (As desired by the Parties and as practical in the scale of the map, most likely only useful in an inset map. Data must be provided as discussed above, whether the layer is shown or not.)*Census Tract Layer (As desired by the Parties and as practical in the scale of the map, most likely only useful in an inset map. Data must be provided as discussed above, whether the layer is shown or not.)
   2. (b) Title. A title shall be provided on each map, clearly indicating what service is being provided to what service area. The title must match exactly the name used on the submitted Form 1 "General Instructions" and the Form 2 "Summary of Service Delivery Arrangements" corresponding to the specific service being mapped. (For instance, "2026 Sample County Sewer Map".)
   3. (c) Legend. A clear legend is required that defines any markings (colors, symbols, gradients, etc.) used on the map. The legend shall reflect all markings on the map, and the map should reflect all items defined in the legend. The legend shall be consistent with the information provided in corresponding SDS forms.
   4. (d) Map Scale. A map scale shall provide accurate linear relation information.
   5. (e) North Arrow. The north arrow shall be obviously located and shall clearly illustrate which direction on the map is 'North'.
   6. (f) Labels and Wayfinding Aids. Labels shall be included where appropriate to provide bearing and map clarity (for instance, to mark interstates or large roads). Transportation facilities (key roads, and highways) and other easily recognizable characteristics of the mapped territory should be incorporated into maps to facilitate users' orientation and interpretation of the boundaries and areas of mapped service areas. If the map is countywide or large-scale, labels should mark the location of cities within the county. Labels shall be consistent with the descriptors used in corresponding SDS forms.

   7. (g) Resolution and Scale. Care must be exercised in creating the map to ensure that all map features can be readily discerned (e.g., not blurry) and are presented at a size that facilitates their use.

      For small service areas or geographies with multiple service providers in a small area, the SDS document shall include one or more inset maps which visually represent geographies smaller than the full extent of the county. This inset map should be provided at the visible extent necessary to clearly illustrate and document service area boundaries while containing all required layers listed above.

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 36-70-23.1; 36-70-26(d).

History. Original Rule entitled "Mapping Standards" adopted. F. Nov. 25, 2025, eff. Jan. 1, 2026, as specified by the Agency.