The following words and terms have the following meanings when used in this chapter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

1. (1) Geographic dataset--Digital data that illustrate and describe some characteristic of the earth's surface or a region near the earth's surface. A geographic dataset employs a defined, earth-based coordinate system that allows its use in a geographic information system. For the purposes of this rule, geospatial has the same meaning as geographic.
2. (2) Geographic dataset enhancement--Substantial alteration of a geographic dataset that increases its usefulness through the addition or modification of attribute (tabular) data fields, improvements in spatial accuracy, or extension of geographic coverage.
3. (3) Geographic information system (GIS)--A system of computer hardware, software, and procedures used to store, analyze, and display geographic data and related tabular data in a geographic context to solve complex planning and management problems in a wide variety of applications.
4. (4) Geospatial metadata--A description of the characteristics of a geographic dataset recorded in a standard format. Characteristics include data content, quality, purpose, condition, format, spatial coordinate system, availability, etc. The Federal Geographic Data Committee has defined a formal content standard for digital geospatial metadata for use by federal agencies.
5. (5) GIS map product--A geographic representation, in paper or electronic format, displaying features from one or more geographic datasets. Small scale images that are clearly intended only for graphic illustration within a larger publication are not considered to be GIS map products.
6. (6) State Agency--A department, commission, board, office, council, authority, or other agency, including an institution of higher education, in the executive or judicial branch of state government, that is created by the constitution or a statute of this state.
7. (7) State Geographic Information Officer (GIO)--The official coordinating, establishing, supporting, and monitoring geographic information technology in Texas pursuant to Water Code §16.021(c). The GIO serves as deputy executive administrator of the Texas Geographic Information Office (TxGIO) within the Texas Water Development Board.
8. (8) Strategic Mapping (StratMap) datasets--Geographic datasets identified by the state Geographic Information Officer as high priority for acquisition or enhancement, developed or acquired by state agencies, including institutions of higher education, or other Texas government entities, and intended for sharing and integration into a single statewide compilation.
9. (9) Texas Geographic Information Office--TxGIO, formerly known as Texas Natural Resources Information System (TNRIS).

Source Note:The provisions of this §353.102 adopted to be effective July 19, 2020, 45 TexReg 4774; amended to be effective March 5, 2025, 50 TexReg 1693.