Data Construction

The Structures and Addresses database integrates structures and address spatial data from local, state, federal and private data providers into a standardized database. Information about some structures in Montana are considered sensitive data and therefore are not suitable for inclusion in this public dataset.

Structures and Addresses data changes frequently. This statewide dataset relies on local governments, primarily counties, to aid in the development and maintenance of structures data, where possible. Some counties have complete structures themes with address and structure type attribution, while others have structures layers with little or no attribution or only have partial county coverage.

This framework data does not require data providers to alter their existing databases or business processes, rather the data is converted as necessary and standards are enforced as the data is integrated into this statewide dataset. However, Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) systems will likely cause local government GIS data schemas to be evaluated for use with this technology.

Currently, there is one Theme Lead staff member working about 95% time on stewardship tasks for the dataset.

Stewardship of Structures and Addresses consists of obtaining local and tribal government datasets on a routine basis and integrating them into a single database with Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes. A handful of local governments maintain FTP/HTTP sites for downloading their datasets, and in these instances updates can be performed frequently and without the need to personally contact the local government. To obtain data from most local governments, they or their GIS services contactor need to be contacted via email or phone to have an updated dataset emailed to the theme lead. After obtaining the data, the theme lead uses a customized ETL process for each data provider to load their addresses into the statewide database. At the time of a local government update, other data that is contained within the local government boundary is also reviewed and updated, as needed. Currently, this work is performed by a single FTE.