Maine

Maine's GIS program is a partnership between the Maine Office of GIS (MEGIS) and the Maine Geolibrary Board. Both organizations were established by legislation with the overall purpose of increasing the utilization, ease of access, and widespread distribution of geospatial data to benefit Maine’s citizenry.

MEGIS has 5 full time staff with an annual budget of $1.4 million. The Maine Geolibrary Board consists of 15 appointed professionals representing a wide variety of state, local, and private users of geospatial data.

Maine conducted an analysis of return on investment (ROI) in 2012 and found it to be at least 4:1 and potentially as high as 12:1 based upon savings it could achieve over an alternative of multiple entities investing in individual projects.  

Things to Emulate

1. The entire system is established by statute which ensures continuity. 
2. MEGIS staff are dedicated to managing the technology for statewide deployment.  
3. Participation of state, local, and private partners on the GeoLibrary Board helps meet needs of all stakeholders.