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GIS Standards

TCEQ's spatial data standards include locational accuracy, data fields, and metadata. TCEQ will update these data standards and best practices as the agency continues the adaptation of the latest innovations in geospatial technology.

Locational Accuracy

Following the federal 25-meter accuracy standard, at least 90% of the data features must be within 25 meters of their true ground location. Coordinates should be carried out to at least 4 decimal places in order to comply with this standard.

TCEQ will strive to continuously increase the accuracy of our spatial data sets.

Data Fields

All TCEQ spatial datasets include the below-listed attribute table columns.

  • Latitude in Decimal Degrees – includes at least 4 decimal places for accuracy and in most cases should not exceed the spatial boundary of Texas.
  • Longitude in Decimal Degrees – includes at least 4 decimal places for accuracy and in most cases should not exceed the spatial boundary of Texas.
  • Horizontal Method – a code that defines the collection method of the reported coordinates. Code definitions will be included in the metadata of the specified dataset.
  • Horizontal Accuracy – measurement assessment of the horizontal accuracy of the reported location expressed in meters.
  • Horizontal Reference – a description of the coordinate location within the facility.
  • Horizontal Date – the date on which the coordinate was collected.
  • Horizontal Organization – the organization that collected the coordinate.
  • Horizontal Datum – the datum used to collect the coordinate.
  • Horizontal Description – this describes the precise location of the coordinate if the Horizontal Reference value is not sufficient.

Metadata

TCEQ follows the Geospatial Metadata Standards and Guidelines set by the Federal Geographic Data Committee. 

Legal Disclaimer

Texas Senate Bill 442, Legislative Session 82(R) amended Government Code Chapter 2051, Subchapter D (Geospatial Data Products), Section 2051.102 (b) . In response, all maps, spatial datasets, and cartographic products include the following disclaimer:

This map was generated by the [INSERT DIVISION HERE] of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. This product is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for or be suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. It does not represent an on-the-ground survey and represents only the approximate relative location of property boundaries. For more information concerning this map, contact the [INSERT DIVISION HERE] at [INSERT PHONE NUMBER HERE].