VGIN was established in 1997 in Virginia Code to “foster the creative utilization of geographic information and oversee the development of a catalog of GIS data available in the Commonwealth.” Core functions of VGIN are:
- Develop and recommend policies and guidelines required to support state and local government exchange, acquisition, storage, use, sharing and distribution of geographic or base map data and related technologies
- Compile a data catalog consisting of descriptions of GIS coverages maintained by individual state and local government agencies
- Setting priorities for the development of state digital geographic data and base maps that meet the needs of state agencies, institutions of higher education, and local governments
- Provide services, geographic data products, and access to the repository at rates established by the Division
Source: Virginia Code § 2.2-2026 and § 2.2-2027
Strategic Planning
GIS Strategic Plan 2020-2022: Strategic Plan | Story Map
GIS Strategic Plan 2015 to 2020
GIS Strategic Plan 2010 to 2015
Standards and Work Groups
GIS Education and Advocacy & Outreach
Base Map Data Layers
VGIN Geospatial Data Services
VGIN Services include the statewide metadata and data clearinghouse portal, hosted web mapping services and applications and geospatial needs assessment and project management services. Learn more here.
State and Local Government GIS Surveys
2012 State Agency GIS User Survey – Poster of Graphic Results from State Agency GIS Survey