Data Conversion FAQs
What does "data conversion" mean?
GIS data conversion transforms data from its current format (usually paper maps or related sources) into a digital format. In some cases, the data is already in a digital format, but often this data is not compatible with the current system. Conversion of data from one digital format to a new digital format is referred to as data translation.
What does "data scrub" mean?
Data scrub is the process of preparing a source document for data conversion. It is done by redlining paper data sources so that they may be easily understood and interpreted by data conversion staff. The process serves to streamline data conversion and yields higher quality and capture rate of features and pieces of information being converted.
How do we know when to start scrubbing our data?
The nature of the source documents and the amount of scrub effort required to make sources "conversion ready" varies greatly among participants. When data needs to be scrubbed for inclusion within REGIS, a REGIS Agency staff member will identify and contact participants. At that time, scrub procedures and a conversion schedule will be distributed. Scrubbed documents need to be delivered to the REGIS Agency on or before the delivery deadline.
How can we be sure that the converted data is accurate?
After data has been converted to the proper format, a rigorous Data Acceptance Testing (DAT) program is administered. Data acceptance criteria are the guidelines that indicate the allowable error that will be considered acceptable in the data and the database. These criteria help ensure that every reasonable effort has been made to provide users with the highest quality data product available given money and schedule constraints.
Who can we call with questions?
For general data conversion questions regarding the schedule, or to review the Scrub Procedure Manual and/or the Data Acceptance Testing procedures document, contact your REGIS Project Coordinator. For questions about scrub delivery dates or overall questions about the data conversion process, contact Irene Serrano at (616) 776-7721.