DASC provides remote backup of GIS data to local governments in Kansas for free.
The Local Data Backup service is designed to provide backup redundancy for local mapping data, particularly the top 20 GIS datasets needed in case of an emergency, and to facilitate the collection and delivery of this data to the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for planning and response activities.
Local governments enrolled in the data backup program can provide data on external hard drive, via DASC's secure FTP server, or by pushing database updates directly into an ArcSDE/Oracle account on DASC's database server. Typically, counties use an external hard drive for the initial data transfer and utilize the FTP server for incremental updates.
Program Highlights:
Data is housed at DASC and backed up 3 ways:
- Redundant Storage Area Network (SAN)
- Redundant Network Attached Storage (NAS)
- DASC backup system hosted at the Arkansas Geographic Information Office (AGIO)
DASC can provide you with an external harddrive for the initial transfer of your data. Please Contact DASC to arrange for shipment.
Unique username and password-protected accounts are provided for data with secure FTP access for each county/city. You manage your own data updates to the backup server.
Data is regularly synchronized with the Adjutant General's Department for use in emergency management and homeland security activities.
Local government GIS data will NOT be publicly distributed unless requested by data originator.
There is no charge for this backup service.
Metadata is not required for data backup.
As of October, 2009, the current status of Kansas counties using in our backup services included over 80% participation:
User Accounts:
Unique user names and passwords are created for each organization to have secure access to their data backed up at DASC. Contact DASC for your access information. See the detailed instructions explaining how to access your account.
Guidelines:
DASC has put together some guidelines for organizing your data on our off-site data backup server. In the event of an emergency, your data files need to be structured in a way that they can be accessed quickly and intuitively.
Zip together your GIS data into individual files or categories.
- Zip files allow all associated files (ex: .shp files need their associated .shx, .prj files, etc.) to be downloaded together
- Zip files are generally smaller than the raw data and will improve network transfer speed
Organize your data - create thematic/department data folders and use a descriptive name.
- Directory structure by theme: roads or transportation, hydrology, parcels, etc.
- Directory structure by dept: appraiser, public works, e911, etc.
Consider creating an "emergency" zip file that contains all data files needed in the event of an emergency. See the Top 20 GIS DATA list.
Include a document that lists the data stored in your backup directories: use the file title and include a short definition.
For example:- addpnt911 — County-wide house address points for e911 system
- fd2 — County-wide fire district boundaries
Once you log in, you will see your organization's directory with each data delivery in a "time stamped" subdirectory. DASC names each subdirectory using the date the data were received. Before you start to upload data to the backup server, create a new timestamp directory to house your files.
If you need to transfer a large volume of data (imagery), contact DASC and we will send you an external hard drive.
Metadata is encouraged but not required to participate in the DASC off-site data backup. Feel free to contact Eileen Battles (battles@kgs.ku.edu) with any metadata questions!
The maintenance schedule for transferring data is up to your organization. DASC will send a quarterly reminder email to your GIS contact.
What responders need in the event of an emergency
Provided by Kansas Homeland Security, South Central Homeland Security Region GIS Grant GAP Analysis, and the South Central Homeland Security GIS Technical Sub-Committee
Address Points
County Boundaries
Municipal Boundaries
Aerial Photography
Street Centerlines
Emergency Service Districts
Fire Hydrants
Fire Stations
Health Care Facilities
Railroad Lines
Fire Districts
Hydrography
School Districts
Educational Facilities (Primary, secondary, and post-secondary)
Communication Towers (First Responders)
Hazardous Material Storage Sites (Chemical Facilities)
Airports/Airfields
Emergency Shelters
Parcels
Large Gathering Locations (i.e. shopping malls, racetracks, parks, etc.)
Backing up your data using FTP
These instructions are also available in PDF format.
Use your own FTP client
To keep your data secure on DASC's servers, you will need to use an FTP (file transfer protocol) client. If you already have an FTP client, you can continue to use it with these settings:
Contact DASC (call 785-864-2000) to get a user name and password;
Use your FTP client to connect to DASC's FTP host at backup.kansasgis.org;
And connect using the default port settings (port 21) with the user name and password provided.
Download and install FileZilla
If you don't know if you have a suitable FTP client (or simply aren't sure), DASC recommends FileZilla, and has instructions for how to use it. FileZilla is free software.
Go to the FileZilla web site to download and install the latest recommended version for Windows or other operating systems.
Configure FileZilla to connect to DASC
Open the FileZilla software.
The application window looks like this:
From the File menu, choose Site Manager...
Click the New Site button.
On the left side, replace the default New Site name with DASC Secure Backup
On the right side, complete the remote connection information:
- Host: backup.kansasgis.org
- Port: 21
- Servertype: FTP - File Transfer Protocol
- Logontype: NORMAL
- User: your user name
- Password: your password
Click Connect. You will be prompted with this dialog box:
Be sure to check the box next to Always trust certificate in future sessions and then click OK.
You are now ready to use FTP to manage your data backup at DASC!
You can move files back and forth between your computer and DASC servers by dragging and dropping the file icons from the Local Site directory tree on the left side to the Remote Site on the right. For additional instructions, please download our FileZilla manual (PDF) or contact DASC if you have any questions.
