Data layers and tables in most geographic information system (GIS) databases come from multiple organizations. Each GIS organization develops some, but not all, of its data content, and other layers come from external sources. This results in a system in which GIS data management is distributed among many users. GIS users are hungry for quality geographic information; therefore, there is a fundamental need for users to share their data. Vast resources of information are available today, but the task of finding exactly what you need and knowing the quality and currency of the information can be daunting.

Furthermore, users often duplicate data collection work. While collaborative efforts are often used, massive duplication of GIS datasets is quite common and costly. Bottom line: GIS users need a mechanism to efficiently catalog and search for available geographic information and to openly share this information.