Van Buren County Expands Public Access to GIS Data Through New Online Portal

Screenshot of the Van Buren County DID GIS Data and Services Request Form

Van Buren County is proud to announce the launch of its new GIS Data Download Portal. Maintained by the Van Buren County Digital Information Department, this new platform provides residents, businesses, local governments, developers, and researchers with free, 24/7 access to a robust library of geographic information.

The launch of the portal reflects Van Buren County’s ongoing commitment to transparency, innovation, and efficient public service. By moving these frequently requested datasets online, the County is breaking down barriers to information, modernizing customer service, and supporting data-driven decision-making across our community.

Modernizing Public Information Access

Historically, acquiring GIS data required submitting a formal request for staff assistance and was often subject to processing fees. Recognizing the evolving technological landscape and changing public expectations, Van Buren County has moved forward with this open-data initiative. The transition aligns with a growing movement among public agencies to maximize transparency by making government information readily available whenever practical and appropriate.

By streamlining the data delivery process, the County is able to reduce administrative overhead and improve turnaround times. This automated system offers a faster, more convenient experience for the public while simultaneously freeing up County staff to dedicate more time and resources to high-value projects. These projects include local government support, emergency services initiatives, infrastructure planning, and other critical community services.

Available Datasets

The portal currently hosts a variety of foundational geographic datasets available for immediate download, including:

Parcel Boundaries
Address Points
Road Centerlines
Public Land Survey System (PLSS) Sections and Quarter Sections
Water Bodies and Railroads
Governmental Units, Voting Precincts, and County Commissioner Districts

Users can also formally request the County’s specialized Elevation GIS Data Package, which features:

1-Meter Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
1-Foot Contour Data

Together, these assets support a diverse range of local applications, from engineering and environmental analysis to economic development, agriculture, and academic research.

A Gateway to Regional Mapping Resources

Beyond the datasets hosted directly on the new portal, a wealth of complementary geographic data remains publicly available through various County, State, Federal, and regional agencies. This includes specialized layers such as county drain information, wetlands, floodplain mapping, soil data, and historic aerial imagery. While these external resources are maintained by their respective agencies and may be subject to separate access procedures, the new portal helps point users in the right direction.

Custom Services and Support

In addition to self-service data downloads, the portal functions as a central hub for the Digital Information Department’s broader suite of GIS services. While standard datasets are now entirely free, the public can still utilize the department for custom maps, specialized data extracts, advanced spatial analysis, and large-format printing. Projects requiring significant staff time, custom cartography, or physical printing will continue to be subject to standard labor and production fees in accordance with established County fee schedules.

“Geographic information is one of the County’s most valuable public resources. Providing free access to commonly requested GIS data improves transparency, reduces barriers to information, and helps ensure that residents, businesses, local governments, and partner agencies have convenient access to the information they need.”

— The Van Buren County Digital Information Department