The DC GIS program in the District's Chief Technology Office (OCTO) is pleased to announce that a newly crafted District of Columbia basemap will be released on August 8, 2015.

Why should you be excited? Given the continued development and growth in the District, it was critical we take on this cartographic project. It ensures the basemap better represents the real world and is pleasing to the eye.  It is our goal to have the DC basemap be an integral starting point for all print and web maps here in DC. It includes foundation map layers derived from the most recent base data collection done in 2013.  The original  basemap was created in 2009 with piecemeal updates over the years.

Some of the new map layers include reservoir grounds, new parks and streets which provide a better spatial reference point.  Also important was to ensure that labeling was updated to reflect any name changes around DC.  Small but necessary details such as the New York Avenue metro station name change to NoMa-Gallaudet U and Navy Yard to Navy Yard - Ballpark.  As you can imagine, this took some serious attention and patience.

The update will be seamless in that the current basemap will be swapped out.  Users should expect to see the new  basemap on DC government web applications, mobile apps and any map documents created with GIS software (ArcGIS).  However, we do plan to keep the current basemap accessible for the time being.  Final details for this release will be sent early next week.  Stay tuned!

Questions regarding the DC Basemap should be sent to [email protected].