About WhiteStar Data

• What's wrong with "free" internet data?
• Why should I use WhiteStar data?
• What if I need a custom solution?

What's wrong with "free" internet data?
While an astonishing variety of cartography is available on the internet, it rarely has the geographic coverage you want or is in a format that can be used directly with your mapping package. In order to make use of most public domain data, you need to download the data, obtain a translator, learn the capabilities and limitations of the translation software, determine the quality of the data sets and suitability of scale, integrate different map projections, and figure out how to tile project files together. Sometimes you get lucky and find exactly the data you want in the formats you need. More often you spend hours, days, or even weeks finding, formatting, and editing data until it meets your requirements.

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Why should I buy WhiteStar data?
WhiteStar has spent years acquiring and enhancing nationwide databases for a variety of cartographic products from sources such as USGS, BLM, Forest Service, and Census Bureau. Their efforts ensure that you can quickly get the data you want for the areas you need. WhiteStar products are known for seamless coverage, verified data quality and accuracy, and fast delivery in the formats your software requires. This means that you get better maps faster!

Specific time and effort savings for you include:

• Conversion of data to a common coordinate sytem
• Conversion of data to appropriate layers in your CAD system
• Clipping of data to county boundaries
• Appropriate labeling of streams and roads along their length
• Inclusion of road centerlines and multiple road widths
• Documentation of data layers
• Assistance with data use and loading

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What if I need a custom solution?
WhiteStar's in-house databases meet most clients' needs; if you need something else, we can create it for you using our Custom Data Development Process. Our custom data products are designed and implemented by geoscientists and engineers who listen to and understand your unique requirements. For every custom project, appropriate public and private data sources are identified and obtained. Data are then converted to the appropriate format and integrated with in-house data sets to provide the attributes required for your application. All data attributes and conversion methods are completely documented. Finally, data loading instructions are delivered with the products to facilitate a hassle-free data solution. After delivery, we continue to support you with toll-free technical assistance. WhiteStar Custom Data allows you to focus on what you do best!

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