Data & Tools

The SCAG Data Services Program started in the late 1980s with the goal of providing the preeminent source of information for Southern California. The program models an accessible and effective policy for distributing geospatial data and other information. We believe strongly in providing data services to stakeholders that we have incorporated this philosophy into the SCAG Strategic Plan.

Local governments, public agencies, consultants, academics and students use SCAG data services in plans, studies, analyses and presentations. Our services are available to all users at no cost. 

Accuracy of the data is a primary concern for SCAG’s data services. SCAG also organizes and maintains datasets to help users efficiently interested parties to efficiently access and apply the data.

scAG DATA SERVICES goals:

• Provide better access to data
• Partner with local governments and public agencies on data standardization
• Enable more diversified users of local government data
• Provide local governments and SCAG with cost savings through data sharing and, when feasible, consortiums 
• Lead the adoption of data maintenance, data updates and metadata documentation as part of the normal data distribution process

The SCAG GIS Services Program started in the late 1980s to create the preeminent source of information for the Southern California region. The purpose of the program is to derive and promote a model policy for distributing geospatial data and other information developed and maintained at SCAG. 

program goals 

• Make geographic information and data more accessible.
• Partner with local governments and public agencies on data standardization.
• Generate opportunities for local governments to find more and diversified users for their data.
• Create cost savings for local governments by sharing data and establishing consortiums when feasible.
• Make maintenance, updates and metadata documentation an accepted part of the data distribution process.

Through the GIS Services Program, SCAG offers specialized software training and data assistance to its member jurisdictions. The GIS Services Program promotes data sharing and updating to enhance region-wide GIS data standardization and helps SCAG maintain effective working relationships with its member cities and key stakeholder agencies. Services include training, data conversion, simple application development and more. These resources help local agencies leverage their assets better to become more efficient, save money, and/or provide new services to their residents and businesses. SCAG’s conservative estimate of savings to local participating jurisdictions is $2 million.

The SCAG GIS Services Program is available to government agencies and private businesses free of cost to inform plans, studies, analyses and presentations. The SCAG GIS Services Program is supported by skilled researchers, statisticians, demographers, economists and GIS technicians with a long history in the industry. Since 2010, the GIS Services Program has provided data support, day-to-day GIS problem-solving and GIS training for 79 local jurisdictions and two partner agencies. 

SCAG is implementing an enterprise GIS to develop and disseminate information to interested parties. We are completing our digital geographic databases and are focused on data distribution and standardization.

Resources

ESRI is the world’s leading provider of GIS technologies. Their main site allows users to become acquainted with the benefits and capabilities of GIS.

ESRI Software Training is available for all levels of GIS (introductory, intermediate, advanced), oftentimes for free.

ESRI’s ArcGIS Online allows users to build and deploy simple web-based mapping applications at no cost.

Urban and Regional Information Systems Association, an association for GIS professionals, offers GIS trainings and certifications.

SCAG utilizes an integrated analytical framework to develop growth projections, travel forecasts, and emissions estimates to support the region’s various planning programs. 

The primary functions of SCAG’s Modeling and Forecasting Department include:

• Working collaboratively with local jurisdictions to develop socioeconomic growth forecasts as required for regional and local planning. 
• Providing modeling services for the development and implementation of SCAG’s plans, programs, and projects. 
• Developing and maintaining SCAG’s various analytical tools and data to more effectively forecast travel demand and estimate resulting air quality. 
• Providing member services through a robust subregional modeling and data distribution program. 
• Promoting state-of-the-art modeling practices. 
• Coordinating modeling activities within the SCAG region. 

In addition, SCAG also maintains a robust subregional modeling and data service program essential to analyze many of the region’s projects and programs. 

SCAG develops and applies state-of-the-art models to support SCAG’s planning programs. These models include: 

• Activity-Based Model 
• Air Quality Model 
• Growth Forecast and Allocation Models 
• Heavy-Duty Truck Model 
• Land Use Model 
• Scenario Planning Model 

Demographic profile summary reports for each of the 197 cities in the SCAG region and the unincorporated areas in each of the six counties based on data provided through the SCAG SoCal Atlas tool. The most recent SoCal Atlas Jurisdictional reports are available for download below.

Contact

For additional information, please contact:

Mike Gainor
Senior Regional Planner
(213) 236-1822
gainor@scag.ca.gov