One graduate student, working on his master's in hydrogeology, brings in data that he collects on his own. We convert that into a GIS database. Then he uses our computers and ArcView to design his own maps and reports. Individuals who primarily want to view GIS databases using the less formidable ArcView have access to computers in the library. The service is free.
Patrons can access any information that has been made public.
FTP is a UNIX server on the Internet and functions somewhat like a bulletin board without menus. When a data set is to be transferred to a client with Internet capabilities, NRIS will put the file into the FTP site instead of cutting a tape or a disk. NRIS often accesses USGS databases through the Internet, specifically, hydrography layers, water information, and digital elevation models. They also use data created by the U.S Census Bureau and the Bureau of Mines, and data created by state agencies as part of their regulatory mandates. Although it is now one of a dozen that we do, it was the one that got us started.