A primary goal of the DC GIS program is to make geospatial data and metadata available. Quality variations among data sets are normal. For example, a point layer of geodetic monuments must be extremely accurate to be useful. While it may be almost impossible to produce a complete and accurate layer of lead underground water service pipes, such a data set is extremely useful to people who understand its limitations. Ultimately, the OCTO GIS manager has the authority to select from the data made available by agencies, deemed to be appropriate and of sufficient quality, to make available through the DC GIS.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) have always been a vital part of GIS work because they allow users to ensure a level of accuracy and quality for all published datasets. Standardizing QC efforts is equally important, because otherwise data could be made available that has not been QC-ed prior to its publication. Handling these datasets can be burdensome without a standardized process for handling specific types of data. Hence, efficient standardized QC processes are incorporated into the maintenance program at OCTO GIS.

While source agencies have varying levels of agency QC standards, having published core standards for data distribution and storage, permits appropriate QA/QC tools. Moreover, exploiting ArcSDE attribute domains, subtypes, and topology will further check and standardize data.  OCTO GIS works with agencies to license and/or develop tools to help spatial data editors measure and improve adherence to quality goals.