The New Jersey Geographic Information Network (NJGIN) is the successor to the New Jersey Spatial Data Clearinghouse. NJGIN provides a dynamic framework that allows geodata to be cataloged and accessed centrally, but hosted and managed locally. Through the NJGIN Explorer, users are able to search and retrieve geospatial metadata, downloadable data, web data services, GIS web services, static maps and documents, and other GIS resources.
Metadata, or "data about data," provide documentation of spatial data, describing content, quality, condition, and other characteristics of a data set. Well written metadata files benefit the data creators as well as data seekers and users. Proper documentation allows data to be used appropriately and can make it available for others to use as well. Conducting searches on metadata through clearinghouses allows users to obtain well-documented data in a timely and cost effective way.
The NJEDL is an online catalogue and collection of digitized environmental reference materials, materials not typically available from traditional sources. The NJEDL collection consists of materials produced by NJDEP, other state government agencies, local municipalities, non-government organizations, academic researchers, consultants, etc.