City of Asheville

Index of Computer Databases

The City of Asheville has many databases, each of which falls into one of three main groupings: mainframe databases, departmental databases, and Geographic Information System databases. Each grouping has its own index or "table of contents".

The mainframe databases are indexed alphabetically by application name. There is one database library for each application. For each application, the database library name, the data owner, and the update frequency is provided. Each database library is comprised of several files, which are listed by file name and description. The actual file layout of each file is provided, which identifies the name, type, length and description of each data field within the file. An asterisk at the end of the field name denotes each field that is restricted from public access. A double asterisk at the end of the database library name or file name indicates that the data may be restricted on a case by case basis. A triple asterisk at the end of the database library name or file name indicates that the complete database library or file is restricted from public access. The format of the information can be provided electronically as an unformatted (plain) text file; as an ASCII "Comma Separated Value" file; as an Excel spreadsheet file; and as Access, FoxPro, and dBase databases.

Distribution Media of Mainframe Databases Unit Cost

8 ˝" X 11" single-sided hardcopy $0.03
8 ˝" X 11" double-sided hardcopy $0.05
Diskette (3 ˝" floppy) $0.19
Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) $0.49
Zip Disk $10.25
8mm Cartridge Tape – depending on the request $10.00
E-mail attachment (of ten megabytes or less) $0.0

The departmental databases are indexed alphabetically by department. Within department, each database is indexed alphabetically by user directory/subdirectory/database name. The description and update frequency for each database is provided. Each database may be comprised of more than one file. The actual file layout of each file is provided, which identifies the name, type, and length of each field within the file. An asterisk at the end of the field name denotes each field that is restricted from public access. A double asterisk at the end of the database name or file name indicates that the data may be restricted on a case by case basis. A triple asterisk at the end of the database name or file name indicates that the complete database or file is restricted from public access. The format of the information can be provided electronically as an unformatted (plain) text file; as an ASCII "Comma Separated Value" file; as an Excel spreadsheet file; and as Access, FoxPro, and dBase databases.

Distribution Media of Departmental Databases Unit Cost

8 ˝" X 11" single-sided hardcopy $0.03
8 ˝" X 11" double-sided hardcopy $0.05
Diskette (3 ˝" floppy) $0.19
Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) $0.49
Zip Disk $10.25
E-mail attachment (of ten megabytes or less) $0.0

The Geographic Information System (GIS) databases are indexed alphabetically by layer attribute table name. For each GIS layer attribute table, a description and update frequency are provided. An asterisk at the end of a field name indicates that it is restricted from public access. GIS data is treated as a qualified exception under the Public Records law in Chapter 132-10. The City of Asheville will provide GIS data at reasonable cost, and may require the entity obtaining a copy of the data to agree in writing that the copy will not be resold or otherwise used for trade or commercial purposes. GIS data is provided in ESRI ArcView Shapefile format.

Distribution Media of GIS Databases Unit Cost

11" X 17" copy of existing map - Black & White $4.00
11" X 17" copy of existing map - Color $10.00
18" X 24" copy of existing map - Black & White $5.00
18" X 24" copy of existing map - Color $20.00
36" X 48" copy of existing map - Black & White $6.00
36" X 48" copy of existing map - Color $25.00
Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) $25.00
Zip Disk $35.00

All requests for computer database public records should be submitted in writing to the City Clerk’s Office, P.O. Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802. Requests for public records that require an extensive amount of resources may be assessed a special service charge in addition to the unit cost of the media.