For most datasets at OCTO GIS, a common set of items exists to name, locate, link, and ID each record.  These items are:

• GIS_ID (String, 16) – This item contains the primary DC GIS key for the dataset.  GIS IDs will be implemented as a standard for capturing and managing features at OCTO GIS.  Each feature that is created or updated by staff at OCTO GIS will automatically have a unique GIS ID associated with it.  Automated programs and checks will ensure the assignment and uniqueness of these ids.
• NAME (String, 60) – This item contains the primary or common name of the feature.
• AID (Integer) (if appropriate) – A foreign key to the Master Address Repository
• WEB_URL (String, 125) (if appropriate) – This item holds the web link related to the site.  In most cases, this contains a link to the web site of the organization the feature represents.  It can also be an appropriate “dc.gov” link where available.  Otherwise, it should be an indirect url to a web site describing the feature, such as a non-profit organization.  Commercial urls should be avoided (i.e. McDonalds, Starbucks, etc.).
• Feature updated date – A time stamp recorded at the time a change was made to an individual feature.

A layer may not require all of these items, but the analyst should review these specifications in designing the attribute table appropriately:  Each layer will have a GIS_ID.  Column names shall not exceed 25 characters in length.  Hyphens and spaces are not allowed.  Instead, underscores can be used to separate column words.  Column names should be in all uppercase.