In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Cost of providing the system product” means the cost to: create, develop, and produce a new system product in printed, hard copy, digital, or other format; or reproduce an existing system product in printed, hard copy, digital, or other format. “Governmental unit” means: the State or a political subdivision, unit, or instrumentality of the State; a unit or instrumentality of a political subdivision of the State; a bicounty agency; or a combination of the entities specified in items (1) through (3) of this subsection. “System” means an automated mapping–geographic information system in which geographically referenced data: are entered and stored electronically; and can be manipulated to display selected geographic data. “System” includes data that define physical and nonphysical elements of geographically referenced areas. “System products” means drawings, maps, photographs, or any other depiction, representation, or compilation of spatial data produced in printed, digital, hard copy, or other format.

The General Assembly finds that: automated mapping–geographic information system products have value to the general public; and automated mapping–geographic information system products that are developed at public expense should not be unreasonably withheld from private commercial users of geographic information, but should not provide a public subsidy to private commercial users.

This subtitle is applicable to system products established or maintained by any governmental unit. Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, to the extent of any inconsistency, Title 4, Subtitles 1 through 5 of the General Provisions Article do not apply to this subtitle.

A governmental unit may adopt a fee structure for system products that will: make system products available at a cost consistent with the requirements of this subtitle; and cover the cost of providing the system product and an additional charge of no more than $50. A governmental unit may sell system products to the general public for a fee that reasonably reflects the cost of providing the system product. A governmental unit: may reduce or waive the fees that it charges for system products that are to be used for a public purpose; and shall apply its reduction or waiver of the fees uniformly among persons who are similarly situated.