This dataset is one of several available datasets related to California counties that were created as a group designed to work in topological sync with each other. Further details about these paired datasets can be found in their respective metadata. Further details about the full process and update notes can be found in the GDB container metadata.

This specific dataset represents the basic (ie simplified) county dataset without the extra coding that can be found in the "full" dataset. In this dataset, all bays (plus bay islands and constructed features) are merged into the mainland, and coastal features (such as islands and constructed features) are not included, with the exception of the Channel Islands which ARE included. This dataset is the same as the cnty_basic, except for the addition of the Channel Islands.