Ortho from Arkansas 2006 statewide program
The emphasis on state-level GIS coordination is becoming increasingly important as local, state, and federal agencies work to maximize the value of geospatial expenditures through shared funding and data access. For an insider's take on the relationship between technology and GIS user needs within state government, we talked to Learon Dalby, GIS program manager with the Arkansas Geographic Information Office. Dalby also serves as the current president of the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC).
As a statewide GIS program manager, what geospatial technologies do you believe provide the biggest return on investment for taxpayers?
In Arkansas, web service technologies have changed the way we do business. Historically, the challenge was simply distributing data. Now, using geospatial technologies behind web-based applications, we have opened the door to numerous opportunities that automate routine tasks and reduce duplication of effort.
The flipside is, as we run applications that provide a slick interface and efficient answers to users' questions, the geospatial data itself is becoming more transparent. That makes it easier for non-technical users to lose sight of the importance and cost of accurate source data.
How can states and local governments position themselves to make the most of existing geospatial capabilities available in the commercial sector?
In terms of keeping up on geospatial technologies and cost-saving solutions, I think attending conferences and workshops is one of the best avenues available to state and local governments. Outside of these venues, I also frequently talk with professional service providers to see where our state can improve its services to the public.
I think it is equally important for state and local governments to make sure that the commercial sector has access to our most recent and accurate data. Doing so helps ensure that after-market commercial products incorporate the very best data possible, whether they are online mapping tools, road centerline products, or other third-party application.
So, is it your take that publicly-procured geospatial data should be made publicly available?
The State of Arkansas has made a policy decision that any data developed with state funds must be made publicly available. We simply won't engage in a project that doesn't allow public access to the data.
What are some of the technical challenges related to creating a sustainable and effective statewide GIS program?
The technology comes and goes with the seasons. But no technology can replace the hard part; creating and maintaining trust with partners. That includes service providers, decision-makers…anyone involved in the process. The real success ingredient of our state GIS coordination business is building relationships.
From your perspective, what strengths do service providers bring to these types of coordination efforts? For instance, the building of strategic and GIS business plans?
There are times when a government employee cannot advocate or is limited from advocating for an issue. The private sector isn't bound by this problem and can be useful in gaining political champions, obtaining sustainable funding, connecting agencies to partners on data projects, and solving other related problems.
What are some of the reasons a government employee is unable to advocate on an issue?
First, let me say, we are fortunate in Arkansas. We can advocate to any group for support and information. There are a number of GIOs [geospatial information offices], however, that aren't allowed this autonomy—not in a political sense. In these cases, the only option available is to get outside assistance.
Are there common technology misconceptions you face in your day-to-day role as GIS program manager? What do you see as the source of these misconceptions and what are some potential solutions?
I often see several misconceptions:
Satellites provide live feeds of streaming imagery all of the time that can be accessed by anyone at a moment's notice via the World Wide Web. This idea has resulted in some interesting requests. The misconception is due in large part to Hollywood, and is usually resolved with a brief discussion.
Coordinating offices make all of the geospatial data. This is not true in the State of Arkansas. The Arkansas Geographic Information Office (AGIO) mission is to coordinate, educate, and disseminate geospatial data. The AGIO makes every effort to change this perception problem. Geospatial data is created at all levels of government, academia, and the private sector. Data custodians/sources are referenced in the clearinghouse datasets, maps, and/or related informational presentations.
The worst misconception is that quality data is readily available to make sound policy decisions in an instant.
How has the mainstreaming of geospatial data by online mapping tools altered your mission?
The mainstreaming of geospatial data has not altered the mission of the AGIO so much as it has amplified it. Our mission is still to coordinate, we just a have a few more friends to work with and more general interest in our domain expertise/offerings. Some states have experienced problems with their budget process, because online tools appear to be a source of data to legislators and budget analysts. On the positive side, these services have increased the public interest and appetite for geospatial technologies.
Are you seeing requirements from users to provide access to geospatial data in new ways? Are the user groups expanding?
Definitely. Users and uses of geospatial technologies—not just GIS—have been expanding for some time. As technologically savvy personnel enter the workforce, they are beginning to see that everything has a location. This understanding, along with the delivery of all-digital datasets is fueling a requirement from more and more agencies and departments to use geospatial data in their decision-making processes.
Rapid response is a good example. Nationwide, extensive disasters and common online mapping applications have accelerated the demand for quality, timely geospatial data. In Arkansas, we've responded to several disasters over the past 3 years with several successful new applications of geospatial technologies.
What about merging datasets of various sources? Is this another area where you are seeing growth?
There has always been a need to merge datasets from various sources, but the need for data-driven decisions, demand for government analytics, and the awareness of existing geospatial applications is definitely expanding merging opportunities. For instance, the Arkansas Oil & Gas Commission wanted to display all of their wells online. The only geospatial dataset they create is oil and gas wells. Roads provided by Arkansas counties, imagery provided by the state, and topographic maps by the USGS were "merged" into the application. This provided context regarding where the wells are located.
How has public policy helped shape geospatial technology development (i.e., need for data dissemination, archiving, etc.)?
All levels of government are seeing the need to utilize GIS in their decision-making (business) processes. Unfortunately, funding to meet the pertinent objectives has not all followed. There is recognition for the value of data, just not the funding to support all the necessary data acquisition and development.
Imagery for the Nation (IFTN), a NSGIC-supported initiative, seems to be making real headway. Do you think the private sector is armed with the technology needed to bring this ambitious undertaking to fruition?
Every time new initiatives like IFTN have emerged from other programs--such as the National Agriculture Imagery Program in the case of IFTN--the private sector has risen to meet the challenge. NSGIC believes that the private sector can equally meet the challenges that a fully functional IFTN program will bring. The issue of service provider capacity is being examined now by one of the FGDC [Federal Geographic Data Committee] groups that was established to foster the implementation of IFTN, and we hope to learn the results before the end of this year. We know, however, that it will be much easier for the private sector to enhance its capabilities if a program with sustained funding is in place.
Three years from now, what factors do you think will drive the use of geospatial technologies by state and local governments?
1. Workforce: the workforce is becoming more technology oriented and will demand that geospatial technologies be used as part of a business-driven solution.
2. Online mapping sites: local and state governments always want to put their best foot forward and online mapping sites provide a medium for this in terms of promoting economic development, parks and recreation, natural resource management, and emergency response. This will drive the need for geospatial data creation and maintenance.
3. Economics: GIS users have generally not done a good job of demonstrating the return on investment. However, the proliferation of geospatial technology applications and use are going to overcome this failure, especially in light of recent strains on our state, national, and global economy when more creative solutions to service delivery are being explored.
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