The credo of the 1-minute cartographer rests on three ideas: the need to clearly appraise what the map needs, the knowledge of how to make the appropriate edits, and the ability to evaluate the results. These are the secrets of the 1-minute cartographer – 1-minute appraisals, 1-minute fixes, and one minute evaluations. Design principles and common-sense cartography underpin the short- and long-term success of your maps. In this session, we teach you some fundamental design principles (color selection, typography, page layout, etc.) and how to use them for map making with ArcGIS. You'll also learn where to get help when you're stuck, and how to know you got the job done right. In the end, you'll be equipped with an arsenal of tips and tricks to design better maps and make them "come to life" with ArcGIS.
Designing and producing maps and graphics that communicate well is challenging. We here often from GIS users that they are rarely afforded the time they wish for map design. Ken will present his ‘Top 10’ cartographic design considerations that the lab employs regularly, whether the project has several months available for design or several minutes. Examples from several of the Lab’s completed and on-going projects will be presented to illustrate cartographic design principles, methods, and work-flow strategies that have been successfully applied in the UO InfoGraphics Lab.
The Bob, Bob, Bob & Dean Show – The Secrets of Collaboration Revealed
Moderator, Bob Haas, Deschutes County
This session will provide an opportunity to learn about three very successful projects that have involved a high level of collaboration. In addition to providing information about the projects, the presenters will share their insights into what made these collaborative projects successful as well as offering advice on what situations to avoid. The session will also encourage attendees to share their success stories and the keys to their success. The session will be in a panel format and as the title suggests, we hope to make it entertaining.
Crater Lake National Park is currently developing a Cultural Resources GIS (CR-GIS) database based on National Park Service (NPS) standards. This effort requires collaboration between multiple divisions at the park and coordination with regional and national offices with the NPS. Challenges include linking existing digital data, such as building footprints, to external databases such as FMSS; digitizing archaeological data that exists only on paper; and of course getting all participants to speak the same language.
Practical benefits apply to many park programs beyond cultural resources, such as accessibility for visitors with disabilities, building and facilities management, structural fire, and trail upgrades. Additionally, there is some interesting background behind the development of the NPS standards, including an intense but successful field-test of the draft standards following Hurricane Katrina.
***NOTE*** This could also fit into the Natural Resources Track. I am flexible either way. ***
Steven Jett, Oregon DEQ Land Quality Division GIS Coordinator
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), funded by the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, and in partnership with the Oregon Public Health Division and Portland State University’s Center for Spatial Analysis and Research, has created a response tool aimed at providing key geographic information needed to guide response efforts to emergency response personnel – the Oregon Incident Response Information System (OR-IRIS). Affectionately nicknamed the Oregon Map of Everything, OR-IRIS leverages existing GIS datasets useful to understanding the natural, physical and jurisdictional setting of a hazardous release so that a safe, appropriate and efficient response can be conducted. OR-IRIS consists of pre-packaged GIS layers within a common projection, in an ordered group/sequence designed to provide critical information first, and in a format that allows for exploration and analysis by those without advanced GIS skills. Through collaboration with Portland State University’s Center for Spatial Analysis and Research, the cost for the first generation of the project has been kept impressively low. The impact of the project is not yet known, but promises to increase public safety and the quality of Oregon’s environment well beyond its modest costs to develop.
Forests and rangelands of the western United States are vulnerable to environmental stresses and disturbances such as fire, insect infestation, disease, invasive species, drought, and development. These stresses can have significant and long-lasting effects on ecological and socioeconomic values. Land managers need state-of-the-art information and tools that help them anticipate and solve problems. Many geospatial datasets describing these threats to wildlands have been created; what is lacking is comprehensive viewing application displaying and summarizing these threats and their spatial co-occurrence with highly valued resources. This presentation will describe a cooperative effort by the Western Wildlands Environmental Threat Assessment Center (WWETAC) and the Remote Sensing Applications Center to develop a Threat Mapper that will serve as a decision support tool for land managers.
Brent Thomas, GIS Analyst, Sr. - Idaho Fish and Game
At first glance, it seems intuitive to closely guard your data like a treasure chest. The standard practice is to charge for access: be it selling small sections for a price per unit, yearly maintenance costs or the incremental fees of cloud computing. The history of the internet, computing and the flow of ideas through society disagree. Ideas and information are spread by copying. Standing in the way of culture's progress does not bring you clients or friends. Successful business models find ways to share knowledge for mutual benefit. Learn to share your work free and easily using Creative commons licensing. Find out how to offload the costs of sharing your work using peer-to-peer technology and external servers. Explore ways to benefit from a community that embraces sharing. Discover how to build off the success and free advertising sharing generates to gain new work that adds value and fattens your pocketbook.
CORRECTION Oct. 15, 2008 4:00PM by Brent JK Wedding Entrance Video that included pirated video resulting in increased record sales was Chris Brown's Forever not the Black Eyed Peas. That's even more incredible given his headlines during the same period.
The Oregon State Plane Coordinate System was developed in the 1930s and for decades has served the surveying and engineering community well. However, the need for higher accuracy, inclusion of geodetic surveying in our everyday work, combination of terrestrial total station and GPS positioning, and blending of survey/engineering and GIS data has created the need to develop a modern improved coordinate system. This topic will discuss the problems with our legacy State Plane Coordinate System, challenges enountered when employing new technology, and options for new Low Distortion Projections in Oregon.
The BLM’s Geographic Coordinate Database (GCDB) is the proper representation of the Public Lands Survey System (PLSS) to use as a mapping framework for the many cadastral layers that have a PLSS basis. This presentation describes some tools and methods to integrate legacy GIS data sets to the GCDB, and how to re-adjust GIS layers that are already on the GCDB, when the GCDB is updated or improved. www.djanda.com
The role of the USGS Geospatial Liaison and National Spatial Data Infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest
The USGS Geospatial Liaison Network consists of USGS Geospatial Liaisons housed in National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) Partnership Offices across the nation. These liaisons and offices perform numerous partnership related functions in support of the NSDI, The National Map and Geospatial One Stop. They represent and coordinate National Geospatial Program (NGP) initiatives in state, local, and other federal agencies, cultivate and maintain long-term relationships, and develop partnerships and supporting agreements. The USGS Geospatial Liaison Network is the "local face" of the USGS NSDI and NGP programs. This presentation will introduce Geospatial Liaison’s from Idaho, Oregon and Washington and describe the programs they support across the region.
Part two:
Scott Van Hoff
New USGS topographic and image Map products and the new viewer for The National Map.
The USGS has begun a process to update it's best known product, the 7.5 minute series topo maps. These new digital products will soon be available for many states in the west. These products will be familiar to users of the old paper topoquads but will have new features, and updated data. The USGS is also introducing a new viewer for The National Map. The improved viewer will incorporate more up to date features and functions.
Part Three:
Sheri Schneider
The International Charter for space and major disasters
This presentation will provide information on the International Charter, the role of U. S. Geological Survey, and how to request satellite data through the Charter to support emergency response during a disaster. Earthquakes, floods, forest fires and oil spills are examples of natural and technological disasters, with social and economic relevance for Earth and mankind. During an emergency, the challenge is to obtain a quick, reliable and clear view of the situation, in support of rescue operations. The International Charter was developed to provide satellite data to those affected by natural or technological disaster. Ten countries are members to the charter and provide twenty one different space resources to support the Charter. The Charter has been activated several times in the United States. A recent example in the Pacific Northwest was the flooding that occurred in Washington in January 2009.
Latitude Geographics has built web applications using all of the APIs available with ArcGIS Server. This presentation will provide some insight into our experiences, including why Silverlight is the leading API to build lightweight mapping applications with. Latitude Geographics will also present a demonstration of a map-driven Automated Vehicle Locator (AVL) solution using ESRI ArcGIS Server and the Silverlight API.
Those fortunate enough to implement an ArcGIS Server at the enterprise level, especially one previously based on ArcIMS are in for an interesting challenge. This presentation explores the elasticity of ArcGIS Server performance, the importance and consequences of applying “best practices” in architecting map services, and provides the pros and cons associated with various ADF and API application environments. Taking a “lessons learned” approach, information presented is based on real experiences associated with the implementation of ArcGIS Server and migration of a large scale enterprise GIS from ArcIMS to ArcGIS Server. Rare and little known nuances, those that result in a dented wall, will be shared with the audience as well as ADF and API development experiences. With shrinking budgets and resources it is becoming more important to select the best and most efficient approach or solution that can maximize your data and technology, ultimately make you a more effective organization, and may result in a few less headaches
The Oregon ArcGIS Server Special Interest Group provides a mechanism for sharing codes, ideas, strategies, and standards for developing interactive maps use the ESRI software, ArcGIS Server. These applications are developed in Flex/ActionScript, JavaScript, .NET, Java, or Silverlight. Previous applications have been developed in ESRI's software called ArcIMS. Membership is open to anyone. Meetings are mostly held in the Willamette Valley. The Google Group website is: http://groups.google.com/group/orarcserver?lnk=
Thursday’s Lunch Discussion on API’s (12:00 -1:00- Landmark 1)
Most of the GIS Developers for the interactive mapping systems are fairly new to using these programming languages. Many still are questioning which Application Programming Interface (API) to use. The Thursday lunch will be a round table discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each API and general discussion of what was learned during the conference week. GIS Developers from other states are also welcome to participate in this discussion.
Working in cooperation with CH2M HILL the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has created a suite of web-based GIS tools to view, integrate and distribute roadway asset information to agency employees across the state. Access to asset data is a crucial requirement in the process of scoping potential construction projects and performing many other tasks that ODOT employees complete on a daily basis. The users of the application will range from project managers and planners to maintenance field crews and engineers. They all need the most up-to-date information regarding the highway network and its associated assets to perform their duties.
The ODOT FACS-STIP scoping tools created provide a single point of access allowing users statewide to interact with and reference this data. ODOT roadway assets range from signs and guardrails to culverts and sidewalks, as well as the State Highway network itself. To enhance the distribution of this critical information ODOT chose to leverage its existing GIS investment by creating new web-based tools which allow users to interact with and explore the available asset data utilizing an easy to navigation map interface. This tool consists of interactive maps that deliver a high level of control over map navigation and data display. The map itself has gone beyond the traditional display-only mode to allow users to interact with it as a bulletin board, sharing information with one another. The tools also provide comprehensive asset reporting, allowing users to generate reports for asset groups based on a location of interest, eliminating the need to sift through irrelevant information.
The creation of these tools is allowing ODOT to do ‘more with less’ by:
> Investing in the future. By spending the money now on advanced tools for sharing asset information to its users, ODOT is spending less down the road by streamlining work processes and eliminating redundancy.
> Creating modular software. The new software tools may be easily customized by ODOT developers, and the current application may be leveraged in whole or in part by other tools in the future.
> Reducing server processing and meeting performance specifications. The architecture chosen for the development of the tools utilizes the JavaScript API for ESRI’s ArcGIS Server, splitting more of the processing load between server and client, and reducing the need to upgrade hardware.
The use of SketchUp, Google Earth, Google Sites to host a piece of custom kml about the Spokane River and the issues that are facing it today. Presentation includes government .shp files. All software used was open source. Server cost is free. http://www.google.com/gadgets/directory?synd=earth&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmaps...
We thought we had our pixels in a row. But now that we all understand how to plan for, acquire and use film based aerial mapping products (such as orthophotography, planimetrics and contours) all of the rules have changed. Well, not all of the rules, but a fair number of them. This presentation will provide a brief overview of how newer photogrammetric mapping technologies, including digital cameras and LiDAR, impact the planning and procurement process for digital image and topographic mapping projects. The emphasis will be on key project design parameters that affect accuracy, resolution and suitability for intended applications and how these compare with what was attained from conventional film based aerial mapping approaches. This discussion is targeted to GIS users and project coordinators and is focused on the “big picture” issues and planning considerations for new technologies, not on technical or flight planning considerations. Questions and dialogue are encouraged.
Cadastral Editor is an extension to ArcGIS and has largely simplified the complex survey data management process. The primary objective of cadastre data conversion is to develop and maintain basemap layers with high degree of spatial accuracy. Controls such as ground survey points, GPS or RTK points and aerial photography are used to enhance accuracy of cadastre fabrics with time. It stores all legacy records and maps as historical layers including metadata information. Least Square Adjustment (LSA) method is used to adjust the fabrics to enhance spatial accuracy. As new data comes in, the cadastre fabric can adjust and update thus increasing the accuracy with time. Weston has successfully deployed this tool at the City of Encinitas, CA and was awarded the “Special Achievement in GIS Award” by ESRI in 2008 for the implementation. The City is managing their cadastre using these tools now with higher efficiency and effectiveness.
Kirsty Burt (Kirsty Burt GIS) – Moderator; Scot McQueen (ESRI); Ian Von Essen (GIS Manager, Spokane County); Dean Anderson (IT Director, Polk County)
How do we continue to build and manage a successful enterprise GIS in tough economic times? How can we leverage existing organizational initiatives for project dollars? How can I add capacity with a hiring freeze? This session will include real world strategies and solutions presented by some of the most experienced GIS managers and consultants in the Northwest. A solid enterprise approach to GIS combines the software, architecture, management, and planning that is required to integrate GIS fully into the organization’s business. This approach is always important to GIS implementation and management; however, it is critical in times where competition for budget dollars is very tight.
Our speakers lead and support efforts in organizations where GIS is thriving. Each will present a different aspect of their successful approach to enterprise GIS in the current economy, including insights into technology, funding, project planning, coordination, and executive support. The session will conclude with a lively discussion among our speakers and the audience.
GIS has evolved to become more and more an integral part of the enterprise operations in any business. Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is becoming a popular choice as deployment architecture. Various departments within an organization typically use or try to use the SOA to access services, data and applications to conduct their business. GIS and other services are being deployed and consumed to address business goals and routine operations. Moreover, there are legacy data support techniques, and data dissemination processes that makes an enterprise implementation seamless and sensible. Weston has been involved as a “Trusted Integrator” on many such enterprise GIS integration projects and would like to discuss some related case studies. Some challenges always present themselves during any enterprise implementation. But there are some key traits and steps for a successful enterprise implementation. Weston would like to cover those as well during the presentation.
The GeoTech Center is a new NSF-funded effort to provide America's two-year community colleges with support to expand and improve their academic geospatial programs. The GeoTech Center is now prepared to assist educators, learners, and industries in developing their programs to their fullest extent through innovative technologies, such as GIS as a Virtual Service, Arcwebservices Mapping, and other technology. Our collaboration of 12 colleges and universities coast to coast provides an unprecidented opportunity to improve geospatial education in the 21st century.
Few schools have successfully integrated geographic information systems (GIS) into the curricula of their K-12 social studies classrooms, even fewer into the wide variety of disciplines that can be effectively impacted by the study of spatial data. Organizing and maintaining a school’s GIS component depend on several crucial management criteria, not the least of which are the appropriate teacher competencies and standards alignment. Among other essential protocols are data storage and retrieval, network functioning, computer platform capabilities, appropriate learning activities and developing a coherent format that is replicable from one campus to another. This session demonstrates a successful school-based GIS program with its complementary college in-service model.
Will Rogers once commented: "It's not what you don't know that hurts you. It's what you do know that ain't so." Historical research is a lot like that. You think you have all the answers, and they just don't pan out. For a group of dedicated junior high school students in Lewiston, Idaho (USA), the challenges of learning and applying GIS software led them to discoveries they never imagined. Sometimes the search for truth takes that path. This session will discuss the 5th Street Cemetery Necrogeographical Study, a project honored by ESRI, The History Channel. The Society for American Archæology, the Association of American Geographers, the American Association for State and Local History, and the National Council for Geographic Education.
Baccalaureate and graduate degree programs in GIS are diverse in their intent and scope. A brief overview of GIS undergraduate and graduate programs in the Northwest will be given in light of a few of the educational needs noted by the recent publication of Geographic Information Science & Technology – Body of Knowledge.
Efforts being made by the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) to promote GIS education will be discussed. These efforts include: 1) week-long training workshops for K-12 teachers in the use/implementation of GPS/GIS within their classroom; 2) the construction of articulation agreements with regional community colleges; and 3) the maintenance of suitable GIS curricula to support current degree programs at OIT (i.e., a GIS Minor, a four-year B.S. degree in Geomatics/GIS, and its intent to begin a Master’s program by the Fall of 2010).
In this presentation, I will focus on getting more from our resources and acquiring grants. Many opportunities are immediately available, but go unused. I will give suggestions on how to access this variety of resources and the logistics of quickly and efficiently utilizing them. Partnerships also play a major role in doing more with less. How to develop useful partnerships that cooperatively benefit both you and the community will be discussed. The presentation will end with the process of grants, grant writing, and determining what you need, how to get it, and what you are responsible for once you get a grant.
Historic barriers to wide-spread use of GIS in the classroom are being lifted as educators embrace the power of Web-based GIS and other Internet based geospatial technologies. Two NSF-funded projects at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon - MAPS-GIS (Mapping Analyzing and Problem Solving with GIS) for college level students and GEOSTAC (Geospatial Teaching Across the Curriculum) for high school teachers – will be discussed. We will illustrate how Web-based GIS is being embedded across the curriculum and how it is being used to teach important geospatial concepts and skills and educate students about GIS classes and careers.
This presentation focuses on software integration tools using Visual Studio 2008 and VBA, linking Permit Tracking software, GIS (ArcMap), and electronic document management systems (Laserfiche). Overview includes advanced software integration mapping tools for local government officials, and internet access for citizens.
Clean Water Services in Washington County Oregon was issued a watershed–based National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit by the Department of Environmental Quality. This permit allows a watershed wide approach to managing water quality in the Tualatin River watershed. GIS is being used to link watershed-scale planning, permitting, project implementation and evaluation, and adaptive management through monitoring. Using GIS techniques scientist and managers are able to efficiently establish and prioritize water quality projects. High quality GIS data can be applied to multiple water quality management projects therefore reducing data collection and processing cost.
Bob DenOuden, Lane Council of Governments (LCOG), Eugene, Oregon
Since 2004, the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) in Springfield, Oregon has been working with the U.S. EPA on a project designed to reduce diesel emissions from heavy-duty trucks that idle in our communities. The project helps fund the addition of auxiliary power units (APUs) on trucks in order to provide a source of power for driver comfort systems while allowing the main engine to be turned off instead of idling. These APUs save 90% of the fuel that idling consumes and produce significantly less emissions than the main engine would.
In 2005 LRAPA partnered with LCOG’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) group to provide analysis of how, when, and where these APUs were being used. Our goal on the project was to collect and analyze data to determine how many hours the APUs were in use, where these units were turned on, and calculate fuel and emissions reductions arising from the use of APUs. To accomplish this we employed a custom GPS tracking device linked to the APUs installed on a subset of trucks in the study to track the time and place that the APUs were in use. The tracking device included cellular phone based data uploading capability which allowed us to view the tracked trucks’ status in real time and download data for analysis remotely. Initially, this seemed to us a straight-forward GPS tracking and GIS analysis project. We soon learned that it would be anything but easy. This presentation tells a tale of perseverance and, eventually, a successful outcome to a difficult and unpredictable project.
Like many other county and state governments, the Blaine County GIS department worked to develop a GIS shapefile consisting of all the parcels in the county. This project was started with a Local Government Startup Grant that included the program AV Parcel. Through this process, which included hiring contractors, turn over and an eventual AV Parcel blow up, the resulting shapefile was complete but had a great number of gaps and overlaps in the polygons. The Blaine County GIS department was presented with a new editor/feature within the Survey Analyst Extension called Cadastral Fabric Editor.
The Blaine County GIS department purchased the survey analyst extension in the hopes of importing its existing parcel shapefile and completing a positional accuracy review of its data utilizing the features of the Cadastral Fabric. The result would be a seamless parcel layer that also contained accurate positions. After many trials and tribulations of importing the existing parcel shapefile into the cadastral fabric, a method was devised and successfully implemented. Within six weeks Blaine County GIS went from working in a shapefile to working in the fabric to fix all the gaps, overlaps and position accuracy. This presentation will discuss the method used to complete this transition. The discussion will include the challenges of the importing process, of working in the fabric and ways to overcome them
Bryce Gartrell, Principal, The Gartrell Group & Preston Beck, GISP, GIS Coordinator, City of Tigard
Web-based crime mapping and reporting applications present a number of the persistent design challenges that confront GIS practitioners charged with providing the public with access to meaningful geospatial information. While reported crime data is typically available in an evolved structure of classifications, categories, and definitions, many organizations continue to struggle to expose it through sufficiently coherent and simple graphical user interfaces. To deliver an effective crime mapping application, a development team must:
· Distill and aggregate domain specific spatial data into a presentation format that can be quickly and easily understood by a lay audience;
· Provide straightforward and highly intuitive means for users to search, filter, visualize, and review this data;
· Find ways to integrate the element of time, allowing users to view both data trending and conditions at particular moments;
· Avoid oversimplifying information or presenting information in a manner that may be misleading or easily misinterpreted.
In an attempt to tackle some of these challenges -in particular aggregation of crime data and display of multiple types of crimes- the City of Tigard has employed some of the latest dynamic web mapping tools and GIS technologies (ESRI’s ArcGIS Server, and the associated Flex API), to create a highly focused and easy to use crime visualization tool for its emerging Neighborhood Networks program. This presentation will discuss the objectives, design, development, and challenges of developing public-facing GIS applications with a focus on the City of Tigard’s experience with this dynamic web-based neighborhood crime application.
Abstract Title: Integrate and Mobilize your Enterprise – Case Study: City of Kirkland, WA - Public Works/StormWater Key words/phrases: ArcGIS Enterprise Application Integration – GIS-Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) integration, Mobile GIS, Asset Field Data Collection (FDC) Work Order & Service Request field automation, Asset management condition updates, Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Abstract text: Throughout the years, organizations have invested a vast amount of time and resources in building corporate data systems including GIS. Many have established robust processes for maintenance and support of their information technology (IT) infrastructure. As a result, most organizations now have mature IT infrastructures to store, retrieve, and maintain their corporate data. Disseminating and providing access to crucial corporate data in the field in a highly reliable and secure manner is the next step in leveraging the investment you have made in your current information systems and the realization of the “enterprise information system”. Organizations are replacing traditional paper and telephone-based systems with mobile and wireless solutions that enable access to key information directly from the field. This step is paramount to delivering a higher level of benefits and realizing the full return on investment of time and money in your information systems. The City of Kirkland, WA Pubic Works Department (Kirkland) began integrating their ESRI GIS and Hansen EAM business systems years ago. A component to their integrated enterprise vision is mobilizing the integrated business information to the field to include operations as part of the overall enterprise asset management system (Infor/Hansen). Operational field staff are key cogs in the information management work flows of all organizations. Kirkland is getting digital mapbooks in the field integrated with their Hansen Asset/Work Management system and is beginning to automate their asset data update maintenance work flows in the field utilizing existing field maintenance staff. GeoResults Mobile is powered by ESRI’s ArcGIS and Microsoft’s “smart client’ technologies and is a cost-effective yet robust solution for Kirkland. This presentation will cover Kirklands’s implementation of an operational mobile field solution, how it integrates GIS and the enterprise, and a description of the paradigm shift in going paperless with their field operations. Author: Terry Bartlett Marshall and Associates, Inc. Phone: (208) 475-4908 Cell: (208) 908-2818 Email: tbartlett@marshallgis.com
Managing mobile users and data in an enterprise GIS environment presents many challenges. Files must be processed and organized, field edits must be checked for quality, and everyone in the organization always needs to have the most current and accurate data. Effective use of techniques like user logins, automatic tracking fields, and ArcGIS Geodatabase versioning, combined with well designed workflows, can help keep the best possible data flowing through an organization. This session will show you how to manage base and operational data, design efficient mobile maps and workflows, and effectively exchange GIS data with all your field users.
ESRI GIS users around the world are challenged to keep current with evolving satellite systems. There are new GPS satellites being launched and new GPS signals being broadcast with more being planned. Russian GLONASS and planned European Galileo satellite systems are experiencing change and advancement. Not only are the satellite systems changing but also GPS augmentation systems such as WAAS, DGPS, EGNOS, MSAS and GAGAN systems. Many ESRI GIS users take advantage of these GPS augmentation systems and should be aware of how they are evolving. Which factors should one consider when using these different satellite systems. What are the current trends and developments that one should consider when preparing GPS mapping hardware budgets in the coming year(s)?
Mobile GIS users are frequently confronted with difficult mapping situations. Mapping the pond lilies in Cheadle Lake, Oregon is an example of mapping project requiring the use of a laser rangefinder, a Pocket PC running ArcPad, and a sub-meter GPS unit. Mapping pond lilies in Cheadle Lake had a direct bearing on jurisdiction of the lake relative to the City of Lebanon and their future plans for turning the lake into a warm water fishing destination. Pond lilies have roots in solid ground and therefore define their location as land ownership. Normally, a lake would be owned up to the high water mark by the State of Oregon.
Mapping vegetation in a lake can be very difficult. Using is boat is feasible, but time consuming, expensive, and difficult. By taking offset GPS points with ArcPad, the process can be greatly simplified and the time required to do the mapping can be significantly reduced.
The project involved using a laser rangefinder to shoot the pond lilies which are barely visible in the water. All offset shots were taken while standing on the shoreline around the lake and from a island in the lake.
Andrew Lewis, Retional Manger, Data Transfer Solutions, LLC
Public and private agencies face continuous challenges to accomplish more with less as increases in demand, regulatory requirements, infrastructure deterioration, and political and economic forces have significantly outpaced increases in capital and operating budgets. Many of these agencies are turning to Asset Management to cope with these challenges and improve business performance and effectiveness. This presentation will focus on several aspects of developing an asset management system that could help improve performance, reduce long-term costs, and maximize return on investment in infrastructure assets. Specific topics include: • Strategy and Planning • Mobile Asset Collection Vehicle – Digital Video/GPS • Asset Extraction from Digital Video Logs • Software Solutions Intended Audience: This workshop is intended for utility, transportation, engineering, planning, and environmental managers and analysts of the public and private sectors.
Asset management is typically viewed as a large and fiscally expensive program. It does not need to be. The ability to leverage advances in software and data interoperability create the very real environment for a cost effective and robust asset management program. With a well thought out approach and leverage of past and existing efforts it is possible to do “more with less”.
To achieve this, the program needs to be properly defined, expectations set and managed, and a phased approach built upon previous successes must be utilized. This presentation will begin with defining what asset management is, what an asset management program should be and how the program can be defined and developed specifically for the entity. The presentation will then move to how a strategically and politically driven approach is developed so that quick success can be realized and built upon. The most logical approach may not always be the most advantageous in securing future funding, therefore an approach that allows for some quick returns while supporting the overall strategy can be developed. The presentation will also discuss how past, current and future GIS initiatives can be and should be centric to an asset management program.
Mobile applications are fast becoming a significant part of the enterprise in many organizations where field operations play a vital role. Some departments and industry verticals e.g. first responders, public works, asset management, transportation, telecom, gas and utilities, natural resources, event/ crisis management etc. are using or intend to use mobile GIS for their regular business operations. Weston is involved in various mobile GIS opportunities and has been helping the City of Renton recently to roll out their Enterprise Asset Management. After the initial deployment, the City intends to extend GIS application for asset management to the field crew. The City is using ArcGIS Server Mobile as the platform for mobile GIS. Weston is working with the City to help them achieve their GIS and overall strategic goals for the enterprise.
The Northwest Gap Analysis Project (NWGAP) is mapping and assessing the biodiversity for the five-state region encompassing Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Wyoming. It is a multi-institutional cooperative effort being coordinated by the University of Idaho and the U.S. Geological Survey Gap Analysis Program. The primary objectives of NWGAP are to create detailed, seamless GIS maps of land cover, species ranges and predicted distributions, land stewardship and management status. Additionally, to do a gap analysis to identify species and vegetation communities that lack representation or are underrepresented within the Northwest’s network of conservation lands (i.e., stewardship database), in other words, "gaps".
We are currently updating the NWGAP stewardship database by compiling boundary information as well as management status for federal, state, and locally managed conservation lands. We are also assigning GAP status codes, requesting user feedback prior to the final release, and exploring ways of applying these data to conservation planning. It is nearing completion and will become publicly available during winter 2009. The NWGAP stewardship database will be incorporated into the Protected Areas Database of the US (PAD-US) through the PAD-US partnership.
Each year, many millions of dollars are spent in suppressing wildland fires. What is the return on these expenditures? How can we best prioritize dollars spent fighting fires and in fuel reduction projects? The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), General Accounting Office (GAO) and Congress have asked these questions. In response, Wildland Fire Leadership Council (WFLC) has assembled a team of fire researchers and GIS analysts to develop a model to approximate fire risk to highly valued resources - social, economic, and ecological. The model uses outputs from the Fire Program Analysis (FPA) System to estimate burn probability and flame length, and layers of highly valued resources such as power lines, wildlife habitat, and watersheds. The first approximation of the model will be published in a Forest Service General Technical Report (GTR, in review).
The Exchange Network is a partnership among states, tribes, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that is revolutionizing the exchange of environmental information. Partners on the Exchange Network share data efficiently and securely over the Internet. The objective of the Biodiversity Data Exchange project is to increase the effectiveness of the New York State Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP), which has the responsibility for collecting, managing, and disseminating information about rare plants, rare animals, and significant ecological communities. The NYNHP shares this information with NatureServe, a nonprofit organization that connects more than 50 Natural Heritage Programs across the country. NatureServe establishes scientific standards for biological inventory and biodiversity data management, develops comprehensive and current databases for at-risk species and ecological communities, and provides information products and conservation services to guide natural resource decision-making.
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has a critical business need to make natural resource data more readily available and accessible to the public and to partners, particularly online. Windsor Solutions developed and implemented a Web-based application using the ArcGIS JavaScript API to provide enhanced access to this natural resource data.
The talk gives an overview on building web GIS solutions using open source geospatial software components. A selection of the most advanced and popular open source components and their roles and functionality in an application framework are described. A complete stack for building web GIS solutions may include a client-server application framework, a web mapping engine supporting cartographic rendering functionality and basic GIS capabilities, data storage solutions such as spatial databases, and additional tools extending or enhancing the GIS capabilities of the mapping engine. The concept of an interoperable software solution is illustrated using a variety of examples. Web GIS application frameworks are either complete client-server solutions such as MapFish and Mapbender or Web GIS clients such as Open Layers and Ka-Map. Internet mapping engines such as MapServer and GeoServer render images, provide basic GIS functionality and/or provide the functionality for serving Web mapping services (WMS) and Web feature Services (WFS). Using cached and tiled data in a web GIS application can substantially speed up its response time. TileCache is a server and caching solution that can be used for the creation of cached data from WMS. Feature Server provides data conversion of simple features from a variety of input formats into target formats such as JSON, GML and KML and can be used to integrate the framework with additional applications. Spatial databases include solutions such as PostGIS and MySQL. PostGIS itself provides comprehensive GIS capabilities that can greatly extend the mapping engine’s capabilities and simplify execution of geo-processing tasks using spatial SQL. Additional tools can be integrated with the framework to provide specific GIS capabilities.
The talk describes a web GIS application based on open source geospatial software components that was built for the Obama Campaign during the 2008 US presidential election. The goal of the application was to support the work of campaign field organizers in battleground states for voter targeting and prioritization purposes. Technically the application was hosted on an Amazon EC2 server running an Ubuntu (Linux) operating system, Apache 2 HTTP Server, PHP server side scripting and included three main building blocks of the web GIS: a spatial database (PostGIS), a map rendering engine (MapServer), and a mapping framework which supplies the map viewer (OpenLayers). The initial application was set-up for the state of Indiana as a template and was used as a model to build similar applications for other battleground states to follow. The idea was that all battleground states have their dedicated website and data sources, but share the server applications and GIS components. Data relevant to the Campaign such as voter registration percentages, voter persuasion rates, and vote activities of prior elections were mapped on voting district (precincts) level. In addition information about individual voters and their likely candidate of choice, along with a variety of base layers were published as Web Map Services (WMS) via MapServer. Many of the relevant election data in the PostGIS databases were then updated by the campaign on a daily basis. Spatial data from WMS were then draped over background layers such as Yahoo or Google base maps in the OpenLayers map viewer. The template-oriented approach worked well for the campaign and later was rolled out to about a dozen battleground states. The project illustrates how powerful interoperable OS GIS components can be, even with minimal customization and on a low budget: http://www.geoconnexion.com/uploads/open_sources_18_intv8i3.pdf
Map of the documented, suspected and reported wolf observations in Idaho for 2008. Telemetry and research observations were analyzed to produce 95% minimum convex polygons of wolf pack territory. For less well-documented packs estimated circles depict areas of occupancy. Finally public observations collected via web, phone and conversations are summarized.
The low elevation fothills of the Boise River Wildlife Managment Area provide critical winter habitat for mule deer and elk. Mule deer from as far away as the Sawtooth Mountains migrate here each fall to avoid the deep snow and extreme cold as higher elevations. Deer survive winter by using energy reserves (body fat) gained during summer and by minimizing energy expenditure - that's why disturbance from people and pets can be so damaging to deer during winter and early spring.
This shaded relief topographic map of Hells Canyon and the Salmon River was printed as a bandanna to raise money for the conservation of wild sheep. Major rapids and bighorn sheep frequented areas are identified.
Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board licenses specific areas to outfitters. Over 6 years close to 2000 areas for 40 different activities have been digitized. Idaho Fish and Game has produced a number of different maps to assist the board in its decisions about new areas and resolving conflicts which have become apparent now that the area descritions can be seen spatially. This map for use by the US Forest Service shows the areas for Elk and Deer hunting areas and the river segments. Outfitter license area maps may also be accessed at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/ioglb.
Crater Lake National Park conducts several Search and Rescue operations each year. GIS and especially GPS are critical components of all phases of these operations. This poster will illustrate applications from various incidents of the last few years.
The Northwest Gap Analysis Project (NWGAP) has recently completed a land cover map depicting the distribution of Ecological Systems (ES) across Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Wyoming. Developed by NatureServe, ES represent a midscale vegetation classification system designed to be map-able with Landsat 30 meter resolution imagery. Three mapping teams have been involved in mapping the projects 12 map zones; (1) Oregon State University and USDA Forest Serve, (2) Sanborn Solutions, Inc., Portland, Oregon, and (3) NWGAP, Moscow, Idaho. Collectively the 12 zones of the project depict the distribution of one-hundred-seventy-three ES classes and thirty-two land cover and disturbed classes across the Northwest. The NWGAP land cover data have been reviewed by Northwestern vegetation ecologists involved throughout the mapping process. Accuracy rates calculated at the zone level are above 80% for many of the ES. The land cover data are available for download at http://www.gap.uidaho.edu/Northwest/data.htm.
Mitigating Stranding and Trapping Effects on Fish Species During Hydroelectric Operations
Seattle City Light (SCL) is relicensing the operations of the Boundary Hydroelectric Project (Project) on the Pend Oreille River. The Pend Orielle River is located in Northeast Washington and is home to varied and important fish resources. These resources can be negatively affected by receding water levels either from Project operations or from natural reductions of inflow. When these conditions exist, fish may become stranded in shallow sloping shoreline areas (< 4%) or isolated in pools that become disconnected from the mainstem flow.
SCL is funding a study which was designed to develop an index model of relative stranding and trapping effects based on various scenarios of project operations and natural flow patterns.
This poster demonstrates the geoprocessing tools and methods used to identify potential stranding and trapping areas. The areas were periodically examined in the field during water drawdown events to measure actual fish stranding or trapping. Site-specific information, such as substrate and presence of macrophytes (aquatic plants), was also noted. A hydraulic routing model, which was developed separately, was used to determine when areas would be dewatered and the duration of trapping at specific pools. Applying assigned multiplication factors to the analysis, along with the hydraulic routing model, produced the stranding and trapping indices for each scenario. These resulting indices were then available for management personnel and interest groups to examine and compare the relative effect of various operation scenarios on fish stranding and trapping.
Every ten years, since 1790, the United States has conducted a census of its population. Next year, on April 1, 2010, the United States Census Bureau will conduct its 2010 decennial census. Preparation for this effort began long ago with a focus on enhancing partnerships with state and local agencies. Many of these partnership efforts have involved an increase in the use of locally provided GIS data. Lane Council of Governments has been involved in a number of Census programs aimed at utilizing local data and expertise in order to improve Census 2010 results. This poster will describe those programs as well as give examples of how Census data are used at LCOG.
The City of Springfield designed this jam packed map to provide the community and potential developers with as much vital City information as possible in one map. The challenge brought to our GIS department was the need to see about 10 maps on 1 map without losing clarity, information and to maintain feature simplicity and balance. Although the battle was in the details, this cartographic design included elements of generalization, simplification, abstraction, hierarchy and ground relationship, colour and contrast.
The final map product was successful in bringing all City data together with equal importance and straightforwardness giving a large audience an easy to read, robust map of our City.
Belying their tranquility, cemeteries harbor several contagions. Nineteenth century embalming methods are especially problematic. Undertakers routinely used an arsenic trioxide solution in large doses to control bacteria and postpone putrefaction. Some recipes recommended up to 12 pounds per corpse. However, it killed many practitioners and was banned by 1910. Arsenic sickens by allosteric inhibition. Essential metabolic enzymes are blocked, and the victim suffers multi-system organ failure. Mortician health improved, but the effects of arsenic pollution in old graveyards have only lately received attention. This poster reports and explores the findings of two teams of junior and senior high school students in Lewiston ID.
For the past 8 years, the 5th Street Cemetery Necrogeographical Study has sought to combine and model the “best practices” of several associated disciplines and apply these methodologies to timely issues of local import. Every community has its intriguing historical questions that can benefit from but actually transcend a paper-and-pencil approach. These questions are appropriate practicum situations for inquisitive students, who can be empowered with mastery investigative skills and the appropriate technologies to unravel local conundrums and enhance the community’s understanding of itself. We have learned that the truth may be more interesting than any fiction. And the total truth is rarely seen through only one glass.
This map shows the extent of LiDAR coverage for the Willapa Bay Intertidal Area, placed over 2008 one-foot orthophotography. Oyster growing areas such as oyster beds, oyster bed leases, oyster farms, and oyster reserves are labelled and displayed. The map also shows intertidal areas, prohibited commercial shellfish growing areas, as well as recreational shellfish beaches. Additionally, the locations of oyster and other seafood processing facilities are displayed. The map also includes a brief description of the physical environment of Willapa Bay, the history of the bay's oyster industry, and relates the importance of private stewardship towards maintaining this vital Pacific County industry.
Automated method for estimating building floor area and creating 3D models of existing buildings based on LiDAR data and building footprints.
Software used:
ArcMap/ArcInfo 9.3
ArcMap ModelBuilder including Spatial Analyst Extension tools
Lidar Processing: LP 360 by Q Coherent
ArcScene and Google Sketchup for displaying 3D extrusions
The Northwest GIS User Group, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides a forum for training, exchange of knowledge, techniques, and data among the users of ESRI software and related GIS products and services. Visit nwgis.org
