DOCSLIB.ORG

GIS Needs Assessment for the City of Missoula

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
GIS Needs Assessment for the City of Missoula GIS Needs Assessment for the City of Missoula Prepared by Geodata Services, Inc. June 6, 2016 1 Table of Contents GIS Needs Assessment Methods and Procedures .................................................................... 3 Executive Summary ................................................................................................................. 3 Detailed GIS Needs .................................................................................................................. 5 User Interviews on GIS Data & Workflow Analysis .................................................................. 7 User Questionnaire .......................................................................................................................... 7 Department Interviews .................................................................................................................... 9 Development Services ‐ Planning ...................................................................................................... 11 Development Services ‐ Transportation ............................................................................................ 12 Development Services ‐ Engineering ................................................................................................. 13 Fire Department ................................................................................................................................. 14 GIS Services (Information Technology) ............................................................................................. 15 Missoula Redevelopment Agency ..................................................................................................... 18 Parks and Recreation ......................................................................................................................... 19 Police Department ............................................................................................................................. 21 Public Works ....................................................................................................................................... 22 Other Departments not Interviewed .............................................................................................. 23 Other Organizations Collaborating with the City ............................................................................ 24 Interaction with other Asset and Operations Software ................................................................... 24 GIS Data Layer Inventory ....................................................................................................... 26 External Data ................................................................................................................................. 28 Land Base Sources .......................................................................................................................... 28 Data and Workflows – Current Situation ........................................................................................ 29 2 GIS Needs Assessment Methods and Procedures This document is a geographic information system (GIS) needs assessment for the City of Missoula. The Executive Summary follows with an overview of the GIS system in the City of Missoula and a summary of the GIS needs. This is followed by survey results from City GIS analyst staff on their best practices, experience and type of data storage. The report follows with details summarizing interviews for each department and a summary of hardware and software needs for enterprise database implementation. The needs assessment concludes with a summary of the data inventory of the map layers maintained by City departments and the current workflow for GIS layers between departments. GIS data was compiled from all identified City departments representing the data status during a two week period from late March to early April, 2016. The only known exception to this data collection was the developed park asset layers maintained by one of the divisions within Missoula Parks and Recreation. The goals of the project were: ● Assess the existing geospatial operations and needs for the City ● Document the spatial data layers currently being maintained by the City ● Assess the analog data and associated workflows that could logically be added to the GIS ● Inventory and review the existing GIS data and prepare a citywide summary ● Identify a federated workflow to allow greater coordination and data sharing among City GIS departments A summary of the City of Missoula GIS hardware and software needs have been prepared by a collaborative partner, ASYNC GIS, Inc., and are available in a separate report. Executive Summary The City of Missoula has maintained GIS programs in several departments for the last 15 years. Six years ago there were four GIS analysts maintaining the core data sets and maps that analysts handle today to support all departments. A staff half the size as it was moved from Public Works to Information Technology. Today they maintain parcels, easements, storm water and waste water systems, street centerline data, and other projects as assigned. The core GIS layers are currently maintained in a geodatabase using SDE and Microsoft SQL tables; layers are accessed by other departments through thin clients and workstations via virtual department servers. The City of Missoula IT Department is planning to implement a new server configuration, replacing the older SDE servers to direct connections to SQL GIS database and an enterprise 3 GIS database. The City is also planning on implementing Portal for ArcGIS to handle internal and external web services, web maps and GIS web applications. Approximately 14 additional City staff across six of the seven departments currently utilize GIS data and software to help perform their duties. Each staff member typically maintains their own datasets to support their department’s needs using a combination of common GIS file formats including file geodatabases, shapefiles, and CAD drawings. A dozen additional City departments were not specified to be interviewed or examined in detail for GIS needs. In most instances it was because they did not have GIS staff or workflows, and in a few instances, such as the health department, the GIS support is handled by Missoula County staff and departments. Although the City and County maintain separate staffs and operations, there are some overlap areas through various departments on the urban fringes. The City maintains some data officially outside the city boundaries. One issue complicating data sharing and collaboration is that Missoula County uses Novell spreadsheet software and the City of Missoula uses Microsoft Excel. Historically, some web map services were published by the City with ArcGIS Server, and more recently with Esri hosted ArcGIS Online. There are no two way data dependencies currently between departments, and there are no multi-user versioned geodatabases or GIS feature classes. The City of Missoula maintains an enterprise license agreement (ELA) with Esri that is used for core ArcGIS desktop GIS creation and analysis, but no ArcGIS extensions are currently used. Four separate software systems with GIS or mapping relationships and connections are in operation workflows with City departments: ● New World (utilized by the Police and Fire Department and 911) ● Automation (a program created by Accela, used by many departments for permitting, licensing, code compliance, service requests, and asset management) ● BuildingEye, a web based program for displaying city permits and sewer connection records (accessible to departments and the public) ● Data View (a no-longer functional ArcIMS based application that was used for address locator functions as well as viewing sanitary sewer connection records and as-built drawings. An online map displays the as-builts. A versioned enterprise database is needed, with feature level metadata activated to track user edits and date and time stamps will increase efficiency and collaboration city-wide. One example cited was preparation of an oversize trails and city asset map for offset printing for public distribution. The process resulted in a single point in time inter-departmental trail feature class. There are no workflows to continuously maintain modifications. A centralized versioned geodatabase would be required to handle multiple users and edits. Continuing education for all GIS analysts is needed, focusing on editing in versioned enterprise geodatabases, and using file geodatabases for all project work. There is a need to migrate the expanded core GIS data 4 layers that currently remain in shapefile format into the enterprise geodatabase. Additional continuing education for all City GIS staff on the use of domains and subtypes would increase data quality and accuracy and improve workflow efficiencies. There is also a need for geodatabase standards. We recommend the City consider adoption of the Esri local government data model along with evaluation of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) data models for citywide address model, street centerline and administrative boundaries. Departments, consultants, citizens, students and other agencies have GIS workflows requiring access to active and historic geospatial data sets developed by the City. There are needs for scripted workflows to replicate core enterprise geodatabase content into formats that are maintained on public and internal data portals, deprecating
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Current Trends in Vector-Based Internet Mapping: a Technical Review
    Chapter 3 Current Trends in Vector-Based Internet Mapping: A Technical Review Christophe Lienert, Bernhard Jenny, Olaf Schnabel, and Lorenz Hurni Abstract Possibilities and limitations of Internet cartography software largely depend on the pace set by the software industry. The variety of commercial and non-commercial software caters for the needs of a continuously growing mapping community, including both professional and amateur cartographers. This chapter provides an overview of state-of-the-art technologies for vector-based Web- mapping as of the beginning of 2011. Both proprietary and open format technologies are discussed for vector data rendering in browsers, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. The discussed technologies are Adobe Flash, Microsoft Silverlight, Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), JavaFX, Canvas, and WebGL. The chapter also discusses client and server side frameworks which provide Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for creating custom interactive maps, mainly by overlaying raster images with vector data. 3.1 Introduction Internet maps are the major form of spatial information delivery, as the Internet is today the primary medium for the transmission and dissemination of maps (Peterson 2008). For map authors, the maze of available techniques for creating and distributing Web maps is overwhelming, while authoring tools for Web-maps meeting the demands of high-quality cartography are difficult to find. Map authors may choose between GIS and graphics software products to create maps for the Internet, but these off-the-shelve maps oftentimes fall short of effectively convey- ing information. There are three main reasons for this shortcoming: (a) the design of these maps sometimes does not take into account the specific limitations of digital displays (Jenny et al., 2008); (b) the maps are often restricted in using standard C.
    [Show full text]
  • Designing and Implementing a Geographical Information System
    DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING A GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM A Guide for Managers of Area-wide Pest Management Programmes DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING A GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM A Guide for Managers of Area-wide Pest Management Programmes IAEA, VIENNA, 2006 IAEA/FAO-GIS © IAEA, 2006 Printed by the IAEA in Austria April 2006 FOREWORD Over the past two decades, the use of computer software and mapping methods known as geographical information systems (GIS) has been adopted by an ever growing variety of professionals. Every activity that deals with location dependent information can use GIS, and agriculture is no exception. The potential of GIS and remote sensing (RS) to facilitate the planning and implementation of area- wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) programmes is enormous but unfortunately, these methods are still much underused. AW-IPM programmes, especially those that integrate the sterile insect technique (SIT) with other surveillance and control methods, would benefit considerably by drawing on GIS/RS. These programmes are often implemented over large areas of even tens of thousands of square kilometres, where surveillance methods are deployed and large data sets are systematically generated on a daily basis. The acquisition of geo-referenced data sets on pest presence/absence, relative abundance, disease prevalence, crop damage, etc., that will allow accurate spatial and temporal analysis is important for proper and timely decision making to efficiently plan and implement any operational pest management programme. Animal health and plant protection officials and pest control programme managers might be intuitively aware of the importance of employing GIS as an analytical tool. However, they often lack a deeper understanding of its capabilities.
    [Show full text]
  • Importing and Exporting Data
    Chapter II-9 II-9Importing and Exporting Data Importing Data................................................................................................................................................ 117 Load Waves Submenu ............................................................................................................................ 119 Line Terminators...................................................................................................................................... 120 LoadWave Text Encodings..................................................................................................................... 120 Loading Delimited Text Files ........................................................................................................................ 120 Determining Column Formats............................................................................................................... 120 Date/Time Formats .................................................................................................................................. 121 Custom Date Formats ...................................................................................................................... 122 Column Labels ......................................................................................................................................... 122 Examples of Delimited Text ................................................................................................................... 123 The Load
    [Show full text]
  • From GIS Data Sets to Cartographic Presentation
    Geographic Information Technology Training Alliance (GITTA) presents: From GIS data sets to Cartographic Presentation Responsible persons: Boris Stern, Helmut Flitter, Lorenz Hurni, Samuel Wiesmann From GIS data sets to Cartographic Presentation Table Of Content 1. From GIS data sets to Cartographic Presentation ................................................................................... 2 1.1. Map Presentation of GIS datasets .................................................................................................... 3 1.1.1. Map Creation from GIS datasets within GIS ............................................................................ 3 1.1.2. Map Layout settings with GIS datasets within GIS .................................................................. 4 1.1.3. Map Output with GIS datasets within GIS ............................................................................... 5 1.1.4. Map Creation with GIS datasets within CAC software ............................................................ 6 1.1.5. Map Presentation with GIS datasets within CAC software ....................................................... 7 1.1.6. Map Layout settings with GIS datasets within CAC software .................................................. 8 1.1.7. Summary .................................................................................................................................... 8 1.2. Solutions for Digital Mapping .........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Universal Automatic Data Conversion System for GIS Services
    Universal Automatic Data Conversion System for GIS Services Ji-Min Moon1, Hyeoung-Wook Choi2, Yeong-Cheol Choi3, and Hyeon-Cheol Park4 1Institute of Spatial Information Technology Research, GEO C&I Co., Ltd., 435 Hwarang-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, Republic of Korea. E-mail: [email protected] 2Institute of Spatial Information Technology Research, GEO C&I Co., Ltd., 435 Hwarang-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, Republic of Korea. E-mail: [email protected] 3Institute of Spatial Information Technology Research, GEO C&I Co., Ltd., 435 Hwarang-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, Republic of Korea. E-mail: [email protected] 4Institute of Spatial Information Technology Research, GEO C&I Co., Ltd., 435 Hwarang-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, Republic of Korea. E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT: The current studies on automatic data conversion algorithms for geographic information system (GIS) services and related libraries are limited to certain platforms and thus provide low accessibility. To address these shortcomings, the proposed universal automatic data conversion system for GIS services is applied to the server/client model, and the first client transmits the files in the satellite image and shapefile (.shp) formats, which are GIS formats, to the server via the communication protocol. The server processes the data of the files in the satellite image and shapefile formats and then transmits the generated results to the client via the communication protocol. In other words, the universal automatic data conversion system for GIS services has a server/client-type system configuration, in which the client transmits the GIS file formats to the server and the server processes the file formats and transmits the results to the client via the communication protocol.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction to GIS Sarah Watson – [email protected] University of Kentucky Libraries March 6, 2017 Outline
    Introduction to GIS Sarah Watson – [email protected] University of Kentucky Libraries March 6, 2017 Outline • Overview of various terms • Quick overview of ArcGIS and QGIS • Geocoding Activity • Considering Map Design • ArcGIS Online What is a Map? • Simple Definition: A spatial representation of reality • Why are maps useful? • Maps can simplify & make “reality” easier to understand • Less is Sometimes More • Maps can help us see new realities • Maps can show us what we cannot easily see with our eyes In 1996, J.H. Andrews compiled 321 definitions of “map” (“What Was a Map?” Cartographica 33:4, pp. 1-11). After editing out all the source information/miscellaneous stuff, you have a bunch of words that can be pumped into a word cloud generator The word cloud visualization does help to make some sense out of the 8106 words in the 321 definitions…. What is a Map? • The map has a narrative • Elements and information are framed for the viewer • Consider how they depict cause and effect • Maps actively construct new knowledges and serve as interventions into our understandings of the world Requires mapmakers and map readers to consider: • What counts as data? • The role of images/symbols and design in effectively depicting What is GIS? • Geographic Information System (GIS) is “A set of tools that captures, stores, analyzes, manages, and presents data that are linked to a location” • Spatial or Data Analysis: “Study of the spatial visualization of patterns, properties, and relationships. Examples of variables that are often analyzed include population demographics, quality of life indexes, illness distributions, and business sales (Camera et al.
    [Show full text]
  • How to Transfer GIS Data So the Files Don't Corrupt
    UofA Biological Sciences – GIS December 23, 2003 How to Transfer GIS Data so the Files Don’t Corrupt GIS FILE FORMATS There are several file formats available for you to work with in ArcGIS. NOTE: It is recommended that you copy or move GIS datasets using ArcCatalog to make sure you copy all related files. Shapefiles An ESRI shapefile is “a vector data storage format for storing the location, shape, and attributes of geographic features”. It is stored in a set of related files and contains one feature class.” The geometry is stored in the main .shp file as a set of vector coordinates making up shapes (either point, line, or area features). There is no topology (i.e. relationships between connected features or shared borders), so shapefiles have a faster drawing speed, greater edit ability, lower file size, and are easier to read/write than other data sources. Attributes are held in a dBase format file (.dbf) in which each attribute record has a one-to-one relationship with the associated shape record. An index file (.shx) stores each record as the offset of the corresponding main file record from the beginning of the main file. The naming conventions for shapefiles require that all associated files have the same prefix. Required files: · Main file (stores feature geometry): rivers.shp · Index file (stores file lookup index): rivers.shx · dBase table (stores attributes: rivers.dbf Additional files: · Projections definition file: rivers.prj · Spatial index for read-write shapefiles: rivers.sbn · Spatial index for read-write shapefiles: rivers.sbx NOTE: Your data may be projected in some coordinate system; however ArcGIS requires the .prj file to define what system is used to facilitate geoprocessing, reprojecting, and other operations.
    [Show full text]
  • Geo-Information Standards in Action
    Geo-information Standards in Action Peter J.M. van Oosterom (Editor) Geo-information Standards in Action NCG / GIN Farewell Seminar Henri J.G.L. Aalders Delft, 17 November 2004 Peter J.M. van Oosterom (Editor) NCG Nederlandse Commissie voor Geodesie Netherlands Geodetic Commission 42 Delft, February 2005 Scientific Board Prof.dr.ir. A.K. Bregt (CGI WU) Dr. M.J.M. Grothe (Adviesdienst Geo-informatie en ICT RWS) Ir. L. Heres (Adviesdienst Verkeer en Vervoer RWS) Ir. E. Kolk (Topografische Dienst Kadaster) Ir. J. Kooijman (TNO-NITG) Prof.dr. M.J. Kraak (ITC) Dr. M.J. van Kreveld (UU) Prof.dr.ir. P.J.M. van Oosterom (TU Delft) Prof.dr. F.J. Ormeling (UU) Ing. M.P.J. van de Ven (Provincie Gelderland) Ir. R.C.J. Witmer (Kadaster) Sponsors Autodesk Bentley Delft University of Technology ESRI Geodan Intergraph RWS-AGI Geo-information Standards in Action NCG / GIN Farewell Seminar Henri J.G.L. Aalders, Delft, 17 November 2004 Peter J.M. van Oosterom (Editor) Nederlandse Commissie voor Geodesie Netherlands Geodetic Commission 42 ISBN 90 6132 289 8 Published by: NCG, Nederlandse Commissie voor Geodesie, Netherlands Geodetic Commission, Delft, The Netherlands Printed by: Optima Grafische Communicatie, Optima Graphic Communication, Rotterdam, The Netherlands Cover illustration: Axel Smits NCG, Nederlandse Commissie voor Geodesie, Netherlands Geodetic Commission P.O. Box 5058, 2600 GB Delft, The Netherlands T: +31 (0)15 278 28 19 F: +31 (0)15 278 17 75 E: [email protected] W: www.ncg.knaw.nl The NCG, Nederlandse Commissie voor Geodesie, Netherlands Geodetic Commission is part of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) Content Editorial vii P.J.M.
    [Show full text]
  • Data Capture Technical Reference
    Data Capture Technical Reference February 2019 For more information, visit the FEMA Guidelines and Standards for Flood Risk Analysis and Mapping webpage. Copies of the Standards for Flood Risk Analysis and Mapping policy, related guidance, technical references, and other information about the guidelines and standards development process are all available here. You can also search directly by document title at www.fema.gov/library. Implementation Instructions This version of the Technical Reference must be used on projects as described below. Generally, the changes in this version may also be implemented on any project, in coordination with the FEMA Project and Contracting Officer’s Representative. Revision Date Implementation February 2019 Implemented for all new projects initiated in FY19 and later. Table of Revisions The following summary of changes details revisions to the Data Capture Technical Reference subsequent to its most recent version in February 2018. Affected Section or Date Description Subsection Revised to not require Mapping Information Platform February Section 6.3 upload of raw Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data 2019 if purchased through the U.S. Geological Survey. Data Capture Technical Reference February 2019 Page ii Table of Contents 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................1 2. Discovery Data Submittal Requirements .......................................................................... 1 2.1 Table: DCS_L_Mtg_POC ............................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction to GIS and GPS for Engineers and Surveyors
    130.pdf A SunCam online continuing education course Introduction to GIS and GPS for Engineers and Surveyors by Julie Coco, P. E. www.SunCam.com Copyright 2011 - 2015 Julie Coco Page 1 of 43 130.pdf Introduction to GIS and GPS for Engineers and Surveyors A SunCam online continuing education course PURPOSE The purpose of this course is to provide a basic understanding of the term “GIS”, and how this science is applied in engineering. It is meant to familiarize engineers and surveyors with the terminology and industry lingo used by GIS Professionals, such that those composing or submitting responses to Requests for Qualifications or Proposals can better understand the scope of GIS or GPS services they need, or be asked to provide, and whether they have the in-house talent to perform such services. Essential concepts are initially discussed in order to understand the formats of geographical information and how it is used. Some of the more abstract scientific concepts and theories, while important, will not be covered. The course contains a short overview of the more popular GIS and GPS software and hardware. Engineers should be able to recognize topographic and other GIS file types presented to them by clients for use on their projects. Surveyors should understand the differences between traditional electro-optical and GPS survey techniques. Lastly, it is meant to be an informative, practical and entertaining “quick study” for those deciding whether to integrate some of these skills into their career, or to possess a basic conversational language and understanding of the world of GIS and GPS.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction to GIS in Ecology
    GIS in Ecology Charlene Nielsen, MSc [email protected] 492-9397 B414 BioSci Building www.biology.ualberta.ca/gis Overview • What a GIS is not • When (not) to use GIS in • What is a GIS? ecology • GIS is… • Advice on using GIS • …linking databases to • Learning options maps • The basics: • Types of spatial data – File management skills • Data issues in a GIS – GIS software • Conducting a GIS analysis – Symbolizing – Classifying data • Common types of spatial analyses 2 What a GIS is not GPS Software Global Positioning System Functions and tools needed to GPS data can be used in GIS store, analyze, and display analyses geographic information Requires hardware, data, and personnel in complete system Static Map Digital/paper map is an “input” Database or “product” of GIS Set of tables containing data A way to visualize output from that can be accessed or GIS analyses reassembled in many different ways Requires link to spatial data 3 What is a GIS? G I S Geographic Information System Turn data into information Personnel, Hardware, Earth Description Location data (how Software, Data, and 3 “W’s” of Geography many, what kind, Analytical Methods what is where? where) Organized to automate, why is it there? Scale of data (local to manage, and deliver global) information through why do you care? Data presentation geographic 80% of all data has a (words, graphs, presentation spatial component tables, maps) 4 GIS is… … a method to visualize, People analyze, and display spatial data Analyses … the process of Hardware GIS combining layers
    [Show full text]
  • 1. Geographic Information System
    9/16/2020 Geographic information system - Wikipedia Geographic information system A geographic information system (GIS) is a conceptualized framework that provides the ability to capture and analyze spatial and geographic data. GIS applications (or GIS apps) are computer- based tools that allow the user to create interactive queries (user- created searches), store and edit spatial and non-spatial data, analyze spatial information output, and visually share the results of these operations by presenting them as maps.[1][2][3] Geographic information science (or, GIScience)—the scientific study of geographic concepts, applications, and systems—is commonly Basic GIS concept initialized as GIS, as well.[4] Geographic information systems are utilized in multiple technologies, processes, techniques and methods. It is attached to various operations and numerous applications, that relate to: engineering, planning, management, transport/logistics, insurance, telecommunications, and business.[2] For this reason, GIS and location intelligence applications are at the foundation of location-enabled services, that rely on geographic analysis and visualization. GIS provides the capability to relate previously unrelated information, through the use of location as the "key index variable". Locations and extents that are found in the Earth's spacetime, are able to be recorded through the date and time of occurrence, along with x, y, and z coordinates; representing, longitude (x), latitude (y), and elevation (z). All Earth-based, spatial–temporal, location
    [Show full text]