Background: digital elevation model of Mt. Hood, Oregon

Why GIS?A brief overview

GIS for Communities and Natural ResourcesD’Anne Hammond

http://hammondd.weebly.com

541-929-7329

WHO needs GIS?

• City, county, state government– Planners, city councils, public works,

assessors...more

• Natural resource agencies• Health organizations• Scientists, businesses, utilities...more

anyone involved in managingpublic assets or processes

WHAT is GIS?

• Geographic Information System• For spatial data management and decision-

making– Locates, overlays, analysis, planning, visualization

• Where is the asset or problem?• What is affected by the asset or problem?• Who is affected by the asset or problem?

All spatial information can be visualized, queried, managed, and

manipulated using GIS

http://www.esri.com/what-is-gis

WHAT is GIS...ESRI*

A geographic information system (GIS) lets us visualize, question, analyze,

interpret, and understand data to reveal relationships, patterns, and trends.

*Environmental Systems Research Institute

Free GIS software is also available; GRASS, QGIS most common

HOW to GIS?

1. Needs assessment• What do you want to get back out of your GIS?• Existing data (drawings, CAD, aerial imagery, other)• Data acquisition (planning, sources, time)• Decide who needs access to the data (data sharing)• Decide software/hardware (depends on

implementation)

2. Learn how to use GIS - high learning curve• OR hire someone to teach it and use it

3. Convert / collect data4. Implementation - create databases, etc.

GIS options

• Own your system– most functional and convenient

• Online applications– lower cost, host data off-site

• Fully functional system (analyses) vs. • Simplified mapping, overlays, visualization• Asset management systems - many available

– Pre-packaged– Piece it together– Integrate with field technology

GIS cost

Depends on:– Existing data, conversion, acquisition– Extent of implementation

• mapping vs. asset mgt. and analysis

– System you choose to implement• software, hardware

– Hiring vs. training– Available partnership opportunities– Available grants or other funding

GIS benefits

• Cost reductions– Manual vs. GIS-based map creation– Reduced work-order entries (centralized)

• Cost avoidance– Reduced cost issuing and tracking permits– Forecast infrastructure dev. (don’t overbuild)– Save time for property searches: centralized

source for rights and encumbrances

• Increased efficiency & productivity– Reduced man-hours hunting for maps

• Regulatory compliance• Improved coordination of projects• Link to utility billing and service monitoring

Benefits lead to...• Increased transparency• Improved customer satisfaction and staff

wellbeing• Better budget outcomes

GIS benefits cont’d

Education & experience

GIS, SNR, MPP• Graduate GIS certificate, OSU Geosciences

• Advanced level ArcGIS• Remote sensing and raster data• Responsible GIS practice (ethics)

• Philomath sign management• gps sign inventory: data dictionary and data collection,

750+ signs; FHWA, MUTCD, and GASB regs.• GIS map data connected to MSAccess (drawbacks)

• OPRD grant, city and park maps

Education & experience

• SNR certificate, used GIS for• imagery• watersheds• vegetation classification• regional ownership maps• GIS data enabled production of reports with land-use and

other policy considerations

• Master’s in Public Policy, rural focus• Policy research and analysis• Econometrics• Natural resources and community values• Poverty

GIS for Communities and Natural Resources

• Needs assessment• Data collection• GIS implementation consult

Connecting you with the right systemand services to meet your needs