MINNESOTA GIS/LIS CONSORTIUM

OCTOBER 1-3, 2014MAYO CIVIC CENTERROCHESTER, MINNESOTA

24TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

latitude: 44.022807; longitude: -92.458951

ContentsWelcome .......................................................................3

Acknowledgements ......................................................4

Keynote Speakers ........................................................5

GIS/LIS Consortium Awards .........................................7

Workshop and Session Schedule ...............................13

Poster and Web Map Gallery.................................. 21

Entertainment ........................................................ 22

Session, Poster and Web Map Abstracts ............... 23

Conference Exhibitors ................................................49

Conference Schedule At-A-Glance .............................56

#mngislis14 | #without boundaries | @mngislis | Fb.com/mngislis

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On behalf of the Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium Board of Directors, I would like to welcome you to the 24th Annual Minnesota GIS/LIS Conference “Without Boundaries” in Rochester, Minnesota. We appreciate your contributions and dedication to the geospatial community and thank you for joining us. We hope this fall’s conference brings forth great opportunities for you to interact with your peers, share your thoughts, and expand your knowledge base. We have tried to compile an outstanding conference for you this year and we hope that you have a rewarding experience.

Truly, this conference would not be possible without the passion, hard work and dedication of our volunteers. I would like to thank each individual and organization in helping shape the 24th Annual Conference to be a success. This year’s conference planning and logistics have been a team effort by Ewald Consulting, the Minnesota GIS/LIS Conference Committee, the Geospatial Information & Technology Association’s Minnesota Chapter, and countless other dedicated and driven volunteers, exhibitors and sponsors.

For too long, physical boundaries have hampered our ability to get the job done. Municipal, county, state and regional barriers have created walls that have resulted in lack of innovation and collaboration across our profession. It is when we break down these boundaries and work together that anything is possible. Thus, our conference theme came to be. This year, like our conference theme — Without Boundaries — I encourage you to reach out and build connections with new colleagues, attend a session outside of your area of expertise and share your unique knowledge and experiences with fellow attendees. Let’s break down the boundaries separating each other to form a cohesive network in sync with each other.

This year we are thrilled to have two phenomenal keynote speakers. We open our conference with Kevin Mickey, Director of Geospatial Technologies Education at The Polis Center at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Kevin will challenge us and set a great tone for the conference as he addresses the key components of large-scaled collaborative efforts. His presentation is based on his recently published paper, A Distributed Model for Effective National Geospatial Data Management: Building a National Data Sharing Infrastructure. Our closing keynote session will feature Joshua Stevens from the Penn State GeoVISTA Center and his presentation is something you won’t want to miss. Joshua is a Ph.D. candidate and GIScientist and cartographer focusing on UI/UX design; his work has been featured in Time, Wired and Foreign Policy. Joshua will highlight the importance of design in analysis and communication. I strongly encourage you to attend both of our keynote sessions and thank our speakers for their willingness to share their experiences and knowledge with the Minnesota geospatial community.

With that, I hope that you jump in and enjoy the conference! I invite you to celebrate our ever-changing field, future opportunities and enjoy the company of the community we work with and grow in each day. Let’s move forward — Without Boundaries!

Kitty Hurley, GISPConference Chair

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Acknowledgements

• Kitty Hurley• Geoff Maas• Gerry Sjerven• Ryan Stovern• Ashley Ignatius• Michelle Trager• Charles Skelton• Jacqueline Brost• Adam Snegosky• Ben Verbick• Heather Albrecht

• Dan Ross• Mike Dolbow• Mark Kotz• Greta Poser• Kyle Chester• Catherine Hansen• Andy King-Scribbins• Jen Rand-Weaver• Heidi Gaedy• Bart Richardson• Stacey Stark

• Jim Gonsoski• Ryan Hughes• Tiffany Sprague• Dale Nikkola• Kiah Sagami• Scott Freburg• Greg Liknes• Brian Johnson • Joshua Gumm• Sarah Schrader

2014 Board of Directors

Chair: Adam SnegoskyChair-Elect: Heather AlbrechtPast Chair: Ben VerbickTreasurer: Kyle ChesterSecretary: Catherine HansenConference Chair: Kitty HurleyConference Chair-Elect: Geoff MaasHigher Education: Greta PoserState Government: Bart Richardson Local Government: Michelle Trager Private Sector: Jennifer Ward At-Large: Scott FreburgMnGeo Statewide Geospatial Advisory Council: Gerry SjervenMnGeo: Dan Ross

Conference Committee

• Bolton & Menk• Pro-West & Associates• U-Spatial, University of Minnesota• WSB & Associates

We would like to thank the staff at Ewald Consulting who help the Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium and its Board of Directors in the administration, logistics and management of this conference.

Sponsors

Ewald Consulting

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Keynote SpeakersOur speakers this year will bring you to new worlds.

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Kevin Mickey, GISP, CTT+

8:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014

Geospatial Data Management: Building a National Data Sharing Infrastructure

Kevin Mickey is the Director of Geospatial Technologies Education at The Polis Center at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor for the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IUPUI where he teaches graduate courses in the application of GIS for emergency management and public safety. He has over 20

years of experience in providing introductory through advanced education on a variety of geospatial tools and topics. This includes serving as a senior instructor for the National Emergency Training Center’s Emergency Management Institute. Kevin is a recognized expert in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazus-MH technology and supporting methodology. Experience with Hazus-MH includes multiple hazard modelling projects as well as design and management of over two dozen FEMA courses in flood, earthquake and hurricane risk assessment, disaster operations, and data management. In addition to his role as an educator, Kevin has managed and/or supported dozens of spatial technologies projects since joining The Polis Center in 1990. For the past decade he has supported multiple state and local hazard risk related projects. Examples of organizations that he has supported include the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Work completed for these agencies included the creation of geospatial tools and workflows for managing flood risk, conducting risk assessments, and developing mitigation plans for multiple communities in each state. He has also supported the governments of Canada and Singapore by providing recommendations on flood risk mitigation tools and strategies.

Kevin currently serves as Secretary of the Multihazard Mitigation Council of the National Institute of Building Sciences Board of Direction; chairs the Professional Practices Division of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) and will become a member of the URISA Board of Directors in September 2014; chairs the Indiana Geographic Information Council Education Committee; and is a past member of the Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC) Board of Directors.

Joshua Stevens

12:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, 2014

From Sensemaking to Sharing: The Importance of Design in Geographic Analysis and Communication

Josh Stevens is a GIScientist and cartographer focusing on User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) design within geovisualization and GIS applications. He currently works in the Penn State GeoVISTA Center as a Ph.D. candidate in Geography and a National Science Foundation Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (NSF IGERT) fellow

in Big Data Social Science within the Department of Political Science. His work combines research in graphic design, human-computer interaction, and spatial analysis to better understand the relationships between interaction and visualization in cartographic software. In addition to research, Josh teaches cartographic design in both classroom and workshop settings. His work has been featured in Time, Wired, Foreign Policy, and a number of public exhibits.

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MinnesotaMapleGroveThiefRiverFalls

latitude: 44.022807; longitude: -92.458951

Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium24th Annual Conference

AWARDS

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Polaris Leadership AwardPolaris is the proper name for the North Star and for centuries has served as a beacon used by navigators as a guide. The Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium’s Polaris Leadership Award recognizes active, established leaders in the geospatial community who demonstrate a beacon of energy and creativity that inspire and guide the rest of us.

Polaris award recipients are determined by the following criteria: significant contributions that have benefited our state and its citizens for at least five years; demonstrated leadership, energy, and creativity within and beyond one’s normal job environment for the benefit of the greater GIS community; and involvement with the Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium, such as a conference presenter and/or a committee or board member.

2014 Polaris Leadership Award Recipients

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Chad MartiniStearns County

The GIS/LIS Consortium is lucky to have a leader like Chad Martini in its ranks. Over the past decade Chad has been extremely active in the Consortium. He has served many years on the consortium board and conference planning committee and has also spent many years as a leader and champion of the GIS/LIS scholarship program. He has kept at the forefront of his efforts the Mn GIS/LIS Consortium’s mission to develop GIS professionals. It is a balance of short and long-term thinking and thoughtful implementation that makes Chad such a valuable leader on the Consortium committees. In addition to his contributions to the Consortium, Chad has brought his considerable knowledge and skill to statewide policy committees all while improving services at MnDOT, GeoComm, and Stearns County. He is a role model for young and seasoned GIS professionals alike.

Hal WatsonMN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Many, many GIS users in Minnesota are using a product, service or tool that Hal was integral in developing or maintaining. The most widely known is the popular DNR Data Deli. Hal was also instrumental in designing and building the Geospatial Data Resource Site (GDRS) technology and infrastructure which supports the Deli and is also the foundation of Minnesota’s next generation data delivery and collaboration site, the Minnesota Geospatial Commons. Hal has thought deeply and broadly about how we can build GIS systems to benefit all geospatial data publishers and users in Minnesota and that can be collectively sustained over the long-term. Hal has also shared his expertise in numerous workshops and presentations, guiding and mentoring others in our community. His contributions permeate all facets of GIS data and systems visioning, architecture, development, distribution, management, education and support.

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Lifetime Achievement AwardThe Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 1993 to recognize a lifetime of accomplishments in the field of GIS/LIS in Minnesota. Lifetime Achievement Award recipients have made significant contributions for the greater good that have advanced the field of GIS/LIS in Minnesota and beyond and/or utilized GIS/LIS technology in ways that preserved or improved Minnesota’s quality of life.

2014 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

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Victoria A. ReinhardtRamsey County Commissioner

Tireless Champion of Geospatial Data Sharing and Progressive Geospatial Policy

Victoria Reinhardt has been a significant and tireless champion of geospatial data sharing and progressive geospatial policy for two decades. Her long-standing and effective advocacy for inter-agency cooperation in geodata development and sharing has provided steady and consistent support for geospatial technology and its practitioners in the Twin Cities metropolitan region, in Greater Minnesota, and nationally. This has been a critical factor in achieving the vision of free and open public geospatial data in Minnesota.

Commissioner Reinhardt’s story as an advocate of geospatial technology began in 1997 with her appointment to the newly established MetroGIS Policy Board and her election as its first chairperson. MetroGIS was created concurrently with — but without awareness of — the Federal Geographic Data Committee’s (FGDC) newly launched initiative to foster widespread sharing of geospatial data throughout the United States. That initiative was called the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) and MetroGIS’ leadership —including Commissioner Reinhardt's — began to aggressively integrate NSDI philosophy and principals into the policies that underpinned MetroGIS’s vision.

Commissioner Reinhardt understood that a major public policy paradigm shift would be required to accomplish

the MetroGIS vision. She also understood that it was her responsibility as Policy Board Chairperson to foster the atmosphere needed to convince her policy-making peers that it is in the greater public good for local government to endorse the emerging free and open geospatial data philosophy. Commissioner Reinhardt took her role seriously, serving in the following leadership capacities: • Charter and continuing member of the MetroGIS Policy

Board, 1997 — present; • Served as the Chair of the MetroGIS Policy Board, 1997

— 2007; • Testified before a U. S. House of Representatives sub-

committee in 1999 on the efficiencies and benefits of inter-agency geospatial data development and data sharing being realized in the Twin Cities metropolitan area;

• Served as a member of the National GeoData Board representing county government, 2000 — 2003;

• Served for eight years as a member of Governors Council on Geospatial Information representing the interests of county government, and co-chaired its Strategic Planning Committee, 2001 — 2009;

• Serves on the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office Geospatial Advisory Council, 2009 — Present.

In each of these leadership capacities, Commissioner Reinhardt has effectively advocated for policy changes which align with sharing of data and expertise across borders — policies that improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency in the Twin Cities metro region and beyond.

She is in large part responsible for the current policy paradigm shift in the Twin Cities and Minnesota away from cost recovery of geospatial data. In February 2014, her county — Ramsey — became the first county in Minnesota to adopt a formal policy resolution supporting free and open public geospatial data without fee or licensure.

For nearly two decades, Commissioner Reinhardt has worked to advance geospatial technology as a core business tool. Commissioner Reinhardt’s dedication has enhanced the greater good through advancing the field of geospatial technology and improving the quality of life in Minnesota and beyond. Her tireless efforts have promoted a vision of collaboration within the Minnesota GIS community.

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Governor’s Geospatial Commendation AwardSince 1996, the Governor’s Geospatial Commendation Award recognizes organizations that have gone the extra mile to deliver products and services resulting in a more responsive government, promoting public access to information and reflecting the benefits of working in a collaborative environment that encourages similar efforts in the future. For more information and a list of past winners, visit: www.mngeo.state.mn.us/awards/gov_commendations/

2014 Governor’s Geospatial Commendation Award Recipient

Minnesota Elevation Mapping Project

The Minnesota Elevation Mapping Project, under the direction of Tim Loesch, developed and delivered a seamless high-accuracy digital elevation dataset of the State of Minnesota using data collected with LiDAR technology. The data was acquired and compiled using a consistent set of specifications and was made possible by a partnership of organizations from all levels of government as well as from the academic and private sectors.

Accurate topographic information is greatly enhancing the ability of decision makers and resource managers to understand Minnesota’s landscape and is providing the foundation for developing innovative, effective, and defensible resource management strategies. The project has enabled the flow of accurate topographic information between all organizations and the general public.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources was the project’s lead agency, and the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Clean Water Fund provided base funding to ensure that the project could be completed. Major collaborating organizations were the Digital Elevation Committee, LiDAR Research and Education Subcommittee, the Minnesota Geospatial Information Office, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, county partners, the University of Minnesota, and the U.S. Geological Survey.

For more information on the Minnesota Elevation Mapping Project, visit: www.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/mntopo/index.html

Student Scholarship AwardsSince 2000, the Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium has offered annual scholarship awards to students enrolled in qualifying GIS programs in Minnesota. The scholarship award is used as a means to further GIS education and programs in Minnesota’s colleges and universities and to recognize and support outstanding students in these programs.

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Community College Scholars

Michael Brandon Hudec, Itasca Community College

Since graduating from high school in 2004, a significant portion of Michael’s employment history has been as a student/temporary worker with the Department of Natural Resources — Resource Assessment. During his time there, he has contributed to a number of projects, many of which utilize GIS. Michael eventually realized something that should have been clear much earlier: he enjoyed technology and maps, and he had a lot of experience with both — why not make a career out of it? Now, at the tail-end of his 20s, Michael has re-enrolled in college and is working toward a Bachelor’s in GIS. With one full year under his belt, there’s still quite a ways to go, but Michael is looking forward to the places GIS will take him.

Jesse Pruette, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

Undergraduate ScholarsRebecca Barney, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Rebecca is attending the University of Minnesota and completing her B.A. in Geography with a minor in GIS this semester. Next spring she intends to continue her education by beginning her Master's in the University of Minnesota’s MGIS program. Rebecca has had experience as a research assistant working with Dr. Francis Harvey on a research project for MnDOT. Her interests in GIS revolve around transportation and travel in particular, along with an enthusiasm for education. Rebecca hopes to work with public transit and to become an educator in the GIS field.

Chris Dahlman, University of Minnesota-Duluth

Chris Dahlman studies GIS and geography at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. In 2007 Chris enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served two deployments in Iraq as a Geospatial Engineer. He enjoys tutoring in the GIS lab and being a teaching assistant for Physical Geography.

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SCourtney Kietzer, Minnesota State University-Mankato

Courtney is an undergraduate student at Minnesota State University, Mankato. As a student of the Urban and Regional Studies Institute she has been introduced to GIS and has started working toward her GIS certificate, which complements her Geography minor as well as her background in urban planning. Courtney’s goals after graduation include using her skills in planning, development, preservation and policy to help a community thrive to its fullest potential by promoting the preservation of historic buildings and local businesses as community assets.

Will Metcalf, Gustavus Adolphus College

Will is about to complete his B.A. in Geography at Gustavus Adolphus College, along with minors in Geology and Scandinavian Studies. His latest work experience was at an environmental consulting firm in Sweden, where he was in close contact with business leaders and public officials in the biogas industry. Will is passionate about creating maps that are effective communication tools for discourse involving the environment. During his free time, you can find him rock climbing or mountain biking.

Jordan Ped, Macalester College

Jordan is a senior geography and economics double major at Macalester College. He hails from Portland, Oregon and had the opportunity to study abroad in both England and Morocco. In addition to his academic commitments, Jordan is a member of the men’s varsity soccer team at Macalester.

Alex Rust, St. Cloud State University

Alex is currently working as an intern for GEOSYS, an IT company developing innovative solutions in the agricultural sector, playing a key role in using GIS to monitor crop health and risk assessment. He has also been fortunate to work as a GIS intern for both GeoComm and the City of Golden Valley. All of Alex’s real-world experiences have given him the opportunity to broaden his GIS related skill-set and to help further his professional career. After graduating from St. Cloud State University in December, Alex intends to travel to Europe for a few months. In the fall of 2015, he plans on starting a Master’s program within GIS somewhere on the West Coast.

Mitchell Schaps, St. Thomas University

Mitchell Schaps is a Senior GIS major at the University of St. Thomas. He has participated in two ACTC City Labs projects, both involving the City of St. Paul Public Works department. In spring of 2014, he was awarded a Collaborative Research Grant from the University of St. Thomas Grants and Research office to analyze the Nice Ride system in Minneapolis and St. Paul with GIS. Last year, at the MN GIS/LIS conference, he won the student poster competition.

Rachael Schulte, Bemidji State University

Rachael is a senior in the geography department at Bemidji State University. She is a Northern Minnesota native and loves being outdoors — hates the winters — and enjoys playing almost any sport. After graduation in May, Rachael hopes to eventually work for the DNR, Forest Service or National Parks Service.

Graduate ScholarsAndrew Brown, Minnesota State University-Mankato

Andrew Brown is an anthropology graduate student focusing on the archeological applications of GIS and computer technologies. His research includes settlement pattern analysis, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, LiDAR analysis and photogrammetric 3D modeling.

Andrew Eckerson, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota

Andrew Eckerson is an Economic Development Consultant with the State of Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Prior to joining the research team at NDED, Andrew was a Master's of Science candidate at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in the Department of Resource Analysis. Andrew received a Master's degree in Geographic Information Sciences in December 2013.

William Heikkila, St. Cloud State University

William graduated from Morris Area High School in 2000. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for a little over six years, after which he attended St. Cloud State University where he majored in Ecology and Field Biology with an emphasis in wildlife biology. William further attended St. Cloud State University for his Master's of Science degree, during which time he also completed the GIS Graduate Certificate program. William’s research focused on estrogenic effects in fathead minnows, during which he used spatial statistics to investigate an environmentally relevant water temperature for fathead minnow culture.

M. Taylor Long, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Taylor grew up in Northwest Arkansas and attended Middlebury College in Vermont, where he earned a B.S. in Conservation Biology. Since graduation he has worked in Avian Conservation, and Communications & Marketing. After completing his GIS Master's degree in December, he will pursue a career in cartography and other forms of information visualization, especially where it concerns the relationship between people and the environment.

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SUBCONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR 2013

latitude: 44.022807; longitude: -92.458951

Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium24th Annual Conference

SCHEDULE

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Pre-Conference WorkshopsWorkshop check-in begins at 7:30 am Wednesday morning in the North Lobby of the Mayo Civic Center where refreshments will be provided. Workshop registration includes lunch and will be provided in the Grand Ballroom at the Mayo Civic Center at 12:15 pm. All data and materials for the workshops will be provided by the instructors.

All hands-on workshops are Bring Your Own Laptop and some hands-on workshops are Bring Your Own Mobile Device. If you would like to attend one of these workshops, you will need to bring a laptop to the workshop.

●Workshops are Hands-on ♦Workshops are Lecture Style

Full-Day Workshops● WK0014 — GIS for Disaster Operations — Kevin Mickey, GISP, CTT+, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

●WK0015 — Basics of LiDAR — Joel Nelson, University of Minnesota

AM Workshops●WK0001 — Developing a Data Collection Application Using Collector for ArcGIS — Jacqueline Brost, GISP,

MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Chris Pouliot, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

●WK0002 — Introduction to GIS Using ArcGIS 10.2 — David Brandt, Washington County

♦WK0003 — Jumpstart to ArcGIS Online — Kyle Heideman, GISP, Pro-West & Associates, Inc.

●WK0004 — Introduction to Python Using ArcMap’s Field Calculator — Terese Rowekamp, Rowekamp Associates, Inc.

♦WK0005 — Configuring the ArcGIS Platform for Agile and Rapid Deployment of Maps and Apps — Phil Holleran, ESRI; Sarah Schrader, ESRI

●WK0006 — Geospatial Big Data Analysis-Spatial Modeler — Frank Obusek, Hexagon Geospatial

♦WK0007 — Leveraging the Cloud — ArcGIS Server & Amazon Web Services — Justin Hansen, WSB & Associates, Inc.

PM Workshops♦WK0008 — Creating Add-ins for ArcGIS 10.1 and Beyond — Jacqueline Brost, GISP, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Chris Pouliot, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

●WK0009 — Understanding Geodatabases — Rebecca Cooper, Rowekamp Associates, Inc.

●WK0010 — Minnesota Geospatial Commons — Hal Watson, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

●WK0011 — Advanced Python — Caleb Mackey, Bolton & Menk, Inc.

●WK0012 — GIS Integration with Collector, Templates and More — Chad Nunemacher, Houston Engineering, Inc.

♦WK0013 — Transportation GIS — Jeff Tomlinson, Hexagon Geospatial

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Geolounge ScheduleThe Geolounge, sponsored by Bolton & Menk, is located in the Grand Ballroom.

Thursday, Oct. 210:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m.

Geolounge Open

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Recorded Session 4: Hydrology• 21st Century Ditch Assessment: Pouring new technologies into an

old drain — George Meyer, Otter Tail County GIS Department • Application of HSPF Watershed Hydrology and Water Quality Model

Results in the Development of Contribution-Based Fees for Water Management Units in the Sauk River Watershed District — Paul Senne, M.P.A., RESPEC Consulting & Services

• Mapping the Redistribution of Ecosystem Services Associated with Changing Water Levels in the Saint Louis River Area of Concern — Tom Hollenhorst, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Jonathon Launspach, SAR International

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Recorded Session 13: Project Management• City of Red Wing Data Migration to the ESRI Local Government

Information Model — Leanne Knott, GISP, City of Red Wing • Data Governance at the Minnesota Department of Natural

Resources — Tim Loesch, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

• Draft National Plan for Civil Earth Observations — Brian Huberty, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Friday, Oct. 38:00 a.m – Noon

Geolounge Open

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Recorded Session 16: Communication with Web Maps I• Building Simple Maps with JSON — Jason Ewert, MN.IT Services @

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency • The State of Open Source GIS — David Bitner, GISP, dbSpatial • Updating Stearns County’s Land Use Web Application — John

Mackiewicz, WSB & Associates; Chad Martini, Stearns County

10:30 a.m. – Noon

Recorded Session 28: Lightning Round III• ArcGIS for SharePoint: What Have You Done for Me Lately, and Where?

— Tony Drollinger, Metropolitan Transit • Flood Preparation: Creating Usable Maps to Prepare for and Respond

to Heavy Rains and Floods — Heather Hegi, City of Golden Valley • Mapping Places and County Subdivisions from 1790 to Present —

Jason Borah, Minnesota Population Center • OpenRamsey GIS Data Portal — Open Platform, Open Data, and

Open Participation — Jessica Fendos, GISP, Ramsey County; Matt Koukol, Ramsey County

• US County Highpoints: Mapping America’s Roof with ArcGIS Online — David Kelley, University of St. Thomas

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DESIGNING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

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Concurrent Sessions●Sessions are Individual Presentations (including 12-minute Lightning Presentations). ♦Sessions are Panel Discussions (including User and Regional groups).

Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – Noon●Session 1: ArcGIS Online (Individual Presentations), Elliott Suite A

• Leveraging ArcGIS Online in Your Organization — Stephanie Gibeau, North Point Geographic Solutions; Andrew Lundgren, North Point Geographic Solutions

• Public Map Makeover — Kyle Heideman, GISP, Pro-West & Associates, Inc.• Utilizing the Mobile Capabilities of ArcGIS Online — Stephanie Gibeau, North Point Geographic Solutions; Andrew Lundgren,

North Point Geographic Solutions

●Session 2: The Living Map (Individual Presentations), Mayo Suite A

• Georilla: Metro Maps with Brute Strength — Joella Givens, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Transportation• Map it Once; Use it a Bunch — Brad Henry, P.E., University of Minnesota• Mobile Laser Scanning at MNDOT: Data Collection and As-Builts — Brad Canaday, Minnesota Department of Transportation

●Session 3: Data Visualization (Individual Presentations), Elliott Suite B

• No One Wants to Look at Your Ugly Map — Danielle Lee, AE2S• Visualizing Time Series Data with CartoDB — Paul Wickman, Flat Rock Geographics

●Session 4: Hydrology (Individual Presentations), McDonnell Suite A

• 21st Century Ditch Assessment: Pouring New Technologies into an Old Drain — George Meyer, Otter Tail County GIS Department• Application of HSPF Watershed Hydrology and Water Quality Model Results in the Development of Contribution-Based Fees

for Water Management Units in the Sauk River Watershed District — Paul Senne, M.P.A., RESPEC Consulting & Services• Mapping the Redistribution of Ecosystem Services Associated with Changing Water Levels in the Saint Louis River Area of

Concern — Tom Hollenhorst, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Jonathon Launspach, SAR International

●Session 5: Imagery & Remote Sensing (Individual Presentations), Mayo Suite B

• In Search of the Lost Point Cloud: 3D Models from Aerial Photography — James Klassen, SharedGeo• Land Cover Classification with Multispectral Imagery, LiDAR Data and Object-Based Image Analysis — Marvin Bauer,

University of Minnesota• LiDAR: The 3rd Dimension — Andrew Walker, GeoCue Corporation

●Session 6: Lightning Round I (12 Minute Lightning Talks), Legion Suite A

• Bees, Please: Keep Track of Pollinator Locations — Mike McLean, Metropolitan Mosquito Control District; Nancy Read, Metropolitan Mosquito Control District

• Benefits of a County and City Shared GIS Position — Allison Kampbell, Carver County• Creating a Hydrologic Model Using GIS — Blaine Hackett, Flat Rock Geographics; Michael Jones, Flat Rock Geographics• Community Crowdsourced Webmapping — Assisting Neighborhood Groups in Minneapolis through Open Source Mapping

— Peter Truax, SharedGeo• Free Spatial Data! Permitted Data for Residential and Non-Residential Data for the 7-County Twin Cities Metropolitan Area

— Joel Nyhus, Metropolitan Council• Neighborhood K-12 GeoMentor — Andrew King-Scribbins, GISP, Hennepin County

●Session 7: Product Demonstrations I, Legion Suite B

• Capturing the World as You See it through Visual Documentation and Imagery — Jacob Wittenberg, Frontier Precision• Taking Your 2D GIS and Making it 3D — Scott Mizsak, CAD Technology Center

●Session 8: Student Competition: Graduate Student Competition, McDonnell Suite B

• Archeological Excavations in Three Dimensions: Integrating Python and Open-Source Software for Photogrammetric 3D Modeling — Andrew Brown, Minnesota State University-Mankato

• Mapping eBird: Visualizing Data Coverage in Citizen Science — M. Taylor Long, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities• Understanding the Relationship between Tree Canopy and Crime in Minneapolis, Minnesota Using Geographically Weighted

Regression — Andrew Eckerson, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota

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Thursday, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

●Session 9: Asset Management I (Individual Presentations), Legion Suite A

• Collecting High-Accuracy Data in Real-Time with Trimble Positions and ArcGIS for Windows Mobile — Heather Albrecht, City of Maple Grove

• Disconnected Data Collection in Agriculture — Josh Marsh, GISP, Pro-West & Associates, Inc.; Jody Steffel, Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative

• Integrating Collector and other ESRI Technologies to Improve a Data Collection Project — Chad Nunemacher, Houston Engineering, Inc.

●Session 10: Communication through Custom Applications (Individual Presentations), Elliott Suite A

• Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) — Bob Basques, City of Saint Paul• GeoMOOSE at 10 Years — Dan Little, dbSpatial• The Ever Changing Value of Soils and Technology — Jennifer Ward, GISP, Pro-West & Associates, Inc.

●Session 11: Emergency Response (Individual Presentations), Elliott Suite B

• Lessons Learned Deploying the Fire Run Map Book Template — Kyle Oberg, Cook County; Daniel Weatherly, University of Minnesota-Duluth

• The USNG Information Center Is Now Open! — Stephen Swazee, SharedGeo; Sally Wakefield, SharedGeo

●Session 12: LiDAR I (Individual Presentations), Legion Suite B

• An Object-Based Approach Using LiDAR and Optical Data for Landscape Change Detection — Keith Pelletier, University of Minnesota

• New Methods for Modeling Stream Temperature’s Using High Resolution LiDAR, Solar Radiation Analysis and Flow Accumulated Values to Predict Stream Temperature — Tom Hollenhorst, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; John Jereczek, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

• Using LiDAR to Create Conservation Targeting Tools — Brian Fischer, Houston Engineering, Inc.

●Session 13: Project Management (Individual Presentations), McDonnell Suite A

• City of Red Wing Data Migration to the Esri Local Government Information Model — Leanne Knott, GISP, City of Red Wing• Data Governance at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — Tim Loesch, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota

Department of Natural Resources• Draft National Plan for Civil Earth Observations — Brian Huberty, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

●Session 14: Product Demonstrations II, Mayo Suite A

• ArcGIS Pro: Desktop GIS Transformed — Evan Marshall, GISP, ESRI• Geospatial Field Appraisal Saves Time and Money — Brandon Tourtelotte, Hexagon Geospatial• Stereo Mapping within ArcGIS: Real-World Examples and Practical Applications— Brandon Tourtelotte, Hexagon Geospatial

●Session 15: Student Competition: Undergraduate Student Competition, McDonnell Suite B

• GIS as a Science Communication Tool: A Case Study of Ice Sheet Mass Balance Calculations Using GRACE Satellite Data — Will Metcalf, Gustavus Adolphus College

• Mapping and Analyzing Historic Buildings in Lincoln Park, Blue Earth County — Courtney Kietzer, Minnesota State University-Mankato

• Mapping Bikeshare: Showing the Potential of Bikeshare Via GIS — Mitchell Schaps, University of St. Thomas• Piracy’s Influence on the Global Maritime Shipping Network — Jordan Ped, Macalaster College• Rebecca’s Adventure Map (2014) — Rebecca Barney, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities• Tornado Path Detection Using Multi-Spectral Satellite Imagery and Digital Image Processing — Chris Dahlman, University of

Minnesota-Duluth

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Thursday, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.●Session 16: Communication with Web Maps I (Individual Presentations), McDonnell Suite A

• Building Simple Maps with JSON — Jason Ewert, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Pollution Control Agency• The State of Open Source GIS — David Bitner, GISP, dbSpatial• Updating Stearns County’s Land Use Web Application — John Mackiewicz, WSB & Associates; Chad Martini, Stearns County

♦Session 17: Enterprise GIS (90 Minute Panel Discussion), Mayo Suite A

• Deployment Strategies for Enterprise GIS: User Experiences — Dan Falbo, ESRI; Andrea Grygo, St. Louis County; Peter Henschel, Carver County; Matt Koukol, Ramsey County

♦Session 18: K-12 Education (90 Minute Panel Discussion), McDonnell Suite B

• K-12 Educator Presentations and Support — Scott Freburg, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Education

♦Session 19: LiDAR II (Individual Presentations), Elliott Suite A

• Big Solar Maps from Big Data — Michael Moore, Flat Rock Geographics• Minnesota Solar Suitability Analysis — Chris Martin, University of Minnesota• Solar Capacity Modeling Using LiDAR-Derived High Resolution Elevation Data — Andrew Walz, LiDAR Solar Study Team,

University of Minnesota

●Session 20: Lightning Round II (12 Minute Lightning Talks), Legion Suite A

• Collecting Highway Assets: A Summer Project— Michelle Trager, GISP, Rice County• Commercial Satellite Imagery Resources for Research in the Upper Midwest — Lucas Winzenburg, U-Spatial/Polar

Geospatial Center, University of Minnesota• Geospatial PDF: It’s Mo Betta — Hugh Phillips, Cartographer• GIS Technology in the Aviation Industry — Nick Meyers, GISP, Bolton & Menk, Inc.• Google Glass: Maps in Your Eyes? — Jesse Adams, North Point Geographic Solutions• If You Build it They Will Inspect. Relieving the Backlog of Digital Inspection Needs — Jon Hoekenga, Metropolitan Council;

Matt McGuire, Metropolitan Council

●Session 21: Parcel Database Initiative (Individual Presentations), Mayo Suite B

• Digitizing the Torrens-Abstract Boundary in Hennepin County — Andrew King-Scribbins, GISP, Hennepin County• Migration Is Done: Now What? — Lisa Schaefer, GISP, Pro-West & Associates, Inc.• Wisconsin’s Statewide Parcel Database Initiative — Peter Herreid, Wisconsin Department of Administration; Codie See,

Wisconsin State Cartographer’s Office; Howard Veregin, GISP, Wisconsin State Cartographer’s Office; David Vogel, Wisconsin State Cartographer’s Office

●Session 22: Transportation (Individual Presentations), Elliott Suite B

• Detecting Traffic Accident Hot Spots and Clusters Using Single Linkage Method and GIS: A Case Study in North Dakota — Mohammad Molla, North Dakota State University

• Innovations in LiDAR for Transportation Mapping — James Young, Quantum Spatial• MnDOT’s Implementation of Our New Linear Referencing System — Jesse Pearson, Minnesota Department of

Transportation

♦Session 23: User & Regional Groups, Grand Ballroom

• ArcGIS Collector — Matt McGuire, Metropolitan Council• Le Sueur County GIS Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations — Tim Briggs, AeroLogix Consulting, Inc.; Justin Lutterman, Le

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Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.●Session 24: ArcGIS Online II (Individual Presentations), Elliott Suite A

• Operations Dashboard for Corrections — Andrew King-Scribbins, GISP, Hennepin County• What Are Geotriggers? How Can I Use Them for Real Work (and Some Fun!)? — Jesse Adams, North Point Geographic

Solutions

●Session 25: Demographics & Demographic Analysis (Individual Presentations), Legion Suite A

• Beyond Midwestern Blizzard Snowfall: Gauging the Role of Population Density and Political Party Affiliation in Federal Emergency and Disaster Declarations — Christopher Atkinson, University of North Dakota

• Population Density Mapping Using the Dasymetric Method — Blaine Hackett, Flat Rock Geographics; Tom Cox, Minnesota Power

♦Session 26: Students & Young Professionals (90 Minute Panel Discussion), McDonnell Suite B

• Finding, Applying for and Interviewing for Jobs in GIS — Jeff Bloomquist, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Joella Givens, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Transportation; Andy King-Scribbins, GISP, Hennepin County; Josh Marsh, GISP, Pro-West & Associates Inc.; Stacey Stark, GISP, University of Minnesota-Duluth

♦Session 27: LiDAR III (90 Minute Panel Discussion), Mayo Suite B

• Minnesota LiDAR Panel — Sean Vaughn, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Mark Reineke, WSN Engineering; Steve Kloiber, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Tim Loesch, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Molly Martin, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

●Session 28: Lightning Round III (12 Minute Lightning Talks), McDonnell Suite A

• ArcGIS for SharePoint: What Have You Done for Me Lately, and Where? — Tony Drollinger, Metropolitan Transit• Flood Preparation: Creating Usable Maps to Prepare for and Respond to Heavy Rains and Floods — Heather Hegi, City of

Golden Valley• Mapping Places and County Subdivisions from 1790 to Present — Jason Borah, Minnesota Population Center• OpenRamsey GIS Data Portal: Open Platform, Open Data, and Open Participation — Jessica Fendos, GISP, Ramsey County;

Matt Koukol, Ramsey County• US County Highpoints: Mapping America’s Roof with ArcGIS Online — David Kelley, University of St. Thomas

♦Session 29: Free & Open Data (90 Minute Panel Discussion), Legion Suite B

• Free and Open Public Geospatial Data: Perspectives and Practice — David Brandt, Washington County; Peter Henschel, Carver County; Beth Johnson, Chisago County; Randy Knippel, Dakota County; Matt Koukol, Ramsey County; Geoff Maas, GISP, Metropolitan Council; Mark Sloan, GISP, Clay County; Gary Swenson, Hennepin County

●Session 30: Utilities (Individual Presentations), Mayo Suite A

• 3-D Utility Surveying — Philip Meis, P.E., Utility Mapping Services, Inc.• Carver County Fiber Optic Management: Leveraging GIS for Efficient Strand Management — Chad Riley, Carver County

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Friday, 10:30 a.m. – Noon●Session 31: Asset Management II (Individual Presentations), McDonnell Suite A

• Address Point Assessment for NG9-1-1 — Jessica Beierman, Geo-Comm• An Integrated Approach Using GIS to Push Data from the Field into Other Business Systems — Nate Christ, Carver County• Enabling Enterprise Geospatial Applications for Utilities and Asset Management — Brandon Tourtelotte, Hexagon

Geospatial

●Session 32: Communication with Web Maps II (Individual Presentations), Mayo Suite A

• Extending Google’s Platform with Hybrid Solutions — Michael Terner, GISP, Applied Geographics, Inc.• Giving Web GIS the Boot — Lucas Scharenbroich, GISP, Pro-West & Associates, Inc.

♦Session 33: Spatial Data — From Discovery to Archive (Individual Presentation and 60 Minute Panel

Discussion), Legion Suite A

• An Introduction to the Minnesota Geospatial Commons — Nancy Rader, Minnesota Geospatial Information Office; Alison Slaats, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• The 4 W’s and 1 H of Data Archiving — Lesley Kadish, Minnesota Historical Society; Randy Knippel, Dakota County; Len Kne, GISP, U-Spatial; Mark Kotz, Metropolitan Council; Ryan Mattke, University of Minnesota Libraries; Cory Richter, City of St. Paul; Dan Ross, Minnesota Geospatial Information Office

●Session 34: Environment (Individual Presentations), Elliott Suite A

• Applying GIS in Brazil: An Impactful Research Experience Worth Sharing — Andrew Morrison, University of Minnesota• Native Plant Community Polygon Database Application Team — Jason Johnson, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department

of Natural Resources; Bart Richardson, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources• USGS Geospatial Data Highlights: US Topo, 3DEP and More — Ronald Wencl, U.S. Geological Survey

♦Session 35: Parcel/Land Resources (90 Minute Panel Discussion), Elliott Suite B

• Official MnGeo Parcels and Land Records Committee MeetUp — David Brandt, Washington County; Curt Carlson, North State MLS; Chad Martini, Stearns County; Jane Mueller, Beltrami County; Bart Richardson, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Gerry Sjerven, ALLETE, Inc.; Mark Sloan, GISP, Clay County; Jeff Storlie, St. Louis County; Ryan Stovern, GISP, Lake County; Mark Volz, GISP, Lyon County.

●Session 36: Process Improvement (Individual Presentations), Legion Suite B

• Creating a Staff Development Plan with ESRI — Andy Spence, ESRI• Embracing Your Inner IT Geek: How Stepping Away from GIS Gave Me the Skills I Needed — Mike Dolbow, Minnesota

Geospatial Information Office• West Fargo, North Dakota CAD to GIS Conversion — Gretchen Gottsacker, Moore Engineering, Inc.

●Session 37: Python (Individual Presentations), Mayo Suite B

• Lessons from Capitol Code — Brad Neuhauser, Minnesota Office of the Secretary of the State• Using Python to Help Non-GIS Users Rapidly Gain Familiarity with ArcGIS — Tom Sayward, Moore Engineering, Inc.

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Poster & Web Map GalleryGeneral Posters

• An Overview of the Minnesota Geospatial Commons — Nancy Rader, Minnesota Geospatial Information Office; Alison Slaats, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Developing Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS)— Thomas Pearson, GISP, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency• Galatic Greetings: UFO Sightings in the U.S. — Jacqueline Brost, GISP, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources• Gentrification Typology: Twin Cities Metro Area — Kody Thurnau, GISP, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy• Geospatial Information and Technology Association (GITA)’s New Learning Center: Free and Open Geospatial Content —

Peter Truax, SharedGeo• GIS for Hazard Mitigation Planning — Stacey Stark, GISP, University of Minnesota-Duluth Geospatial Analysis Center; Micaella Penning,

University of Minnesota-Duluth Geospatial Analysis Center• Identifying Hotspots in Minnesota: Clinical Quality Data and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality — James Peacock, PhD, Minnesota

Department of Health• John Snow and the Broad Street Pump: On the Trail of an Epidemic — Kitty Hurley, GISP• Land Cover Analysis at the Tensleep Preserve in Wyoming — Tyler Grupa, Minnesota State University — Mankato• MinnesotaView: Remote Sensing Education, Research and Geospatial Applications — Marvin Bauer, University of Minnesota;

Joseph Knight, University of Minnesota• Using St. Paul’s Past to Understand its Present: Revisiting the Work of Calvin F. Schmid — Geoff Maas, GISP, Tessera Design

Student Posters

• Collecting St. Paul’s Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS): Learning Together — Nathaniel Bettin, University of St. Thomas — Geography; Rani Mohanty, University of St. Thomas — Geography

• Comparison of Transect Spacing and GPS/Sonar for Fluvial Lake Mapping — Mason Johnson, University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point — UWSP GIS Center

• Hydrologic Conditioning of Urban Watersheds: How Much Is Enough? — Tiffany Sprague, University of Minnesota-Duluth; Karen Gran, PhD, University of Minnesota-Duluth Department of Geological Sciences; Tom Hollenhorst, United States Environmental Protection Agency Mid-Continent Ecology Division; George Host, PhD, University of Minnesota-Duluth Natural Resources Research Institute

• Projected Changes in Suitable Habitat for a Dominant Prairie Grass Under Climate Change Scenarios — Katharine Winkler, University of Minnesota — Duluth

• Solar Capacity Modeling Using LiDAR-derived High-resolution Elevation Data — Andrew Walz, University of Minnesota — LiDAR Solar Study Team

• Using GIS in Indian Country: Exploring the Feasibility of Conservation Reserve Program Enrollment — Agata Miszczyk, University of Minnesota

Web Maps

• Making Spatial Data Discoverable: OpenGeoportal at the University of Minnesota — Kevin Dyke, University of Minnesota — John R. Borchert Map Library

• Minnesota Environmental Public Health Tracking Program (EPHT)— Kitty Hurley, GISP, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Health• Minnesota Solar Suitability Analysis — Chris Martin, University of Minnesota — LiDAR Solar Study Team• Tour Rice County’s Historic Places — Michelle Trager, GISP, Rice County• Tracking Bigfoot: The 10 Greatest Bigfoot Sightings of All Time — Jacqueline Brost, GISP, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department

of Natural Resources• St. Paul Public Works Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) Collection — Catherine Hansen, University of St. Thomas — Geography;

Blaine Hackett, Flatrock Geographics• U.S. Highpointer Clubs Tap into ArcGIS Online — David Kelley, University of St. Thomas — Geography• What’s in My Neighborhood? A Web Mapping Tool for Researching Agricultural Incidences in Minnesota — Gary Elsner,

Minnesota Department of Agriculture; Alison Slaats, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Agriculture

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EntertainmentWednesday, Oct. 1

Welcome Reception6:00 p.m.Rochester Art Center

Come join your colleagues for a relaxing and engaging networking opportunity overlooking fine art and the Zumbro River. A piano and music will be provided in addition to complimentary hors d’oeuvre and a cash bar. The Rochester Art Center is adjacent to the Mayo Civic Center on the south side.

Thursday, Oct. 2Poster & Web Map Gallery Open10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.North Lobby

Vote on your favorite map, general and student entries, to win the People’s Choice Vote. All presenters will be present in the North Lobby to answer questions from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m.

Regional and User Groups3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Grand Ballroom•ArcGIS Collector•Le Sueur County GIS Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations

Exhibitor Reception5:00 p.m.Exhibition Hall

Visit the exhibition hall to meet with the exhibitors who make the conference possible. Some exhibitors have donated prizes. You can enter your name using raffle tickets (provided at the MN GIS/LIS Consortium booth for $1/ticket) to enter your name and be eligible to win these prizes. All drawings will be held at 6:45 p.m.

Exhibitor & MN GIS/LIS Raffle6:45 p.m.Exhibition Hall

Exhibitor RafflePrizes are donated by many of our exhibitors with proceeds going toward the Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium’s Scholarship Fund. You may choose which prize drawing(s) to enter. Tickets can be purchased at the MN GIS/LIS booth at $1/ticket. You do not need to be present at the drawing to win these prizes.

Minnesota GIS/LIS RaffleA secondary drawing for additional Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium purchased prizes will be conducted at the conclusion of the event. No purchase is necessary to enter the drawing. You may drop one of your tickets in your name badge into the raffle bin at the MN GIS/LIS booth.You must be present to enter and win these prizes.

Thursday Night Tailgate Event7:15 p.m.Grand Ballroom

This year’s event will broadcast the Vikings and Packers Thursday night football game on multiple large screen televisions and will provide snacks, pizza at halftime and kegs, available to those with a commemorative mug.

Admission to the event is $15 or $20 for admission and a commemorative mug. Wristbands can be purchased at the MN GIS/LIS booth or at the Grand Ballroom doors. All event proceeds will go toward the MN GIS/LIS Scholarship fund.

Friday, Oct. 35k Fun Walk/Run6:30 a.m.Mayo Park

Join us Friday morning at Mayo Park, located just south of the Mayo Civic Center, to participate in the Annual 5k Walk/Run that runs north around Silver Lake. If you have not completed your waiver, you may sign a waiver at the registration desk prior to Friday morning.

Commemorative Mugs

All proceeds go to the scholarship fund and are sold at the MN GIS/LIS Consortium booth.

$10 — Mug and Two (2) Raffle Tickets$20 — Mug, Two (2) Raffle Tickets, and a wristband for admission to the Thursday Night Tailgate Event

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Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium24th Annual Conference

ABSTRACTS, ORAL PRESENTATIONS, POSTERS,PANEL DISCUSSIONS & PRODUCT DEMONSTRATIONS

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Pre-Conference WorkshopsWorkshop check-in begins at 7:30 am Wednesday morning in the North Lobby of the Mayo Civic Center where refreshments will be provided. Workshop registration includes lunch and will be provided at the Mayo Civic Center at 12:15 pm. All data and materials for the workshops will be provided by the instructors.

●Workshops are Hands-on ♦Workshops are Lecture Style

Full-Day WorkshopsWK0014 — GIS for Disaster Operations ●Kevin Mickey, GISP, CTT+, Indiana University Purdue University IndianapolisAudience: Beginner/IntermediateTechnology: Bring Your Own Laptop

This workshop will address the ways that GIS can support disaster operations. Participants who complete this workshop will be able to describe the roles and responsibilities of disaster management team members; list issues and strategies related to identifying, obtaining and organizing GIS data that support disaster operations; and identify ways to effectively community with disaster officials about GIS generated products. Specific examples of the application of GIS in areas such as debris management, infrastructure damage assessment, and shelter needs identification will be used to explain the concepts covered in the course. Examples of GIS tools that support disaster operations, such as FEMA’s Hazus-MH product, will also be demonstrated and/or discussed. At various points in the workshop, there will be opportunities for hands-on exploration of GIS maps and data. To complete these activities, participants are asked to bring their own laptop to the workshop. The laptop must be pre-installed with ArcGIS or a similar application that can access GIS data in common formats such as shapefiles, JPG, etc. Questions about appropriate software for the workshop, if ArcGIS is unavailable, can be directed to the workshop instructor at kmickey@iupui.edu. Previous GIS experience is recommended, but not mandatory.

WK0015 — Basics of LiDAR ●Joel Nelson, University of MinnesotaAudience: BeginnerTechnology: Bring Your Own Laptop

Consider “Basics of LiDAR” to be LiDAR 101 for users in our state. We’ll address important information specific to the state of Minnesota LiDAR dataset, and everything from its various associated data to downloading and using this information-rich database. We’ll also focus on best-use practices for these data, along with tips and tricks on how to get the most in the least amount of time in working with it. This workshop is designed for existing GIS-users who address natural resource issues. Soil and Water Conservation Districts, counties, cities, not-for-profit organizations, private firms, and state and federal agencies are the target audience.

Before attending any of the workshops, participants are expected to have at least basic skill levels with ArcGIS applications, including and not limited to importing and managing files and layers, processing geographic data, and a general understanding of raster data processing and management”.

AM WorkshopsWK0001 — Developing a Data Collection Application Using Collector for ArcGIS ●Jacqueline Brost, GISP, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Chris Pouliot, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesAudience: Intermediate Technology: Bring Your Own Laptop, Bring Your Own Mobile Device

This course will teach users how to take a paper data entry form and turn it into a user-friendly mobile data collection app using ArcGIS Online, a File Geodatabase, and a smart phone or tablet. We’ll spend time discussing, developing and testing our end product: a Collector for ArcGIS application. Familiarity with geodatabase design and global positioning systems will be beneficial.

In addition to the noted hardware requirements for this class, please bring a mobile phone or tablet if possible (cellular connection is not required). Please ensure your mobile device meets the following requirements: Android: Android 4.0 or later, Armv7 processor, OpenGL ES 2.0 support, Precise location (GPS & Network-based support); iOS: iOS 7 or later, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch.

WK0002 — Introduction to GIS Using ArcGIS 10.2 ●David Brandt, Washington CountyAudience: Beginner Technology: Bring Your Own Laptop

This half-day workshop will provide a foundation for understanding what GIS is and what you can do with the technology. After a brief GIS overview, you will learn the basics of navigating and using ArcGIS software to explore geographic data through queries, basic spatial analysis and creation of simple maps. Audience: Those with little or no experience with ArcGIS or GIS education. Topics include: What is a GIS? What are the different types of GIS data? What is a coordinate system, and why should I care? How to use ArcGIS to add data, query data and symbolize features based on their attributes. How to perform proximity and spatial analysis to answer questions. How to create a map to show your results. The students will work primarily with parcel-level data.

WK0003 — Jumpstart to ArcGIS Online ♦Kyle Heideman, GISP, Pro-West & Associates, Inc.Audience: Intermediate

With ArcGIS Online you can design, author, and share maps and applications publically and privately. An overview of ArcGIS Online including basic configuration, security, and web map development will be provided. Additional demonstrations will include how ArcGIS Online can be used to share content via out-of-the-box web apps, mobile applications (easily distribute data to tablets and smartphones) and desktop clients. This workshop will be valuable if you’ve already started with ArcGIS Online or are new to the platform.

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Learn the basics of Python programming while also learning the power of ArcMap’s Field Calculator. This hands-on workshop will introduce a non-programmer to the Python scripting language. The workshop will start with an introduction to Python programming concepts using ArcMap’s Python window and will then move on to creating and executing Python code blocks in the Field Calculator.

WK0005 — Configuring the ArcGIS Platform for Agile and Rapid Deployment of Maps and Apps ♦Phil Holleran, ESRI; Sarah Schrader, ESRI Audience: Intermediate

In today’s professional environment, the demand for geographic information and location analytics is continuously growing. As a result, today’s GIS professionals are challenged with meeting the increasing demand for maps and applications being placed on them from both internal and external sources. To do this, GIS professionals need a means to quickly produce information products that are focused and that provide very useful and relevant information for their intended audience.The ArcGIS Platform is continuing to evolve; now it allows GIS staff the ability to quickly and easily configure and deploy maps and applications right out of the box. This workshop will begin with a short focus on the best practices for configuration of the ArcGIS Platform (including ArcGIS Online) to support a modern web GIS. The rest of the workshop will highlight the various approaches for map and application deployment that are possible via the ArcGIS Platform; including the new ArcGIS WebApp Builder.

WK0006 — Geospatial Big Data Analysis — Spatial Modeler ●Frank Obusek, Hexagon GeospatialAudience: IntermediateTechnology: Bring Your Own Laptop

ERDAS IMAGINE offers a robust modeling environment that enables you to create your own custom workflows for exactly the analysis you desire. Hexagon Geospatial has enhanced the IMAGINE Spatial Modeler by adding even more powerful point cloud workflows and advanced operators like classification and de-hazing and ER Mapper Geophysical models. Take your data analyst capabilities to a new level and learn how, in a modeling context, to apply robust operators for image segmentation, spatially-adaptive local brightness and contrast correction and unsupervised classification. Participants will be provided with a Trial IMAGINE license to use during the workshop. The IMAGINE program works on a standard Windows PC.

WK0007 — Leveraging the Cloud — ArcGIS Server & Amazon Web Services ♦Justin Hansen, WSB & Associates, Inc.Audience Level: Advanced

Demand for geographic information is continually growing both inside and outside of your organization. To meet this demand, a growing number of organizations are leveraging cloud Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) platforms to meet the demands for GIS resources when traditional IT services lag behind.

As ESRI’s platform continues to evolve, your ability to rapidly deploy, manage and scale your GIS applications has never been easier. This workshop will focus on utilizing Amazon’s Web Services to host your

ArcGIS Server infrastructure with the goal to become more agile and scalable with your GIS services and applications. Amazon’s Elastic Com-pute Cloud (EC2) and Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) will be introduced as well as key concepts of EC2: Instances, Elastic Load Balancing, and Auto Scaling. Throughout the workshop we will tie together the components of Amazon’s Web Services with ESRI’s ArcGIS Server. This will involve reviewing ESRI’s out-of-the-box Amazon Cloud application, ArcGIS Server Cloud Builder as well as deploying ArcGIS Server on Amazon from scratch. In addition, we will discuss how to estimate the costs of hosting your ArcGIS Server infrastructure on Amazon’s Cloud and conclude with a discussion of the pros and cons of hosting your GIS infrastructure in the Cloud.

PM WorkshopsWK0008 — Creating Add-ins for ArcGIS 10.1 and Beyond ●Jacqueline Brost, GISP, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Chris Pouliot, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesAudience: IntermediateTechnology: Bring Your Own Laptop

Starting with ArcGIS 10.0, add-ins have provided developers a convenient way of creating and sharing customizations (toolbars, buttons, tools) for ArcMap using .NET and ArcObjects. ArcGIS 10.1 now allows developers to create add-ins using Python. This hands-on class will cover strategies for creating and deploying effective add-ins. Questions we’ll tackle include: What is an add-in? Should I use Python or .NET (or both)? How do I create one using Python? Using .NET? How do I deploy/share an add-in? You do not need to be a programming wizard to take this class but background knowledge of Python or a .NET language (VB.NET, C#.NET) is recommended.

WK0009 — Understanding Geodatabases ●Rebecca Cooper, Rowekamp Associates, Inc.Audience: BeginnerTechnology: Bring Your Own Laptop

This half-day workshop will introduce the different types of geodatabases and how editing geodatabase feature classes differ from editing shapefiles. Learn how to migrate from shapefiles to personal geodatabases to file geodatabases and create a new geodatabase feature class with different field data types. The workshop will cover editing attributes using geodatabase domains and subtypes. This workshop is for a beginner with some prior experience using the ArcGIS and the Catalog window.

WK0010 — Minnesota Geospatial Commons ●Hal Watson, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesAudience: BeginnerTechnology: Bring Your Own Laptop

The Geospatial Commons is a data discovery and distribution platform for Minnesota’s GIS community. As the site moves past initial release, we want to engage new organizations as contributors and collaborators in the project. This half-day session will introduce you to all of the basics of the front and back-end Geospatial Commons as well as examine data publishing workflows, standards and tools to help you publish and validate your data. The platform developers are teaching the class, so you can get your technical questions answered and begin to bring your organization on board. We are also interested in your perspectives on how to make the platform more useful and powerful.

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WK0011 — Advanced Python ● Caleb Mackey, Bolton & Menk, Inc.Audience: Intermediate/AdvancedTechnology: Bring Your Own Laptop

Python has become a very desirable and powerful skill for the modern day GIS Professional. ESRI’s ArcPy API is a very powerful ally, but knowing Python beyond ArcPy and exploring other modules and built-in functionality is the real key to success. In this advanced Python workshop, we will explore some advanced techniques for building custom modules, script tools with validation and Python Add-Ins. Other topics will include accessing ArcObject via comtypes, working with REST services, and packaging custom modules. Those who attend this workshop should have prior experience with ArcPy and some of the Standard Python Libraries. Attendees should also have a solid understanding of Python data types and common Geoprocessing tools.

WK0012 — GIS Integration with Collector, Templates and More ● Chad Nunemacher, Houston Engineering, Inc.Audience: IntermediateTechnology: Bring Your Own Laptop, Bring Your Own Mobile Device

In this interactive course, participants will learn how to set up and use an out-of-box ESRI template application in the ArcGIS for Server and ArcGIS Online environment. This template will be integrated with Collector to add a point and photo collection capabilities . After performing a few exercises with the implemented template, participants will be shown

how to make simple customizations to add value to the template from which your organization might benefit — no programming experience required. In addition to acquiring knowledge in ESRI template work, ArcGIS for Server, ArcGIS Online, and Collector, the session will conclude with some useful tips and tricks. An ArcGIS Online Organizational account will be set up specifically for this workshop and each participant will be included as a member. ArcGIS for Desktop and ArcGIS for Server will be installed on a Cloud Server prior to the workshop and accessed via RDP (Remote desktop) during the workshop. Please ensure your mobile device meets the following requirements: Android: Android 4.0 or later, Armv7 processor, OpenGL ES 2.0 support, Precise location (GPS & Network-based support); iOS: iOS 7 or later, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch.

WK0013 — Transportation GIS ♦Jeff Tomlinson, Hexagon GeospatialAudience: Intermediate

Join us for a workshop exploring the field of Transportation GIS, focusing on roads and highways applications. This course will cover data collection through linear referencing, and also data sources such as GPS surveys, LiDAR data, and historical maps. Then we will focus on how you use the data through various disciplines of linear analysis, as well as specific applications such as fleet tracking, reporting, and cartographic output. We will also discuss uniting of linear and spatial analysis and the future of linear geospatial technologies in Transportation. This comprehensive class will be of benefit for linear GIS users, but it is also very relevant for users in any discipline of GIS. Trial licenses of GeoMedia will be supplied if attendees would like try some exercises after class, although the format will primarily be lecture.

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Session 1: ArcGIS Online I ●Thursday, October 210:30 a.m. – NoonElliott Suite A

Leveraging ArcGIS Online in Your Organization Stephanie Gibeau, North Point Geographic SolutionsAndrew Lundgren, North Point Geographic Solutions

Leveraging ArcGIS Online (AGO) in your organization will walk attendees through getting the most out of your ArcGIS Online Organizational account. You may not even know that you already have an account. We will show you how to make your AGO subscription work for you and become an integral part of your organization. This includes customizing your AGO homepage, open data distribution options, story maps and application templates, as well as briefly discussing the mobile options included in AGO.

Public Map MakeoverKyle Heideman, GISP, Pro-West & Associates, Inc.

Local and State Government agencies along with private companies often need to share data and information with the public. Usually geographic information and maps are a large part of that need. How the public demands to discover, consume, and interact with your information and content is and has been changing rapidly.

Fortunately, ArcGIS Online offers numerous solutions for sharing information with the public. These solutions include PDF alternatives, mobile web apps, and interactive maps. The entire presentation will emphasize how you can use ArcGIS online to improve your organization’s delivery of geographic information. A few examples will highlight the concepts and tools discussed.

Utilizing the Mobile Capabilities of ArcGIS OnlineStephanie Gibeau, North Point Geographic SolutionsAndrew Lundgren, North Point Geographic Solutions

This session will discuss several options for utilizing AGO via mobile devices. This presentation will focus primarily on the Collector App for iOS and Android. We will also look at ArcGIS Online specific settings and internal hosted application settings that would enable field data collection through the Collector App., as well as taking your data offline. Lastly we’ll touch on integrating ArcGIS Online with ArcPad and ArcGIS for Windows Mobile.

Session 2: The Living Map ●Thursday, October 210:30 a.m. – NoonMayo Suite A

Georilla: Metro Maps with Brute StrengthJoella Givens, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Transportation

MnDOT has a clear business need for rapid access to multiple data sets to support operations. Visualizing assets on a map at a desktop is one of the most convenient and efficient ways of accessing data, saving time and money. Legacy tools like printed system maps (stacks and stacks of plans, a set per office, sometimes per locator, one in each cabinet) never effectively represented the many overlapping projects that had to be shuffled together

to show all the underground utilities and assets installed and abandoned in a specific location. We needed a simple web browser with an electronic map that is more current and easier to share.

Thus Georilla was born, crafted using MapServer/GeoMoose OpenSource technology, and driven by an increasing need to access unique combinations of diverse data sources and types. Georilla provides significant efficiencies, from scoping activities through the inception of projects and ongoing maintenance of field equipment. Georilla is used to view aerial photography, roads, reference points, control sections, bike routes, city and county boundaries, oblique imagery and street views; along with planning, scoping, design and construction data, system drawings and much more. Georilla facilitates cross-functional collaboration, allowing groups to easily and quickly compare their spatial data to data from other groups. Georilla provides a simple window into the myriad data that MnDOT uses, and helps users drill down into the depths of that data to answer specific business questions.

Technology changes rapidly, and GIS is no exception. We need to be able to take advantage of new technologies and ways of doing business that meet our emerging spatial information needs more efficiently and effectively. We are being asked to do more with less, to utilize innovation, to think about things differently. Georilla is our answer to this challenge.

Map it Once; Use it a BunchBrad Henry, P.E., University of Minnesota

Maps are a fundamental building block of each GIS product and of every engineering project. All engineering projects have a life-cycle: They are planned, designed, constructed, used and maintained. Unfortunately the map is thrown away at the end of every engineering project. This presents an opportunity to engineers and GISers. The opportunity is that maps can be built once, shared "interoperably" by GISers and engineers, used multiple times during project life cycles, maintained, and ultimately shared to perpetuity by both engineers and GISers. Ideally they should be "Living Maps".

The presentation will describe the concept of "Map it Once; Use it a Bunch", why the concept is valuable, what its impediments are, what actual projects have been done in Minnesota to advance the concept, lessons learned in each of these projects, what this concept might look like in reality, and what are the next steps.

Mobile Laser Scanning At MnDOT: Data Collection and As-BuiltsBrad Canaday, Minnesota Department of Transportation

Surveying data collection has changed in the last 40 years. Surveyors at MnDOT have changed their data collection processes as technology has changed. Starting with transit and chain, going to total stations, then static GPS, then RTK-GPS, static laser scanning, and now into mobile laser scanning, data collection and accuracies have changed. This presentation will talk briefly about some of these technologies and how MnDOT surveyors are using them. It will concentrate on our current efforts involving mobile laser scanning and how we are using this technology for design information and as-built asset management.

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Session 3: Data Visualization ●Thursday, October 210:30 a.m. – NoonElliott Suite B

No One Wants to Look at Your Ugly MapDanielle Lee, AE2S

Okay, that’s a little harsh. But let’s be honest. A map that works best is one that intuitively tells a story, and an ugly map just makes it harder for people to figure out what you are saying, and realize the importance of your really cool data.

The good news is that there are easy things you can do to make your map beautiful, and a better communicator. Learn about matching map type and symbology to data type, how to encode information in multiple ways, why shades of grey are your friend, and some simple rules of thumb that will make it look like you at least considered a degree in graphic design at one time. For map makers of all experience levels.

Visualizing Time Series Data with CartoDBPaul Wickman, Flat Rock Geographics

Many web tools are available for analyzing and visualizing geographic data. Somewhere between lower-level programming libraries such as D3.js and enterprise services like Google Earth Engine lies a breed of tools, which focus on simplicity and rapid development of elegant visualizations. This presentation reviews CartoDB; if is used to create animated visualizations from large amounts of time series data.

After a brief overview of CartoDB and CartoCSS, two different time-series maps will be demonstrated. The first one illustrates processing time to create the new statewide solar suitability map (winner of the ESRI Climate Resilience App Challenge). The second will show satellite-tracked migration patterns of endangered Whooping Cranes across the eastern United States.

CartoDB is used by a variety of industries including banking/finance, health, government, real estate and others. Organizations such as Twitter, Wall Street Journal and the National Park Service have created awesome maps.

Session 4: Hydrology ●Thursday, October 210:30 a.m. – NoonMcDonnell Suite A

21St Century Ditch Assessment: Pouring New Technologies into an Old DrainGeorge Meyer, Otter Tail County GIS Department

Water. No single resource is as highly valued, or as problematic, to deal with. You either need, it, are looking for it, or you want it to just go away. To that end, you need a form of drainage. In 1897, the first drainage commission was formed in MN. From 1900-1915, MN saw most of its drainage systems built; and that’s about where development stopped. As with most counties, ditch systems in Otter Tail County were originally created for reasons of improving or increasing arable land for farming. Due to geography, convenience and simple physics; many of these ditches drain into and out of area lakes, and in some cases, act as elevation control for them.

Who could foresee the explosion of development of Minnesota lakes, transforming much of the countryside from agricultural, to rural residential development? Many of the beautiful lakeside homes found throughout lakes country now also rely on those very same ditch systems to keep their property safe, just as the agricultural productivity once did.

As with any system, a ditch system needs periodic maintenance, and ditch law was written accordingly to provide a framework for establishing costs and benefits. However, those laws were written with agriculture in mind, and not the ever-increasing development we see today along our water courses. Anyone who has ever worked through a redetermination of benefits is aware of the tremendous level of labor and time involved in the process. A ditch running through a developed lake also complicates matters exponentially. The question therefore becomes: How to incorporate the changes in geography over time into a redetermination of benefits while staying within ditch law? How to use the tools we have available today to do it in an efficient manner? In Otter Tail County, we are attempting to do just that.

Application of HSPF Watershed Hydrology and Water Quality Model Results in the Development Of Contribution-Based Fees for Water Management Units in the Sauk River Watershed DistrictPaul Senne, M.P.A., RESPEC Consulting & Services

Watershed districts have the authority to fund projects based on benefits or contributions to water quality issues through the development of water management units. In the Sauk River Watershed District, a framework was developed to calculate runoff coefficients with a Hydrological Simulation Program — FORTRAN (HSPF) model that takes into account land use, soils, and slope. Using GIS, coefficients were calculated for each land use within a parcel from the calibrated HSPF model. All coefficients were area weighted to the entire parcel to determine relative contributions to surface water runoff and phosphorus loads within a management unit. Project costs addressing volume or phosphorus loads can be distributed based on this relative contribution. A coefficient generator and fee calculation tool allow the user to develop and customize a fee schedule from calculated coefficients and a series of GIS tools allow parcel and landuse changes to be incorporated without rerunning the HSPF model.

Mapping the Redistribution of Ecosystem Services Associated with Changing Water Levels in the Saint Louis River Area of ConcernTom Hollenhorst, U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyJonathon Launspach, SAR International

We mapped the distribution of multiple ecosystem services in the Saint Louis River Area of Concern (SLR AOC) under current and reported extreme lake levels. Services were mapped using measured or modeled natural features (i.e., bathymetry, vegetation, fetch, habitat, contaminated sediments, and land cover) and amenities (i.e., public property, fishing piers, trails, and parks). Logic models were developed for each service defining the characteristics needed for the service to exist. Service maps were generated for current and recorded high and low lake levels. Multiple service maps were stacked to tally cumulative changes in services for each lake level. Map stacks can be queried by decision makers to assess mitigation, remediation, and restoration scenarios. Preliminary results indicate that amenities, such as recreational facilities and constructed shallow water features, should be designed to support ecosystem services across long-term changes in lake level.

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Session 5: Imagery & RemoteSensing ●

Thursday, October 210:30 a.m. – NoonMayo Suite B

In Search of the Lost Point Cloud: 3D Models from Aerial PhotographyJames Klassen, SharedGeo

Elevation provides additional insight into the structures on the ground over aerial ortho photos alone. Elevation information allows us the ability to “see” hills, depressions, bluffs, trees, buildings, etc., as well as ability to make volume instead of just area measurements. The Minnesota statewide LiDAR collect is an amazing resource of elevation information. It is freely available and provides a detailed and accurate representation of the state. However, while the LiDAR collect provides a great baseline, it is a snapshot in time and thus cannot answer questions such as what were historical elevations or what changed after the acquisition. Historically, elevations were extracted from aerial photographs and those same techniques can be automated today to fill the gaps between LiDAR collects. This presentation shows how automation can be done using the Ames stereo pipeline and other modern 3D visualization tools, bringing this historic technique into the 21st century.

Land Cover Classification with Multispectral Imagery, LiDAR Data and Object-Based Image AnalysisMarvin Bauer, University of Minnesota

This presentation will describe the methods and results of two projects to improve the accuracy and thematic specificity of land cover classifications. The first for the seven-county Twin Cities Metropolitan Area included: multitemporal Landsat data, LiDAR data, providing height and elevation information to increase the separability of some classes such as trees and grass, and use of object-based image analysis (OBIA) for classification. The OBIA enables taking advantage of the spatial information, including shape, pattern, texture, and context, which is available in objects. Five level 1 classes were classified with an overall accuracy of 93%, and 10 level 2 classes at 91%. The maps and area statistics are being used by the Metropolitan Council and other agencies for applications such as managing storm water runoff and storage.

A second project used a combination of QuickBird multispectral imagery and LiDAR data, along with OBIA, to classify and map the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul at 0.6 meter resolution. The classes included tree canopy, grass/shrub, bare soil, water, buildings, streets and other impervious. Classification accuracies were greater than 90%. Given its aesthetic, environmental and economic benefits and values, the cities were particularly interested in the urban tree cover which they are using to assist in management, preservation and planning for future tree cover.

In summary, the combination of either high or moderate resolution multispectral image and LiDAR data, together with object-based image analysis, provides the capability to generate accurate classifications and maps of land cover for inventory, management and planning. The projects are prototypes / tests of data and methods for new 2014-15 classifications. (1) Statewide Landsat + LiDAR data at 30-meter resolution, and (2) TCMA, Rochester, St. Cloud, Duluth and selected other areas with Worldview + LiDAR data at 2-meter resolution.

LiDAR: The 3rd DimensionAndrew Walker, GeoCue Corporation

We often think of LiDAR data as a base data set for creating an elevation model and, indeed, it serves this purpose in a spectacular manner. But LiDAR data can be used in an abundance of ways, adding a 3rd dimension to your GIS capabilities. In this presentation we will discuss these 3-Dimensional aspects of LiDAR data and how this is beneficial to GIS analysis and production. We will also explore some common ways to derive significant value from LiDAR data sets. As part of the presentation, we will show how to use LiDAR to enhance images and vector files within the ArcGIS environment. Some real-world uses include dynamic contour layers superimposed on orthophoto backdrops, breakline modification to terrain information and profile visualization. The overall aim is to provide GIS users who have access to LiDAR with ideas that can allow them to unlock hidden value in these often underused data sets.

Session 6: Lightning Round I ●Thursday, October 210:30 a.m. – NoonLegion Suite A

Bees, Please: Keep Track of Pollinator LocationsMike McLean, Metropolitan Mosquito Control DistrictNancy Read, Metropolitan Mosquito Control District

With increasing public concern about the loss of pollinators, the Metro Mosquito Control District has increased its efforts to locate bee hives and ensure that mosquito control activity has minimal effect on bees. Neighboring states register hive locations through Drift Watch, but MN does not require bee keepers to register through this centralized system (mn.driftwatch.org/map). However, many cities require permits for beekeeping. MMCD is working to get hive locations recorded in our database/mapping system, and is exploring methods to keep the information up-to-date, given that hives may be moved frequently for different forage conditions. To control adult mosquitoes we use pyrethroids as fog or barrier spray on vegetation that (when used according to label) are relatively low-risk for bees, but knowing where and when bees are active can reduce the chance of exposure and decrease risk further. Our biological controls for mosquito larvae in wet areas pose no risk to bees.

Benefits of a County and City Shared GIS PositionAllison Kampbell, Carver County

As GIS develops and grows within an organization, so does the demand for its services. How do organizations accommodate for these services if they don’t need or can’t afford a full-time GIS staff person, but need someone who has the skill set to help maintain their GIS?

Carver County and the cities of Chaska, Waconia, Norwood Young America, and Victoria have collaborated and created a shared GIS Specialist position. The position is hosted by the County and serves the individual cities on an agreed-upon set of hours for the year. The shared position has been in place since June of 2009 and continues to provide GIS solutions across city and county divisions. Allison Kampbell, who is the GIS shared position, will discuss the services she provides, the benefits of this position, and the challenges that she has faced. Allison will also share some accomplishments and future plans.

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Creating a Hydrologic Model Using GISBlaine Hackett, Flat Rock Geographics Michael Jones, Flat Rock Geographics

Coon Creek Watershed District (CCWD) manages 107 square miles of water resources in Anoka County, MN encompassing portions of the Cities of Blaine, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Andover and Ham Lake. The district maintains approximately 125 miles of public ditch system and manages water resources within the district in order to prevent flooding and ensure water quality.

The need for a hydrologic model lies in accurately predicting flood prone areas. It also aids in flood mitigation planning and allows staff to analyze the impact of development on watershed drainage.

The project consisted of creating a geodatabase with a geometric network for water conveyance within CCWD’s public ditch system. The process used a combination of remote sensing LiDAR and data from field surveys, to accurately model both natural and man-made conveyance structures as links and nodes. The geodatabase was designed to allow for easy integration of data with XP-SWMM hydrologic modeling program.

Attendees will come away with the knowledge of data requirements for supporting a functional model in XP-SWMM, geodatabase design for XP-SWMM integration and known problems and limitations.

Community Crowdsourced Webmapping — Assisting Neighborhood Groups in Minneapolis through Open Source MappingPeter Truax, SharedGeo

Community groups often face a lack of data accessibility and technical skill when attempting to solve geographically-specific problems. The high cost of professional mapping and analysis services can put solutions involving GIS out of the reach of community groups with limited funds. To assist residents in their efforts to better their communities and to identify in space locations of concern, the Crime and Safety Committee of the Seward Neighborhood Group set up an open-source GIS to allow residents to input their own data into a web-based platform. Collecting data on subjects ranging from break-ins and thefts to graffiti and nuisance locations, this open-source GIS has allowed residents to take ownership of the data that are most important to their local support work.

Free Spatial Data! Permitted Data for Residential and Non-Residential Data for the 7-County Twin Cities Metropolitan AreaJoel Nyhus, Metropolitan Council

This abstract contains two different spatial datasets. One relates to residential permitted data and the other relates to non-residential permitted data.

The residential dataset consists of address level data for residential permitted units, based on building permits issued during each calendar year 2009 through 2013 by cities and townships within the 7-county Twin Cities Region. The data are collected via an annual survey by the Metropolitan Council and include data elements relating to type of unit (single family detached, multifamily, etc.) and the number of units in each building.

The non-residential dataset consists of address level data for non-residential projects, based on building permits issued during each calendar year 2003 through 2013 by cities and townships within the 7-county Twin Cities Region. Data is collected via an annual survey by the Metropolitan Council and includes data elements such as the type of project (commercial, industrial, public and Institutional), project permit valuation, and square footage.

Both of these datasets are free and available on the Metropolitan Council’s website.

Neighborhood K-12 GeoMentorAndrew King-Scribbins, GISP, Hennepin County

In response to President Obama’s ConnectED initiative, ESRI has donated free ArcGIS Online licenses to all K-12 schools. A major difficulty the schools face in utilizing this donation is a shortage of GIS trained teachers. Through the GeoMentor program, ESRI is asking GIS professionals to help schools and teachers integrate these free resources into their curriculum. This session will highlight what I am doing in Minneapolis, and offer some insight into what you can do to help your community.

Session 7: ProductDemonstrations I ●

Thursday, October 210:30 a.m. – NoonLegion Suite B

Capturing the World as You See it Through Visual Documentation and ImageryJacob Wittenberg, Frontier Precision

In this session we will look at capturing 360° panorama high-quality imagery. Virtual touring, capturing inaccessible places and security/surveillance capabilities will all be demonstrated, as well as discussion about visual documentation using color-rich panoramas.

Imagine what you capture being visually referenced to a high degree of accuracy. We will also discuss the ability to measure with high accuracy from these photos, as well as exporting these data to your GIS. Now you can return from the field and have the confidence that you've collected the data you require. Learn how this visual documentation can make capturing what you see a reality.

Taking Your 2D GIS and Making it 3DScott Mizsak, CAD Technology Center

The power of Autodesk Infraworks has allowed users to take 2D GIS Data and apply rules to it to generate a 3D output. This software was originally intended for generated proposals of new designs. Now with a few clicks one can create new roads, bridges and buildings and other features that can be used in site design or project design. Infraworks can handle a wide range of GIS data as well as 3D Models. Once your Proposal is created, it can be exported to other design software for the finishing touches like Civil 3D. Come see how typical 2D data can be converted into 3D and then used to generate proposals to win projects.

Session 8: Student Competition I — Graduate ●

Thursday, October 210:30 a.m. – NoonMcDonnell Suite B

Archeological Excavations in Three Dimensions: Integrating Python and Open-Source Software for Photogrammetric 3D ModelingAndrew Brown, Minnesota State University-Mankato

The interpretation of an archeological site requires controlled data collection and recordation to preserve the context lost during the excavation process. Recording not only the location of an artifact but how it is spatially oriented in relation to other cultural and environmental remains can allow

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us to better understand how it got to be there in the first place and what happened to it since original deposition. Excavations have traditionally been documented using a combination of field notes and forms with supplemental sketch maps, floor plans, and photographs. The development of cheap and easy-to-use technologies like GPS/GIS and digital photography are making it possible to extract more and more information from excavations. Combining these tools with open-source software allow archeologists to use existing photographs or newly created photographs to generate 3D meshes that can be merged into existing elevation models.

Mapping ebird: Visualizing Data Coverage in Citizen ScienceM. Taylor Long, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

In 2002, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society launched the eBird project — a real-time, online checklist to collect bird observations submitted by the public. In its first decade, eBird participation has grown dramatically, with tens of millions of observations now submitted each year. The project has not only revolutionized the way that the ornithological community reports and accesses information about birds, it has also become one of the largest databases of biodiversity information in the world.

Understanding the Relationship Between Tree Canopy and Crime in Minneapolis, Minnesota Using Geographically Weighted RegressionAndrew Eckerson, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota

Influenced by reoccurring findings in the literature suggesting an inverse relationship between tree canopy abundance and crime rates, ArcGIS spatial statistics tools were used to execute a series of regressions examining the relationship in the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Crime rates, by neighborhood, were modeled for with ordinary least squares and geographically weighted regression tools using tree canopy coverage and a number of other demographic data as independent variables. A spatially adjusted geography weighted regression (GWR) model indicated a statistically significant inverse relationship existed in 64 of the 85 Minneapolis neighborhood observed in the study (r2 = .82).

Session 9: Asset Management I ●Thursday, October 21:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Legion Suite A

Collecting High-Accuracy Data in Real-Time with Trimble Positions and ArcGIS for Windows MobileHeather Albrecht, City of Maple Grove

This presentation will focus on the how-to, lessons learned, and tips and tricks to configuring a server-centric deployment of ArcGIS for Windows Mobile on a Trimble hand-held GPS unit.

The City of Maple Grove is actively collecting sub-centimeter data that is synced back to SDE in real-time. Because both products (ArcGIS for Windows Mobile and Trimble Positions) were new to me, configuration of the project evolved in several stages. This presentation will walk the audience through the steps to configure a project aimed at collecting high-accuracy data in real-time; including database and mxd setup, using the Trimble Positions Desktop Administration tools, configuring ArcGIS services in Mobile Project Center, and data collection best practices.

Disconnected Data Collection in AgricultureJosh Marsh, GISP, Pro-West & Associates, Inc.Jody Steffel, Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative

With ESRI's latest releases of the Data Collector App and ArcGIS Online, disconnected data acquisition is faster to configure and deploy than ever before. The Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative (SMBSC) is utilizing this technology to streamline collection of vital field information, including GPS-measured fields and cover crop inventory.

SMBSC is a farmer-owned producer of beet sugar. Founded in 1974, the cooperative has over 500 shareholders that produce approximately 3 million tons of sugar beets every year. This presentation will demonstrate a case study of the steps taken to deploy mobile data collection applications utilizing ESRI’s Data Collector App and ArcGIS Online. There will be a heavy focus on the lessons learned and approaches taken during deployment.

Integrating Collector and Other ESRI Technologies to Improve a Data Collection ProjectChad Nunemacher, Houston Engineering, Inc.

Does your organization perform GPS collection? Are you currently utilizing available GIS technologies to visualize and organize your data? Have you automated procedures to improve communication and efficiency? Do you currently share your collected data? Do you take photos in the field?

There isn’t a perfect formula for how an organization should go about site-based data acquisition — but there are ways an organization could better its current methods and workflows. We will share with you how our organization leveraged various ESRI technologies (ArcGIS Online, Collector, and ArcGIS for Server), PostgreSQL, JavaScript, Trimble, .NET, and Python to expedite tasks and visualize more.

Session 10: Communication Through Custom Applications ●

Thursday, October 21:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Elliott Suite A

Automated Vehicle Location (AVL)Bob Basques, City of Saint Paul

Using the new and improved GeoMOOSE web client, MapServer and the PostgreSQL/PostGIS database packages, we’ve rebuilt The City of Saint Paul's online GIS information lookup interface. Special emphasis has been paid to Metadata and running the system from top to bottom in an automated form. We've also integrated our new AVL system into the GIS data catalog. We'll be presenting information on the extensive set of services we've included in the GeoMoose product and describe our rebuilding process. Follow along as we describe this new system and how it was developed and presented to our many and varied users.

GeoMOOSE At 10 YearsDan Little, dbSpatial

GeoMOOSE released its very first version in 2005. At nearly 10 years old, the project has continued to hold on to its original developers and many of its foundation users. That time frame has allowed the development team to observe struggles in changing technology, attitudes, and the dedication required to keep such an open source project relevant as it ages. Nearly 10 years worth of dirty laundry will be aired! And there will be a preview of GeoMOOSE 3.0 ideas! And slides with exclamation points.

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The Ever Changing Value of Soils and TechnologyJennifer Ward, GISP, Pro-West & Associates, Inc.

Managing land use and soil assets are critical for many Local Government and private entities for purposes of tax assessment and land valuation. Gone are the days of using protractors, dot-grids and Mylar overlays to determine acreage and soil productivity values, replaced with user friendly web-based applications and desktop tools.

This presentation will look at solutions developed by Pro-West that allow users to simultaneously develop a digital land use layer and incorporate soil values to generate detailed, custom reports. We will explore customized desktop tools for ArcGIS and a web-based soils module, both of which allow users to create and modify land use polygons. We will examine organizational needs, such as transitioning to CPI ratings or the desire to maintain dual CER and CPI values and resources, such as software, and number of editors that may help determine the most effective solution for your organization.

Session 11: Emergency Response ●Thursday, October 21:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Elliott Suite B

Lessons Learned Deploying the Fire Run Map Book TemplateKyle Oberg, Cook CountyDaniel Weatherly, University of Minnesota-Duluth

"9-1-1, what's your emergency"... The reality of far-reaching response districts laced with limited access roads, crisscrossed with wilderness trails and dotted with remote campsites, cabins and backwoods developments, presents Cook County public safety volunteers with unique response challenges beginning with basic navigation.

Drop by to learn how Cook County GIS is implementing ESRI's Local Government Information Model (LGIM) Templates to assist local emergency response agencies with improving public safety. Presenters will discuss challenges encountered while working to "localize" the LGIM and optimize the Fire Run Map Book Template for use in a remote rural community.

The USNG Information Center Is Now Open!Stephen Swazee, SharedGeoSally Wakefield, SharedGeo

Nearly three years in the making, the U.S. National Grid (USNG) Information Center was formally opened by Minnesota geospatial nonprofit SharedGeo on September 1, 2014. Designed to be the nation’s “one stop shop” for all things USNG, this presentation will briefly review how to use this site to find maps, apps, presentations, data sets, promotional brochures, directives, background documents, and much, much more. In addition, an overview of grant opportunities that will help GIS and Emergency Services Sector personnel bring effective use of this “emergency language of location” into their communities will be provided. Best of all, attendees will learn how to obtain all these items for free!

Session 12: LiDAR I ● Thursday, October 21:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Legion Suite B

An Object-Based Approach Using LiDAR and Optical Data for Landscape Change DetectionKeith Pelletier, University of Minnesota

Change detection using remotely-sensed data is essential for mapping, monitoring, and assessing natural and anthropogenic features over large spatial extents. An object-based approach that integrates LiDAR and optical data provides detailed, accurate land cover maps of natural and anthropogenic features. However, addressing horizontal and vertical offsets and differing spatial resolutions when comparing data from different dates presents numerous challenges. In this presentation, an object-based approach is employed to map land cover responses to a storm event that occurred in June 2012 near Duluth, MN. Land cover layers were generated based on LiDAR and optical data acquired before and after the storm and compared to identify and quantify changes in topography and vegetation. During this presentation, attendees will learn about object-based change detection and some of the challenges when comparing land cover classifications derived from multi-temporal remotely-sensed data.

New Methods for Modeling Stream Temperatures Using High Resolution LiDAR, Solar Radiation Analysis and Flow Accumulated Values to Predict Stream TemperatureTom Hollenhorst, U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyJohn Jereczek, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

In-stream temperature directly affects a variety of biotic organisms, communities and processes. Changes in stream temperature can render formerly suitable habitat unsuitable for aquatic organisms, particularly native cold water species that are not able to adjust. In order to anticipate changes in stream temperature we need a better understanding of riparian attributes (amount and height of vegetation, bank and gully shading), and watershed attributes (amount of impervious cover, open lands, ground water interactions, etc.) that might have the greatest effect on thermal “insolation” (i.e. the amount of solar radiation energy received at a given location) and the subsequent in-stream temperature downstream from those locations. To add to that understanding, we analyzed high resolution LiDAR data, results from Solar Radiation Analyses and flow accumulated values compared to locations of measured stream temperature to predict stream temperature in unmeasured areas. We’ll present these data, demonstrate how they can be accumulated downstream for particular stream networks and compared to various in stream temperature metrics.

Using LiDAR to Create Conservation Targeting ToolsBrian Fischer, Houston Engineering, Inc.

The Rock River Watershed is a 560 sq. mile watershed in the Southwest part of Minnesota. It has water quality impairments for turbidity. This presentation will describe a process using LiDAR to hydrologically condition a DEM. Then use the DEM and other GIS datasets to prioritize the watershed for sources of sediment that may affect the water quality impairments. The outcomes of the project will show GIS targeting tools for identifying hotspots on the landscape that provide local water planners with data products and tools to effectively market conservation practices within the watershed.

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Session 13: Project Management ●Thursday, October 21:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.McDonnell Suite A

City of Red Wing Data Migration to the ESRI Local Government Information ModelLeanne Knott, GISP, City of Red Wing

The City of Red Wing has been utilizing ArcGIS Server and SDE databases since 2007, and a 2014 upgrade to Enterprise platform created an opportunity to analyze how data is being leveraged in ArcSDE. In partnership with WSB & Associates, the City recently migrated its ArcGIS Server SDE data into ESRI’s Local Government Information Model to support both Cartegraph OMS (Operations Management System) and ESRI ArcGIS for Local Government maps and apps.

City of Red Wing GIS Specialist Leanne Knott will discuss the business case for migration, processes, challenges, and limitations. A demonstration of an ArcGIS for Local Government Election Polling Places app will be included.

Data Governance at the Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesTim Loesch, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

As a community, geospatial professionals have done an admirable job of securing support for GIS programs within cities, counties and state governments. While we have had similar success in garnering support for large data acquisitions, our efforts to build persistent, ongoing updates have been less successful. Over the last 25 years there have been several data collection efforts that were funded by one-time grants with no plans for long term maintenance.

Data governance (DG) is a set of policies, processes and definitions for the long term management of an enterprise’s data assets. A sound data governance program specifies who is accountable for various elements of data including accuracy, accessibility, consistency, completeness, update frequency and financial obligations. It also defines the relationship and interactions between an organization’s Information Technology and Business sectors.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is a science based organization that collects and manages an extensive set of tabular and spatial data. These data activities are loosely governed and often the data are difficult to integrate and generate consistent reports. This presentation will describe the DNR’s efforts to build a DG program and to educate geospatial professionals on the basics of DG and the benefits to be gained by implementing a DG program.

Draft National Plan for Civil Earth ObservationsBrian Huberty, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

In 2010, Congress directed the White House to develop a plan for funding future earth observation remote sensing systems. This plan is to quantify the impacts of observing systems (space, airborne, surface, marine) on the ability of federal agencies to fulfill their objectives in service to the Nation. This means how to plan to spend billions of dollars to address our remote sensing infrastructure...weather satellites, aerial camera systems, drones and underwater mapping sonars. This talk will highlight the planning process and the current status.

Session 14: Product Demonstrations II ●

Thursday, October 21:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Mayo Suite A

ArcGIS Pro: Desktop GIS TransformedEvan Marshall, GISP, ESRI

This session will highlight and showcase the functionality and features of ArcGIS Pro. ArcGIS Pro is a new application for ArcGIS for Desktop, which means it’s complementary to ArcMap. It will help you finish your projects and make them available to others more quickly and easily than ever. And if you want to view your projects in 3D, you can do that right in the same app, without any extra software.

Geospatial Field Appraisal Saves Time and MoneyBrandon Tourtelotte, Hexagon Geospatial

Many field appraisers update paper property record cards manually and turn these in to people in the Assessment office to update CAMA systems. New geospatially based field appraisal tools are available today to enable the review and update of property attributes and sketches in the field using smart tablets. Updates to attributes and sketches are automatically pushed to CAMA systems, thus removing the costs of double entry and reducing the risk of introducing errors. In addition, this approach can be used to keep GIS building outlines in sync with CAMA sketches, thus enabling property valuation to include current geo-reference information such as property position and orientation. Come learn about this new approach to field appraisal.

Stereo Mapping Within ArcGIS: Real-World Examples and Practical ApplicationsBrandon Tourtelotte, Hexagon Geospatial

Did you know that if you have stereo pair imagery and ArcGIS for Desktop, you can extract 3D features in a stereo environment? Jeff Walsh of Foth Infrastructure & Environment and Joe Sapletal of Dakota County. will walk us through some examples of how they use Stereo Analyst for ArcGIS. Jeff will provide examples of Airfield mapping and other Engineering projects. The presentation will feature a live walk-through of extracting a feature in stereo. Joe will illustrate how Dakota County performs general stereo feature mapping for the Dakota County basemap, and the value to the County of their unique team approach. We will also discuss some of the accuracies typically achieved, hardware requirements, and the needs this product meets.

Session 15: Student Competition II — Undergraduate ●

Thursday, October 21:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.McDonnell Suite B

GIS as a Science Communication Tool: A Case Study of Ice Sheet Mass Balance Calculations Using GRACE Satellite DataWill Metcalf, Gustavus Adolphus College

Polar ice sheets have been the subject of much academic debate over the past decade. The melting of such ice sheets is thought to contribute significantly to global sea level rise. The methodology used to calculate the mass balance of ice sheets has evolved significantly as a result of this debate. Gravity field solutions provided by the Gravity Recovery and

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Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission have provided the opportunity to generate higher-resolution calculations of ice sheet mass balance change by processing the gravity field data and examining surface mass variation trends on a monthly basis. There are numerous corrections and error estimations that must be applied to such calculations. Given that the GRACE mission was the first of its kind, the data are frequently refined. Currently, the data processing center at the University of Texas Center for Space Research has provided five of its own data releases. Significant improvements were made between Release 04 and Release 05 data which can be easily visualized by creating some simple maps in ArcGIS. The result is a map series demonstrating the differences between the two data sets over the years 2003-2010. This project was done in order to explore how scientists use maps to communicate their results and raise questions about how it can be done better.

Mapping and Analyzing Historic Buildings in Lincoln Park, Blue Earth CountyCourtney Kietzer, Minnesota State University-Mankato

In order to have a valuable preservation ordinance, one that effectively protects the resources specific to a community, it is important to have an inventory of existing historic structures and where they are distributed. A historic resource inventory is the only way that this type of information can be obtained, and is a timely process. Physically observing each structure and creating a table containing multiple characteristics of each structure in an area deserves preserving itself. With the use of GIS I have created an editable workspace containing elements resulting from my analysis of field data. These elements include the addresses, classifications, year built, and photographs of historic homes in Mankato’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. The use of multiple Analytical tools available in ArcGIS enabled the visual representation of my data collection. The use of the Time Slider and Hyperlink tools allowed me to produce animations and photographs within my workspace. The goal of my project is to create an inventory that could be used by local city governments to develop planning and zoning ordinances in compliance with a nationally nominated historic district. The results include a map of the neighborhood defined by the historic integrity of each structure, an animation showing the development of the neighborhood from the first home that was constructed, and the opportunity to further my analysis with the use of sophisticated Web GIS techniques and tools to give the public access to these resources.

Mapping Bikeshare: Showing the Potential of Bikeshare Via GISMitchell Schaps, University of St. Thomas

Ever since the 1990s, when the first second-generation system (Bike share systems with static station holding the bikes for people to check out) launched in Copenhagen, Denmark, bike share systems have become the newest craze in transportation for cities around the world. This has become especially true due to the recent concerns over climate change, and carbon dioxide pollution. At the same time that bike share systems have been developing, a new development has emerged in the technological world, GIS software. This project focuses on how GIS can be used to show the potential of bike share systems. By using ArcGIS software, the project will display how far you can bike away from a bike share station within a certain amount of time, based on an average bike speed, and will also show what you can access within that distance. This project will also use routing tools to find the best route to use between certain locations using a bike share system.

Piracy’s Influence on the Global Maritime Shipping NetworkJordan Ped, Macalaster College

The goal of this research is to examine the risks that piracy imposes on global maritime shipping. It is argued that piracy risks hinder the current process of globalization by introducing friction into the network. This argument will be supported in three stages. First, through emphasizing the importance of the maritime shipping network that has connected world markets by significantly reducing the cost of trade over the last half century. Second, it will define modern maritime piracy and examine the three regions where it is most common: the Gulf of Aden, the Straits of Malacca, and the Gulf of Guinea. Third, these concepts are brought together and the concept of friction is introduced by examining the international community’s response to this complex geographic, political, and social issue. In conclusion, the risk of piracy is an area which would benefit from further research and cannot be resolved through only the current international strategies.

Rebecca’s Adventure Map (2014)Rebecca Barney, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

The motivation behind this project was deeply personal right from the very conception of the map. Rebecca’s Adventure Map: 2014 documents locations and paths of interest within the Twin Cities that I found to be of unique importance to me. The intention of the map was mostly for my own use; a way to document my adventures and the places I have explored. Due to its autobiographical nature, the map is always changing and growing with the additions of new adventures and interests. It became a spatial document that I used to plan out my next adventures and catalog places that people recommended to me. My adventure map has been shared with others at times, usually people who are very close to me and wanted to see the places I have found among my excursions.

A huge part of the map was the process by which it was made. Designing and creating my adventure map to be effective in presenting the contents was critical. I made the map in the Google Maps platform and had to deal with the flexibility and the restrictions that the software provided. I chose to use Google Maps because it has the simplest user interface, along with the possibility of learning its more complicated functions and using them. However, Google Maps doesn’t provide the same amount of flexibility as other software in making multiple layers and editing label placement. Overall, using Google Maps was a successful way to produce an effective map for my purposes and had enough flexibility for my creative process to develop.

Tornado Path Detection Using Multi-Spectral Satellite Imagery and Digital Image ProcessingChris Dahlman, University of Minnesota-Duluth

This paper proposes a method to extract a tornado's path from Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery taking St. Peter, Minnesota, as an example. The method extracts a change detection in vegetation from one image to another. The tornado event happened on March 29, 1998. Two Landsat 5 images were collected. The image before the event was collected on June 14, 1996, and the other was collected on May 18, 1998. Two change detection methods were tested: a layer stack change detection and an image differencing change detection. The image differencing method proved to work better for these images. Three indices were selected: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI). The indices were then layer stacked and then run through an image differencing change detection. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed on the layer stacked indices, and the first principal component showed the best correlation for delineating vegetation. The first principal components for each image were differenced and the result clearly showed a path of changed vegetation. An area of interest (AOI) of the affected vegetation was subset from the differenced PCA image, a threshold value of 0.2 was

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applied to the brightness of the image; pixels with a brighter value were changed to orange and pixels with a darker value were turned transparent. The orange layer was visually compared to the differenced index layer stacks and the differenced original images. The result is a thematic layer that depicts vegetation change from one image to the other.

Session 16: Communication with Web Maps I ●

Thursday, October 23:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.McDonnell Suite A

Building Simple Maps with JSONJason Ewert, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Leveraging an existing data API enables us to present data in a new and creative context, and it’s easier than you think. Using simple JavaScript APIs to put points on a map can deliver a concise message, helping your users understand issues and activities.

We will be using the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s data API, jQuery, Leaflet and the Stamen Designs base maps to create simple and effective maps for municipalities and counties. The examples use JSON data from the API to place vector points on a map and create popup information.

This is a basic demonstration of working with JSON data to create maps. Next steps include: creating lines and polygons with geoJSON, building base map tiles and creating dynamic UIs with jQuery. The examples will be made available and can be repurposed to work with any API that serves as JSONP with coordinates in decimal degrees.

The State of Open Source GISDavid Bitner, GISP, dbSpatial

With hundreds of Free and Open Source Geospatial projects available it can be difficult to fully understand what is available and how to use and support these products in an enterprise (large or small). This talk will provide an overview of many of the different Open Source GIS projects. It will also discuss the different avenues available for receiving support for Open Source GIS software from "do it yourself" to full service level agreement backed support.

Updating Stearns County’s Land Use Web ApplicationJohn Mackiewicz, WSB & AssociatesChad Martini, Stearns County

Stearns County Environmental Services Department previously used a FLEX based ArcGIS Server web application to view GIS based land use restrictions. With this project Stearns County simultaneously addressed its need to: 1. Migrate the existing application to a Web 2.0 application using the ESRI JavaScript API and HTML5; 2. Give users the ability to view historic parcel information stored in their tax system; 3. Upgrade the user interface and provide public access; 4. Integrate the application with their new Knowledge Lake document management system. This innovative project used an Agile approach to software development to develop the ESRI JavaScript API web application for ArcGIS Server 10.1. This presentation will cover the business needs addressed and the JavaScript web application developed for Stearns County.

Session 17: Enterprise GIS — 90Minute Panel Discussion ♦

Thursday, October 23:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.Mayo Suite A

Deployment Strategies for Enterprise GIS: User ExperiencesDan Falbo, ESRIAndrea Grygo, St. Louis County;Peter Henschel, Carver County;Matt Koukol, Ramsey County

As technology and organizational needs continue to change, the needs of enterprise GIS within an organization have also had to evolve to meet increased demand for information products and applications. This panel will focus on three enterprise GIS deployments in MN. The participants will give overviews of their respective GIS implementations, their current goals and objectives, and successes and challenges encountered in meeting those goals. They will discuss best practices, deployment strategies, and current and planned projects to meet their ever-growing demand for GIS products and services. Participating are representatives from St. Louis, Ramsey, and Carver Counties. The panel is designed to be interactive with plenty of time for questions.

Session 18: K-12 Education — 90 Minute Panel Discussion ♦

Thursday, October 23:30 pm. – 5:00 p.m.McDonnell Suite B

K-12 Educator Presentations and SupportScott Freburg, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Education

In summer 2014, GIS professionals made a large first step by stepping up and helping to host and teach ArcGIS Online (AGOL) workshops around the State. This came on the heels of the White House and ESRI technology announcement in May 2014 that AGOL subscriptions would be made available free to all K-12 education institutions in the U.S. for instructional purposes. Content of this session will include K-12 educator presentations along with a panel discussion regarding 2014 summer workshops, how GIS professionals may become mentors to their local K-12 schools and a discussion of K-12 education using GIS.

Session 19: LiDAR II ♦Thursday, October 23:30 pm. – 5:00 p.m.Elliott Suite A

Big Solar Maps from Big DataMichael Moore, Flat Rock Geographics

Minnesota provides statewide LiDAR data to the public. Uncompressed, this data exceeds 9 terabytes — making processing at a statewide extent extremely difficult. Our team developed a method to produce a LiDAR-derived digital surface model and solar capacity raster for the entire state at one-meter resolution. Our goal was to produce data products and tools that would benefit the GIS community and the planet. Hence, we offer the DSM and solar raster free of charge as an image service and have developed a mobile-friendly solar suitability web application to aid homeowners, installers, and government

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agencies in assessing solar resources and making informed decisions regarding where to invest in photovoltaic solar installations.

To work with such a large data set, we sliced the state up into over 220,000 little pieces, processed each one and then brought the results back together. The resulting DSM and solar capacity raster mosaics are each about one terabyte in size.

Estimates indicate that the processing required would have taken 5 years to complete if run on a single computer. Fortunately, we were able to reduce that to a matter of weeks with access to Minnesota Supercomputing Institute resources and other distributed processing. Our workflow utilizes Python/ArcPy, LAStools, ArcGIS Spatial Analyst tools, and Postgres/PostGIS.

The resulting DSM and solar capacity maps have already drawn the attention of both public and private users. Example use cases for the solar capacity map include the obvious measurement of site suitability for solar panels, estimating the value of a field to be leased for solar development, and determining how much road salt to apply by location in order to reduce cost and chemical runoff.

Join us to learn more and share your ideas/questions about our methods, use of supercomputers, web application, future directions, and uses for this data.

Minnesota Solar Suitability AnalysisChris Martin, University of Minnesota

The Minnesota LiDAR Solar Study Team has developed an application that allows users to identify the suitability of a location for solar panel installations. Users can locate their home or current location and query solar analysis data to identify suitable sites. The solar radiation data was produced using recently collected, and publicly available, LiDAR data for the state of Minnesota.

With these data, and the services provided through this application: homeowners can identify the solar potential of their property, solar installers can more efficiently provide site assessments, energy companies can site large industrial arrays that integrate with their current network, planners can identify specific neighborhoods for targeted solar projects, and local officials can develop policies that utilize solar resource.

By providing this processed data as a service, Minnesotans now have a valuable resource available to aid in solar projects, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We hope to facilitate other communities in conducting similar analysis by sharing our methodologies and scripts utilized in our analysis. Our web map/application can be found at. http://maps.umn.edu/solar

Solar Capacity Modeling Using LiDAR-Derived High Resolution Elevation DataAndrew Walz, LiDAR Solar Study Team, University of Minnesota

In 2013, Minnesota adopted a mandate that 1.5% of electricity must come from solar power by 2020. To comply, photovoltaic solar capacity in the state will need to increase by a factor of 30. Solar potential can be accurately predicted using GIS. Our model uses publicly available LiDAR data to produce high-resolution digital surface models that can be used with solar radiation analysis tools in ArcGIS Spatial Analyst. With these tools we developed scalable methods to measure and map solar capacity for the entire State of Minnesota considering hemispherical viewshed, sun angles, reflection, and atmospheric diffusion. Homeowners, installers, and government agencies can use the resulting data to assess solar resources and make informed decisions where to invest in photovoltaic solar installations.

Session 20: Lightning Round II ●Thursday, October 23:30 pm. – 5:00 p.m.Legion Suite A

Collecting Highway Assets: A Summer ProjectMichelle Trager, GISP, Rice County

In the summer of 2014, two temporary employees ventured across Rice County collecting data for our Highway Department. Learn about what they collected, how they collected it and the web maps created from it.

Commercial Satellite Imagery Resources for Research in the Upper MidwestLucas Winzenburg, U-Spatial/Polar Geospatial Center, University of Minnesota

U-Spatial and the Polar Geospatial Center at the University of Minnesota recently licensed an extensive collection of sub-meter commercial satellite imagery of the Upper Midwest region that was acquired by DigitalGlobe, Inc. from 2000-2012. Imagery from this exciting new resource is available at no additional cost for active U.S. federally funded research taking place in the region.

This presentation includes a detailed overview of the satellite imagery available in our repository, an explanation of access and use constraints, and a demonstration of web-based data discovery using our instance of OpenGeoportal.

Geospatial PDF: It’s Mo BettaHugh Phillips, Cartographer

Map users will benefit when Minnesota agencies that produce maps in PDF format for public use take the small extra effort to produce them in the more useful geospatial PDF format instead. Distances and areas are easily measured on a geospatial PDF. More importantly for this talk, with a GPS equipped cell phone and the free Avenza PDF Maps application a user can determine their position and navigate with a geospatial PDF even when there is no cell phone coverage. That will be of benefit to individuals who hike, bike and ski in Minnesota parks. The data layers of Android and iOS based applications for backpacking navigation lack the information richness of the existing Minnesota park maps. Geospatial PDF maps may be created with ArcGIS, Global Mapper, or Adobe Illustrator + Avenza Map Publisher. In addition, existing maps in PDF format can be converted to geospatial PDFs. The author will demonstrate the results from field tests with converted PDFs.

GIS Technology in the Aviation IndustryNick Meyers, GISP, Bolton & Menk, Inc.

GIS technology has become an integral part of the aviation industry by helping to manage and collect data, evaluate airspace obstructions and provide an interface which gives users access to the data using web applications. This presentation will discuss the different GIS tools used by the Aviation Group at Bolton & Menk, Inc. in developing Airport Master Plans and Airport Layout Plans for their clients.

Google Glass: Maps in Your Eyes?Jesse Adams, North Point Geographic Solutions

What is Google Glass? Is it just another fad or is it the latest GIS tool? This lightning talk will provide a brief demo of Google Glass, and show the potential for integrating Google Glass with GIS and Geospatial technology.

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If You Build it They Will Inspect: Relieving the Backlog of Digital Inspection NeedsJon Hoekenga, Metropolitan CouncilMatt McGuire, Metropolitan Council

Many inspection programs within the Environmental Services division have been converting pen and paper based inspection programs to digital workflows. In the spring of 2014, the GIS group was tasked with developing a mobile inspection program for cathodic inspections within a three month timeframe using specific requirements. ArcGIS Collector was chosen as the technology used to complete the project. Collector offered rapid deployment and good user functionality but also presented some challenges. Jon and Matt will briefly summarize the project and share some highlights and limitations of the tool.

Session 21: Parcel Database Initiative ●

Thursday, October 23:30 pm. – 5:00 p.m.Mayo Suite B

Digitizing the Torrens-Abstract Boundary in Hennepin CountyAndrew King-Scribbins, GISP, Hennepin County

The Torrens land records system is widely used throughout the world, and selectively used by various states in the U.S. In Minnesota, it is utilized to some extent by nearly all counties. Hennepin County in particular has over 400,000 parcels, with roughly half of them affected by Torrens registration. While parcel boundaries are well maintained digitally by surveyors and GIS staff, there is some disconnect in regards to where Torrens and abstract boundaries meet. This boundary representation currently does not exist in GIS. This session will give a brief history of the Torrens system, an overview of how Torrens records are currently managed in Hennepin County, and offer a process that will allow management of Torrens records using GIS.

Migration Is Done: Now What?Lisa Schaefer, GISP, Pro-West & Associates, Inc.

After an organization completes the migration of parcel data to the LGIM, post-fabric migration questions arise — namely, now what? The answer is to take the next step to design and manage a comprehensive system for the maintenance of land records.

Managing parcel and land record data is a multi-faceted undertaking that begins with updating parcel data within the parcel fabric via the automated workflows that walk a user through various processes to create, split, and/or merge parcel data. Additionally, the updated parcel data is then moved from the editing environment to the published model where it is served to consumers via web services or applications.

The entire parcel lifecycle management process can be managed with a Workflow Manager application that tracks metrics, sends notifications for status updates, and can create reports for overall management. COTS tools, models, and schema in conjunction with custom additions can make for a powerful overall management system.

Wisconsin’s Statewide Parcel Database InitiativePeter Herreid, Wisconsin Department of AdministrationCodie See, Wisconsin State Cartographer’s OfficeHoward Veregin, GISP, Wisconsin State Cartographer’s OfficeDavid Vogel, Wisconsin State Cartographer’s Office

The Wisconsin State Cartographer’s Office (SCO) is collaborating with the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) and the state’s counties and municipalities to develop a statewide digital parcel map. The first version of the map, completed in June 2014, was funded by the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin. This map includes parcel data from all of Wisconsin’s 72 counties as well as most municipalities. The next phase of the project leverages the knowledge gained from the PSC project to produce the state’s first public, searchable, online parcel map. The DOA was assigned responsibility for developing this map under the state’s 2013-15 budget bill, which also created a funding mechanism for the map and made counties responsible for posting certain parcel information online by 2017. This presentation will provide details on the statewide parcel database initiative, including technical methods, data sharing issues, assessment of data completeness, and future plans.

Session 22: Transportation ●Thursday, October 23:30 pm. – 5:00 p.m.Elliott Suite B

Detecting Traffic Accident Hot Spots and Clusters Using Single Linkage Method and GIS: A Case Study in North DakotaMohammad Molla, North Dakota State University

Due to oil extraction from the Bakken formation and the economic vitality that has resulted in growth and low unemployment rates, North Dakota is one of the fastest growing states in the United States. However, with this growth, there has also been an increase in the number of traffic fatalities in the state. Aggregated with widely spreading traffic accident hot spots, state transportation agencies and law enforcement agencies are working strategically toward implementing zero fatalities on their roadways. With the wealth of data available and improved computer software, suitable mapping and data visualization would allow transportation industries to recognize these challenges. Therefore, this paper aims to present the applications of GIS and Statistical SAS programming in order to oversee behind the scenes. The research work was performed based on 37 years (1975—2011) of fatality crash data available from a U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration official.

Innovations in LiDAR for Transportation MappingJames Young, Quantum Spatial

LiDAR technology has evolved significantly in the past 5 to 10 years. This has provided several solutions for transportation mapping. The improvements in both Mobile and Airborne platforms provide for innovated mapping solutions for all forms of transportation projects. The LiDAR technology will be discussed to understand, what is the best type of LiDAR sensor to be used for different types of projects? Additionally, the services and applications from this technology will be discussed. Lastly, the innovations as they relate to the sensors and software development will be discussed as they relate to roads, airports and rail.

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MnDOT’s Implementation of Our New Linear Referencing SystemJesse Pearson, Minnesota Department of Transportation

Over the past 18 months, MnDOT has been in the process of retiring our old mainframe system and replacing it with ESRI’s new Roads and Highways Linear Referencing System (LRS). Business data is spatially enabled from non-GIS systems and integrates it through the LRS. In this presentation you will learn what a LRS is, how assets and other systems are integrated and how we will maintain our roadway characteristics data. In this new environment we will cover how we coordinate and track work in our office using standardized and streamlined workflows and how we will implement quality control tools.

The LRS project was one of several in our Transportation Information System Modernization Program that encompasses 8 projects that will lead to retiring our 40 yr. old mainframe system. The other projects are pavement, location services, traffic, pavement history, crash, reports and crash analytics.

Session 23: User & Regional Groups ●

Thursday, October 23:30 pm. – 5:00 p.m.Grand Ballroom

ArcGIS CollectorMatt McGuire, Metropolitan Council

Le Sueur County GIS Unmanned Aerial Vehicle OperationsTim Briggs, AeroLogix Consulting, Inc.Justin Lutterman, Le Sueur County

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is now flying over parts of Le Sueur County, recording precise detail to be used for mapping and surveying the area. The UAV is an electric sailplane design, with a wingspan of 13 feet and a total weight of 24 lbs. It carries an advanced digital camera system and flies collections at altitudes of 200-500 feet above the ground. Sampling up to 1 square mile per 30 minute mission, the GeoStar UAV is part of the AeroLogix GIS production system, delivering geo-registered mosaics, compatible with ARC/GIS, Google Earth and other GIS viewing programs. It also produces 3-D digital elevation models and imagery fusion products with existing LIDAR datasets. Imagery resolution ranges from 0.9 to 3.0 cm depending on collection parameters. Join us to see the latest cutting edge footage!

Session 24: ArcGIS Online II ♦Friday, October 38:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Elliott Suite A

Operations Dashboard for CorrectionsAndrew King-Scribbins, GISP, Hennepin County

Hennepin County Corrections has numerous agents who perform a variety of field work operations on a daily basis. This field work includes monitoring supervised offenders through electronic home monitoring, GPS tracking, and home/work visits, as well as deploying crews on sentence-to-service to clean government owned properties, mow grass, clear snow and ice, and more. With ArcGIS Online, Operations Dashboard, and Collector, there are many out-of-the-box tools that can quickly be set up to not only support these activities, but more importantly, provide an added level of safety for county employees.

What Are Geotriggers? How Can I Use Them for Real Work (and Some Fun!)?Jesse Adams, North Point Geographic Solutions

What are Geotriggers? ESRI introduced Geotriggers as part of the ArcGIS Online (AGO) platform approximately one year ago, and if you aren't familiar with how they work, this presentation is for you! We will introduce Geotriggers and the basic terminology behind the service, as well as look at how developers can get started using Geotriggers in their applications. Lastly, we will take a look at several use cases of utilizing Geotriggers in real-world examples.

Session 25: Demographics &Demographic Analysis ●

Friday, October 38:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Legion Suite A

Beyond Midwestern Blizzard Snowfall: Gauging the Role of Population Density and Political Party Affiliation in Federal Emergency and Disaster DeclarationsChristopher Atkinson, University of North Dakota

Increasing extreme weather events force the necessity of ensuring federal emergency and disaster declaration (FEDD) monies distributed by the U.S. government provide the necessary assistance to regions most in need. This study considers the spatial and temporal distribution of FEDDs due to Midwestern blizzards from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2013. In addition to the spatial and temporal distribution of FEDDs, other variables influence the likelihood of a FEDD announcement, and this study considers the following. 1) population density of FEDD counties; 2) snowfall within FEDD counties; and, 3) agreement between Congressional representatives’ political parties serving FEDD counties and the President’s political affiliation. Spatial and statistical analyses using data from FEMA, Storm Data, and the National Climatic Data Center (spatial and temporal occurrence of FEDD and county snowfall), the U.S. Census Bureau (county population densities), and Congressional directories and yearbooks (Congressional party affiliation versus the President). Given these data, the challenge is to ascertain when a FEDD occurs for blizzards. Cross-referencing Storm Data and FEMA records indicated the total number of blizzards between 2005 and 2013 and those resulting in FEDDs. Overlay and pattern analysis indicated the degree of spatial and statistical connection between FEDDs and snowfall, population density, and political party status of past Presidents and members of Congress. This study suggests that Midwestern snowfall alone does not always drive blizzard FEDDs. By considering other variables besides snowfall, opportunity exists for reviewing FEDD awards and determining procedures that ensure continued fairness in monetary allocation to Midwestern counties.

Population Density Mapping Using the Dasymetric MethodBlaine Hackett, Flat Rock GeographicsTom Cox, Minnesota Power

Dasymetric mapping is a method of thematic mapping that uses an underlying geographic attribute to control the distribution and placement of map symbols. For example, population data collected for census tracts might be mapped by accounting for variable population densities for different land cover classes within each tract. Dasymetric mapping has the ability to more realistically portray population data over a geographic area.

This presentation will discuss two projects that create dot density maps

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based on variants of the dasymetric mapping method. The first project using this method is the Ramsey County Strategic Facility Plan. The goal of this project is to place population accurately over the county in order to gauge the impact of the placement of facilities and the services being delivered from each facility. This project used ArcGIS tools to display population density over a span of years.

The second project is the creation of a statewide population map of Wisconsin using spatial hedonic estimation to obtain population densities for different land cover classes. The speaker will discuss the equations used to calculate the weighting of the data and the GIS workflow to create the final product.

Attendees of this presentation should leave with a better understanding of dasymetric mapping and the different methods used to create dot density maps.

Session 26: Students & Young Professionals — 90 Minute Panel Discussion ●

Friday, October 38:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.McDonnell Suite B

Finding, Applying for and Interviewing for Jobs in GISJeff Bloomquist, U.S. Department of AgricultureJoella Givens, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of TransportationAndy King-Scribbins, GISP, Hennepin CountyJosh Marsh, GISP, Pro-West & Associates Inc.Stacey Stark, GISP, University of Minnesota-Duluth

Panel presenters from private and multiple public sectors will discuss what they look for in recent graduates, and what entry level positions and internships usually involve. The audience will be able to ask questions about resume building, networking, education, and skillsets. Following a 45 min panel discussion there will be an opportunity for mock interviews on a first- come first-served basis.

Session 27: LiDAR III — 90 Minute Panel Discussion ♦

Friday, October 38:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Mayo Suite B

Minnesota LiDAR PanelSean Vaughn, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Mark Reineke, WSN Engineering; Steve Kloiber, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Tim Loesch, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Molly Martin, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

We celebrated the completion of the dissemination phase of Minnesota’s LiDAR data here last year by announcing the release of MnTOPO, where the data are being accessed at a rapid pace. The “creative stuff” is now being developed and utilized by many GIS professionals across the state. Much like other key datasets developed over the years (DRGs, aerial imagery, etc.), LiDAR data is changing the way we work, as are the expectations of our deliverables. Minnesota is recognized nationally as a leader in the GIS and LiDAR communities for data dissemination and application. This is strengthened by our united and collaborative approach to "key data". As we advance LiDAR data in Minnesota, we need to keep an eye on future business needs while incorporating what we have learned in the journey

that brought us to our current phase — LiDAR Data Implementation. Members of the MN LiDAR Research and Education committee will unite for a panel discussion to present current topics on LiDAR data management, dissemination and implementation followed by 45 minutes of audience feedback/conversations on LiDAR data usage experience. This is an opportunity for you to inform the panel of your future needs associated with LiDAR data, derived products and tools.

Session 28: Lightning Round III ●Friday, October 38:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.McDonnell Suite A

ArcGIS for Sharepoint: What Have You Done for Me Lately, and Where?Tony Drollinger, Metropolitan Transit

In an attempt to answer the question, "Why don't we just eliminate the Marketing Department and pay everyone else more?", a need was identified to visualize and communicate the myriad efforts undertaken to grow transit ridership, engage with community groups and employers, and provide customer service to transit users.

Presentations and outreach efforts conducted by Metro Transit's Customer Services & Marketing Department are quickly and securely shared with other employees of the agency in an interactive map using ArcGIS for SharePoint. Users can select and hide event information and supporting spatial data, such as neighborhood boundaries and transit routes. The service also archives these activities, allowing quick access to information used in responding to questions posted by media outlets, elected officials, and agency managers.

The presentation will include an overview of the software installation process, data collection, data management, and dissemination throughout the agency, as well as constraints and planned improvements.

Flood Preparation: Creating Usable Maps to Prepare for and Respond to Heavy Rains and FloodsHeather Hegi, City of Golden Valley

Communities have FEMA flood insurance maps, but are these enough when it comes to preparing for and responding to storms? Golden Valley is a fully-developed urban city with impervious surfaces and poorly drained soils. Heavy summer rains are the major cause of flooding. The City’s primary drainage way is Bassett Creek, which is located within a federally mapped flood zone. Outside of the floodplain are many areas that are prone to localized flooding and drainage problems. Our responsibility is to check and protect all public property and infrastructure and to ensure the safety and welfare of the public. This may include assisting property owners with flooding and storm water problems.

How do we do this? We make maps! We mesh together a number of different sources and technologies to create maps that are usable and informative, and provide focus during the response effort. We will demonstrate how the city uses the power of GIS and other technologies to prepare for storms and mitigate risk.

Mapping Places and County Subdivisions from 1790 to PresentJason Borah, Minnesota Population Center

The National Historical GIS project at the Minnesota Population Center recently took on the task of creating nationwide GIS files for places and county subdivisions for each decade, 1790-2010. While NHGIS already contains TIGER/Line-derived Place and County Subdivision GIS files for 1980-

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2012, no such files exist for prior decades. Utilizing existing NHGIS data, the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), original census volumes and other obscure publications, we are stitching together data across time to create decade-specific point shapefiles for both geographic units. Learn how NHGIS is tackling this project and what we have learned along the way!

OpenRamsey GIS Data Portal: Open Platform, Open Data, and Open ParticipationJessica Fendos, GISP, Ramsey CountyMatt Koukol, Ramsey County

After leading a wave of ”free and open GIS data” policy-making among metro counties earlier this year, Ramsey County has since made strides in constructing an OpenRamsey GIS Data Portal to connect citizens to the authoritative GIS datasets collected, curated, and maintained by the county. OpenRamsey is enabled by ArcGIS Open Data, part of the county’s existing open ArcGIS platform. This presentation will showcase how citizens and businesses can easily search Ramsey County GIS data by topic or geography, download data in various formats, and display data on an interactive map. Through this one-stop portal, users can submit comments on specific datasets and subscribe to the RSS feeds of comments to stay current with data releases. Sharing the OpenRamsey site and leveraging open data is also made easy. To conclude, we will summarize how OpenRamsey serves collaborative and authoritative datasets in a way that engages Ramsey County constituents to explore and share GIS data.

US County Highpoints: Mapping America’s Roof With ArcGIS OnlineDavid Kelley, University of St. Thomas

The State Highpointer (www.highpointers.org) and County Highpointer (www.cohp.org) organizations were created to assist people interested in climbing some or all highpoints in the USA, but members lacked access to the power of modern GIS to help them reach their goals. ArcGIS Online was used to create interactive maps for each organization’s website, to provide the public with an improved tool for trip planning. The embedded maps are scalable to show select highpoints and the surrounding administrative boundaries, cities, water features, physiographic features, parks, landmarks, highways, roads, railways, and airports, all overlaid on topographic and shaded relief imagery.

Session 29: Free & Open Data (90 Minute Panel Discussion)♦

Friday, October 38:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Legion Suite B

Free and Open Public Geospatial Data: Perspectives and PracticeDavid Brandt, Washington County; Peter Henschel, Carver County;Beth Johnson, Chisago County; Randy Knippel, Dakota County;Matt Koukol, Ramsey County; Geoff Maas, GISP, Metropolitan Council;Mark Sloan, GISP, Clay County; Gary Swenson, Hennepin County

In Spring 2014, the county boards of five metropolitan counties adopted policy resolutions making their public geospatial data freely and openly available without fee or licensure. These five join three others in Greater Minnesota already making their data freely available — marking a significant shift in policy and practice for geospatial data availability.

We bring together county GIS managers to discuss the issue, explore the motivations for the change, the benefits they hope to realize by doing so, and what challenges — politically, fiscally, legally and technically — they encountered.

Additionally, the panel wishes to answer questions and entertain debate from both the data user and producer community; to discuss how these data are viewed as a "public good/public resource" and how technological changes have enabled the public to more readily consume and use the data.

Session 30: Utilities ● Friday, October 38:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Mayo Suite A

3-D Utility SurveyingPhilip Meis, P.E., Utility Mapping Services, Inc.

Buried throughout our public corridors and private easements, a myriad of silent, inconspicuous conduits transfer billions of bytes, gallons, kilowatts, and BTUs of vital goods and services to our nation’s demanding and dependent industries, businesses, government agencies, and public citizens. Inaccurate depictions of buried utility infrastructure place these services, service dependent entities, and contractors working unwittingly in close proximity, at risk. This risk, unmitigated, comes with a hefty price tag often assessed during project construction, and at taxpayer and ratepayer (i.e., public) expense, as contractors face looming construction delays, change orders, hand digging, damage, service disruptions, business shutdowns, loss of business, injury, loss of life, emergency adjustments and relocations, and corresponding litigation. Despite increasing costs and litigation, utility infrastructure continues to be casually addressed and managed non-professionally, with non-rigorous practices and data standards inadequate for today’s advanced digital methods.

3-D surface infrastructure and terrain models are now routinely developed and proven to greatly enhance project development and delivery efficiency. Virtual design and construction (VDC) methods, however, are severely impeded by lacking or inaccurate 3-D data on buried utility infrastructure. Unlike surface features, buried infrastructures are often poorly documented and difficult to recover for accurate 2-D and 3-D representation. Recovery and depiction of buried utilities in 3-D or 2-D is a pragmatic balancing effort between risk management and cost constraints.

This presentation will summarize Wisconsin DOT's recent effort to: 1. Determine best practical mapping technologies for acquiring 3-D

utility alignments;2. Incorporate associated standards and best practices.

Research covered state-of-the-art commercial mapping tools, including inertial navigation probes, ground penetrating radar, and electromagnetic induction derived model based solutions. Pilot work included seven WisDOT projects with results analyzed and published within the report. In addition, existing policies, standards and practices were researched. Recommendations are provided regarding implementation of 3-D utility surveying for VDC.

Carver County Fiber Optic Management: Leveraging GIS for Efficient Strand ManagementChad Riley, Carver County

The Carver County Open Fiber Initiative (CCOFI) is a fiber optic broadband project that connects all 11 cities to high speed internet services. Connected entities include city, county and township governments, fire departments, schools, public safety towers, law enforcement agencies, healthcare and community support organizations. From the beginning of the project, GIS played a role by mapping proposed conduit routes, as construction began, GIS would be used to manage fiber connectivity across the network.

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Many third party solutions exist for managing fiber optic data; cost, however, is a factor that makes those solutions less desirable for a smaller telecommunication network such as ours. Because of this, Carver County opted to use the ESRI Telecommunication data model. While it does not have all the desirable options that some third parties have, it is highly customizable.

This presentation will illustrate how Carver County has implemented the ESRI Telecommunications data model for fiber management. More importantly, we will demonstrate how we have achieved the benefits of the third party solutions through customization using ArcGIS Server, the REST & JavaScript APIs as well as HTML5.

Session 31: Asset Management II ●Friday, October 310:30 a.m. – NoonMcDonnell Suite A

Address Point Assessment for NG9-1-1Jessica Beierman, Geo-Comm

Even if a jurisdiction isn’t planning NG9-1-1 implementation in the near future, it’s not too soon to prepare GIS data; it enhances current operations and prepares your jurisdiction for transition. The overall objective for the session is to discuss NG9-1-1 readiness with other GIS professionals and provide examples of public safety entities that have worked to find solutions for inconsistent addressing and the process they went about for completing the task. Discussion topics will include identifying the quality of existing points and addressing issues, analyzing GIS layers and how to utilize an address point file, and the importance of correcting address points that are not synchronized with road centerlines, 9-1-1 MSAG and ALI database resources.

An Integrated Approach Using GIS to Push Data from the Field into Other Business SystemsNate Christ, Carver County

Permitting is an integral function of State and Local organizations and is important in enforcing compliance to laws and regulations that protect public health as well as the environment. To ensure a project is meeting compliance of these regulations, GIS was incorporated into a workflow to provide a means of spatially documenting key steps in the process of a water project permit, while integrating other business systems to manage information.

This presentation will illustrate how GIS supports field data collection on water project permitting and streamlining the process by providing the ability to post data collected to the County's GIS and the CRM (Permitting System) databases simultaneously. This demonstration will also show how GIS facilitates data collection necessary to support a reliable method in tracking construction projects that rapidly evolve over time and how the data managed in GIS is accessible by other systems such as CRM.

Enabling Enterprise Geospatial Applications for Utilities and Asset ManagementBrandon Tourtelotte, Hexagon Geospatial

Utilities require enterprise applications to provide simple geospatial business workflows for staff that are technical and non-technical alike. The geospatial asset data for which users need access for viewing and updating will vary depending on the user role or geographic area. The required business workflows will vary as well based on user roles. Control of data access and user workflows must be centralized and managed across the enterprise to maintain productive and effective asset management. Server-based

applications using GeoMedia Smart Client technology are available today to implement Utilities asset management workflows including field inspection, redlining, data capture, analytics, data editing with validation, and integration with other systems.

Session 32: Communication withWeb Maps II ●

Friday, October 310:30 a.m. – NoonMayo Suite A

Extending Google’s Platform with Hybrid SolutionsMichael Terner, GISP, Applied Geographics, Inc.

As GIS use continues to extend into cloud-based platforms, it becomes increasingly important to have a hybrid outlook. Commercial platforms from a variety of vendors continue to have some functionality gaps and hybrid approaches are useful for plugging those holes. This talk will provide three examples of augmenting the Google Maps Engine platform with other technologies.

Giving Web GIS the BootLucas Scharenbroich, GISP, Pro-West & Associates, Inc.

Bootstrap is a mobile-first web framework that encourages consistency in the layout, typography and responsiveness of a site’s content. It was originally developed as an internal Twitter project before being released in 2011, after which it has exploded in popularity. ESRI provides several sample projects that enhance the integration of the JavaScript API with Bootstrap in order to create attractive mobile websites and web applications that incorporate the ArcGIS platform.

This presentation will demonstrate the core features of Bootstrap and illustrate the class of problems they solve, review the open-source tools provided by ESRI to facilitate development with Bootstrap, and show a few small examples of how to use the tools for your own development.

Session 33: Spatial Data — FromDiscovery to Archive ♦

Friday, October 310:30 a.m. – NoonLegion Suite A

An Introduction to the Minnesota Geospatial CommonsNancy Rader, Minnesota Geospatial Information OfficeAlison Slaats, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Agriculture

For years, when acquiring geospatial data in Minnesota, you had to visit several data clearinghouses to gather data. You had to know which organization shared the data you needed and learn how to download data from each site. The new Minnesota Geospatial Commons changes all of that. On the Commons site, data can be found by category, format and content in addition to the sponsoring organization. By the end of 2014, all data from state agency portals, such as the DNR Data Deli, MnGeo Clearinghouse, and MetroGIS DataFinder, should be found on the Commons, and the agency portals will start to be retired. While data are still being added, now is the time to get familiar with the new geospatial storefront for our community. This session will review the features of the Commons, such as search, filter, preview, and download. It will also include an overview on how to become a publisher.

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The 4 W’s and 1 H of Data ArchivingLesley Kadish, Minnesota Historical Society; Randy Knippel, Dakota County;Len Kne, GISP, U-Spatial; Mark Kotz, Metropolitan Council; Ryan Mattke, University of Minnesota Libraries; Cory Richter, City of St. Paul; Dan Ross, Minnesota Geospatial Information Office

With the release of the Minnesota Geospatial Commons and the ever- growing open data movement, spatial data has never been so easy to discover and access. With all of this information, government agencies and other organizations are increasingly having to decide what to do with older versions of data. For example, historical parcel and aerial imagery can be downloaded with a couple clicks of your mouse, but are there repositories to assure this data is preserved? Much of this "old" data has great value to researchers, planners, historians, and others, but is becoming increasingly cumbersome (and expensive) for agencies to maintain or make available.

This panel session will bring together data creators, users, and archivists to talk about the 4 W’s and 1 H of data archiving. We will start with the definition of what is data archiving, a concept which is very different depending on who you ask. In this lively forum we will also tackle the who, why, where, and how of data archiving. And no discussion of spatial data would be complete without a little time dedicated to the value of metadata.

Session 34: Environment ●Friday, October 310:30 a.m. – NoonElliott Suite A

Applying GIS In Brazil: An Impactful Research Experience Worth SharingAndrew Morrison, University of Minnesota

A sensitivity study on the effective applications of GIS and the soil erosion model LISEM in Brazil was conducted to explain erosive processes in southern Brazil because past studies have historically provided vague spatio-temporal interpretations. What’s happening to soil in the arable lands of southern Brazil? Water and soil preservation programs in Brazil have proven inconclusive. The time frames were too short, and the data collection was ineffective. Therefore, a focused and long-term study is vital to improving these discrepancies. Through joint use of the soil erosion and flood prediction model LISEM and a soil interpolation model developed in ArcGIS, the understanding of spatio-temporal erosive processes in southern Brazil was greatly increased. Starting with strategically collected field data and ending with a comprehensive classification system of erosive characteristics in the watershed, the understanding of spatio-temporal erosive processes in southern Brazil was greatly improved. Following the results of this successful sensitivity study, a similar process can be applied to other catchments in southern Brazil and interpolated over larger areas to gain understanding of spatio-temporal erosive processes to aid in improving soil and water conservation programs.

Native Plant Community Polygon Database Application TeamJason Johnson, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Bart Richardson, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The Minnesota Native Plant Community Polygon Database Application Team is a 2013 Innovation Award winner for its innovative use of project management and cutting-edge technology in a cross-divisional application. This project is an outstanding example of process improvement.

Spatial data representing Native Plant Communities (NPCs) are a valuable and powerful management tool within the DNR. Traditionally, divisions within

the DNR mapped NPCs into separate, stand-alone Geographic Information Systems. Over the past year and a half, this team worked with each division toward the development of a unified, department-wide, spatial database containing a consensus set of native plant community polygons with consistent data standards and attributes.

The team took advantage of new project management strategies such as developing "user stories" and testing from remote locations. Users can check-in and check-out data to keep the system up-to-date, and a new toolbar was created to streamline data entry and editing.

Now individual staff and Divisional projects that rely on NPC map layers can access one “go-to” layer found on the DNR’s “Quick Layers” that includes all of the Department’s mapping.

USGS Geospatial Data Highlights: US Topo, 3DEP and MoreRonald Wencl, U.S. Geological Survey

The National Map (nationalmap.gov), a cornerstone of the USGS National Geospatial Program, is comprised of a variety of products and services. The National Map supports data viewing and download, digital and print versions of topographic maps, and geospatial data services.

US Topo is the new generation of digital topographic maps from the USGS arranged in the traditional 7.5-minute quadrangle format. Using data from The National Map databases, the USGS is able to update US Topo maps for each state every three years. These maps are geo-referenced and delivered in a compressed GeoPDF format through The National Map Viewer and USGS Web services. Minnesota has updated US Topo coverage produced in 2013 that includes additional features and a slightly different appearance from the 2010 edition or older map versions.

The 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) has been developed to respond to growing needs for high-quality topographic data and for a wide range of other three-dimensional representations. The primary goal of 3DEP is to systematically collect enhanced elevation data in the form of high-resolution lidar data over the conterminous United States.

This presentation will highlight information about these products and services related to The National Map, including updates on the Historical Topographic Map Collection and a recent crowd-sourcing program designed to encourage citizen participation of volunteered geographic information to update The National Map database.

Session 35: Parcel/Land Resources ♦

Friday, October 310:30 a.m. – NoonElliott Suite B

Official MnGeo Parcels and Land Records Committee MeetupDavid Brandt, Washington County; Curt Carlson, North State MLS;Chad Martini, Stearns County; Jane Mueller, Beltrami County;Bart Richardson, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Gerry Sjerven, ALLETE, Inc.; Mark Sloan, GISP, Clay County;Jeff Storlie, St. Louis County; Ryan Stovern, GISP, Lake County;Mark Volz, GISP, Lyon County

This session will review and discuss the charter and work plan for MnGeo’s Parcels and Land Records Committee. This committee exists to coordinate the statewide integration and standardization of GIS parcel data with the Department of Revenue’s Property Record Information System (PRISM).

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The primary goal is to oversee the development of a statewide GIS Parcel Fabric, that includes PLS control points, is maintained and supported by county governments, and is integrated with PRISM.

The planned deliverables for the committee are data exchange standards for attributes, geometry (using a parcel fabric format), and Public Land Survey Control Points. This will ultimately lead to a statewide parcel fabric dataset which contains PLS control points.

The Arrowhead Working group will present its Public Ownership Process by addressing the business problem, benefits achieved and the methodology involved.

Session 36: Process Improvement ●Friday, October 310:30 a.m. – NoonLegion Suite B

Creating a Staff Development Plan with ESRIAndy Spence, ESRI

A staff development plan is the key to ensure your team is equipped with the knowledge and skills it needs to maximize your GIS, allowing you to get the most out of your technology investment. A staff development plan is a scalable, enterprise-level plan that enables your team to maximize the investment in your GIS solution through utilizing education resources to elevate technology knowledge. Staff development can directly address needs such as preparing staff to implement new ESRI technology or upgrades in ESRI technology, cross-training staff to grow knowledge capital within the organization, educating new hires in GIS technology, and supporting projects. In this session you will learn about these benefits: identifying the appropriate level of training to scale across your organization, assessing your team's GIS skills to prioritize training needs, and aligning training to your organization's organizational and GIS goals.

Embracing Your Inner IT Geek: How Stepping Away from GIS Gave Me the Skills I NeededMike Dolbow, Minnesota Geospatial Information Office

The theme of this year’s conference is “Without Boundaries”, and when we’re making maps, we should never let artificial boundaries constrain our data or our analysis, right? So, why would we say “We only do GIS”, and risk drawing artificial lines around ourselves that constrain our careers? In 2005, I became part of an IT organization, and in 2011, I volunteered to supervise non-GIS staff and lead non-GIS projects. While extremely challenging, the past three years of my career have been a period of tremendous professional growth. What I learned actually set me up to accept my dream job: working for MnGeo and supervising a large group of GIS professionals. In this presentation, I will attempt to share much of what I’ve learned over the past decade about embracing my inner IT geek: from “stupid Windows tricks” to SQL and secure coding techniques. I will share how even basic knowledge of these topics helped me become a more well-rounded professional and a better advocate for GIS coding techniques.

West Fargo, North Dakota CAD to GIS ConversionGretchen Gottsacker, Moore Engineering, Inc.

West Fargo, North Dakota, is known as the “City on the Grow” and justifiably so, with a growth rate of 72.9% (2000 — 2012). All of West Fargo’s mapping was done in a CAD workspace up until 2012. The conversion of CAD to GIS happened due to an overwhelming demand to know more about the information spatially and having an attribute table was part of the push for a migration. The conversion included replacing utilities, parcels and subdivisions with updated GIS information. The reward of the conversion is an increased efficiency and potential for the future. Another interesting aspect of this shift was the

cartographic standpoint. Various cartographic considerations were taken to create functionality and legibility of the city’s spatial information.

All these factors created a product in which West Fargo continues to propagate new and exciting opportunities. This was a true cartographer's dream looking at the art and science of the geography around the city.

Session 37: Python ●

Friday, October 310:30 a.m. – NoonMayo Suite B

Lessons from Capitol CodeBrad Neuhauser, Minnesota Office of the Secretary of the State

In January, the Secretary of State partnered with other organizations, including MnGeo and Open Twin Cities, to put on Capitol Code: a Data Jam. This event gathered coders, added open data from SOS and other sources, gave them a deadline, and saw what happened. This presentation will give an overview of the event and the projects and ideas it spawned. It will also discuss what data were available, what data were used most and how they were used. It will also give some lessons for others looking to make their data more available based on the challenges and successes faced by the organizers and participants of Capitol Code.

Using Python to Help Non-GIS Users Rapidly Gain Familiarity with ArcGISTom Sayward, Moore Engineering, Inc.

Through a rapid increase in GIS utilization, an archaic file structure was abandoned in favor of an “organized chaos” central design. The multi-tier plan was implemented through three phases. Phase one, allow the GIS department to contemporize over 9000 mxds though a set of custom Python file migration scripts. These scripts document all mxds and associated features prior to the file migration. After the migration they automatically find the correct feature layer, repair its data source and log any errors. Phase two, generate a custom stand-alone program outside of ArcMap to auto-load a .mxd template, auto apply the user's custom signature, project information, mxd properties within the sheet layout, as well as auto apply layer symbology. Phase three, place an interactive custom web map on the intranet to improve efficiency and educate others how to begin leveraging the power of GIS.

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General Poster AbstractsAn Overview of the Minnesota Geospatial Commons — Nancy Rader, MnGeo; Alison Slaats, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

For years, when acquiring geospatial data in Minnesota you had to visit several different data clearinghouses to gather data. You had to know which organization shared the data you needed and learn how to download data from each site. The new Minnesota Geospatial Commons changes all of that. On the Commons site, data can be found by category, format and content in addition to the sponsoring organization. By the end of 2014, all data from state agency portals, such as the DNR Data Deli, MnGeo Clearinghouse, and MetroGIS DataFinder, should be found on the Commons, and the agency portals will start to be retired. While data are still being added, now is the time to get familiar with the new geospatial storefront for our community. This poster will provide a visual summary of the features of the Minnesota Geospatial Commons.

Developing Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS) — Thomas Pearson, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s water resource management efforts are tied to the goals of the 1972 Clean Water Act for restoring and protecting multiple beneficial water resource uses, including recreation, drinking water, fish consumption and the ecological integrity of America’s waters. The 2006 Minnesota Clean Water Legacy Act provides the framework for a watershed approach for water resource management. Through the watershed approach the MPCA and its partners will assess, develop, and implement restoration and protection plans for Minnesota's major watersheds on a 10-year cycle. This integrated approach to water quality management is expected to improve efficiency and increase beneficial environmental results for water resources across Minnesota.

Galatic Greetings: UFO Sightings in the U.S. — Jacqueline Brost, GISP, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Are earthlings really alone in the universe? Data analyzed from the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC) says otherwise. Geocoded points from the NUFORC sightings database were analyzed in ArcMap, and a raster grid of sighting trends was generalized before being transferred to watercolor medium. Check out this artistic rendering of GIS analysis. The truth is out there!

Gentrification Typology: Twin Cities Metro Area — Kody Thurnau, GISP, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy

This project utilized methodology developed in the city of Portland to identify gentrification typology and applied it to the 7-county Twin Cities metropolitan region. The analysis utilized Decennial Census and American Community Survey data to categorize areas that have either gentrified already, are presently gentrifying, or are at risk for gentrification. With significant public and private investments happening across the metro area, this type of analysis will help identify the positive and potential negative impacts those investments may have.

Geospatial Information and Technology Association (GITA)’s New Learning Center — Free and Open Geospatial Content — Peter Truax, SharedGeo

Geospatial Information and Technology Association (GITA) is a national organization for professionals and students in fields related to GIS, geospatial information, remote sensing, emergency management, and others. In 2014, the organization rolled out a new website, including a data repository of geospatial information, such as conference presentations, research papers and online webinars, free and open for viewing by the public. This poster explains the ways in which members of the public, and especially geospatial professionals, can use the learning center to add to their knowledge base and skill set.

GIS for Hazard Mitigation Planning — Stacey Stark, GISP, University of Minnesota-Duluth Geospatial Analysis Center; Micaella Penning, University of Minnesota-Duluth Geospatial Analysis Center

The development of a local government plan is required in order to maintain eligibility for certain federal disaster assistance and hazard mitigation funding programs. The Hazard Mitigation Plan evaluates and ranks the major natural, technological and domestic preparedness hazards, affecting a county as determined by frequency of event, economic impact, deaths, and injuries. Mitigation recommendations are based on input from state and local agencies and national best practices. We have direct experience with both county and state-level Hazard Mitigation Plan updates, working with 9 counties in addition to the State of Minnesota and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (2014). These efforts have included conducting appropriate research to develop text and maps that will clearly describe and update the counties' community profile, land use, disaster history, hazard analysis and risk assessment.

Identifying Hotspots in Minnesota: Clinical Quality Data and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality — James Peacock, PhD, Minnesota Department of Health

Major Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Minnesota and the United States. Voluntary public reporting of a clinical quality measure called Optimal Vascular Care (OVC) by primary care clinics in Minnesota began in 2004, with mandatory reporting enacted by state statute in 2008. OVC quantifies the percentage of CVD patients who are meeting treatment goals to reduce their risk of a cardiac event. The purpose of public reporting is to improve clinical quality and guide consumer decision making. Community input and engagement inform the quality measurement and reporting. This study is among the first to explore a public health surveillance application of clinical quality data by patient zip code of residence, not clinic site of service. The results of this work will inform programmatic efforts by identifying communities where patients experience poor control of CVD risk factors and high mortality.

John Snow and the Broad Street Pump: On the Trail of an Epidemic — Kitty Hurley, GISP

How often does a map change the world? In 1854, Dr. John Snow altered the world forever. In the 1850s, cholera was believed to be spread by miasma in the air; germs were not yet fully understood and the sudden and serious outbreak of cholera in London's Soho District was a mystery. So Dr. Snow did something unheard of: he mapped the known cholera deaths and identified and eliminated the cause of the outbreak.

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Land Cover Analysis at the Tensleep Preserve in Wyoming — Tyler Grupa, Minnesota State University — Mankato

Accurate land cover assessment of vegetation can be difficult because the spectral difference between plant species may be minimal. The goal of this research is to map vegetation in the Tensleep Preserve and highlight change that has occurred over the past twenty years using the Feature Analyst extension. The image change detection tool will determine land cover changes and accurately identify different species using historical DOQs and ground truthing data collected in 2013. Owned by the Nature Conservancy, the Tensleep Preserve includes 9,000 acres of mixed ecosystems in the foothills of Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountains and has a unique floral and faunal history. Ungulates use the property as a corridor for migration routes and Canyon Creek provides fresh water along a twelve mile stretch. This rangeland is rich in biodiversity because its remarkable topography offers abundant habitats. Understanding the vegetation trends that have occurred over time is needed to restore natural habitats and protect endemic plant species. The final analysis will document change over the past two decades and give management a decision making tool for current and future projects.

MinnesotaView: Remote Sensing Education, Research and Geospatial Applications — Marvin Bauer, University of Minnesota; Joseph Knight, University of Minnesota

MinnesotaView, a member of a nationwide consortium of remote sensing scientists sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey, is working with state agencies and universities in Minnesota to advance remote sensing research, applications, education and outreach. Its goals include: (1) Support the development, distribution and application of geospatial information derived from remote sensing data for mapping and monitoring land and water resources in Minnesota. (2) Enhance understanding of the characteristics and uses of remote sensing data with information on its website, MinnesotaView.umn.edu. (3) Promote collaboration among agencies for development and application of remote sensing. (4) Contribute to remote sensing education, particularly by hosting the Remote Sensing Core Curriculum within online educational materials and tutorials.

Using St. Paul’s Past to Understand its Present: Revisiting the Work of Calvin F. Schmid — Geoff Maas, GISP, Tessera Design

Calvin F. Schmid was a professor of sociology at the University of Washington and was hired by the Minneapolis Council of Social Agencies during the mid-1930s to produce a baseline study of existing conditions of Minneapolis and St. Paul. His publication, "A Saga of Two Cities", published in 1937, is a foundational work in the canon of demographic and sociological histories of the Twin Cities. In addition to being a sociologist and statistician, Schmid was a skilled draughtsman and cartographer. His rich collection of information graphics and maps are informative, instructive and stand the test of time. For this poster, I overlay his historical material with current conditions to understand — through the lens of social history and environmental justice — how historical processes have shaped (and continue to shape) the development and character of St. Paul.

Student Poster Abstracts

Collecting St. Paul’s Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS): Learning Together — Nathaniel Bettin, University of St. Thomas — Geography; Rani Mohanty, University of St. Thomas — Geography.

This poster shows the results and process of the work completed by the University of St. Thomas GIS Lab assistants during the summer of 2014. Work began in early June and was scheduled to be completed by early September 2014. This poster will be a final presentation the student workers prepared for the city. A live demonstration of the tools and the results of the web mapping on mapFeeder will also be part of this poster presentation.

St. Paul Public Works (SPPW) Traffic & Lights division requested assistance in collecting location and attribute information for its city-wide Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) infrastructure. In the fall of 2013, SPPW collaborated with the University of St. Thomas’ Geography department through the Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities (ACTC) to assess SPPW’s spatial data needs. The recommendations for SPPW were to move forward with streamlined data management and storage to increase productivity and decrease redundancy. Although the ACTC project was completed, SPPW wished to continue with the University’s GIS lab to start a digital collection of the existing APS system.

The University of St. Thomas’ Geographic Information System (GIS) lab manager and student workers worked with SPPW during the summer of 2014 to collect location and attribute information for intersections with APS technology installed. The development of the digital GIS database of points and attributes will serve as a template for SPPW to build future GIS infrastructure upon. The Geography Department reached out to Flat Rock Geographics to utilize their mapFeeder web mapping tools and their collector products to assist in the data collection. Using Fulcrum, the students were able to download a simple app developed by Flat Rock Geographics to collect the data points. MapFeeder was used to verify progress and share results with the SPPW.

Comparison of Transect Spacing and GPS/Sonar for Fluvial Lake Mapping — Mason Johnson, University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point-UWSP GIS Center

Bathymetric lake mappers are inconsistently employing survey techniques and GPS/Sonar equipment. Comparing transect spacing and GPS/Sonar equipment for fluvial lake mapping is needed. A bathymetric survey was conducted on the Stevens Point Flowage in 2013 from Bukolt Park north to the Highway 10 overpass. The survey was completed with two methods including 1) a Trimble R6 GPS receiver, TSC2 data collector, Sonarmite depth sounder, cellular device with WISCORS instantaneous corrections applied and 2) a Lowrance HDS5 GPS/Sonar. Transects were initially spaced 300 feet apart running perpendicular to flow direction. Trimble and Lowrance XYZ points that occurred within 30 feet of each other were used to create separate lake models for each technique. Subsequent models were built after manually removing every other transect (600 foot spacing). Flowage models from both survey techniques and varying transect spacing scenarios were built and compared at randomly generated locations (two-way, paired t-Test(two-tailed)317 using ESRI ArcGIS 10.1 software and the Geospatial Modeling Environment tools to determine if significant differences exist between survey techniques. Pool volume differences are also evaluated.

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Hydrologic Conditioning of Urban Watersheds: How Much Is Enough? — Tiffany Sprague, University of Minnesota-Duluth; Karen Gran, PhD, University of Minnesota-Duluth Department of Geological Sciences

Recent advances in LiDAR technologies for the state of Minnesota provide valuable resources for researchers and managers studying landscapes remotely with improved accuracy and detail. Increasingly, watershed-scale management and research has led to a need for hydrologically conditioned DEMs to facilitate GIS-based studies. This project examines the impacts of various spatial resolutions to facilitating meaningful secondary analyses within a hydrologically accurate watershed. Using ArcHydro, watersheds for Miller and Chester Creeks in Duluth, Minnesota were delineated from 1-meter and 3-meter LiDAR, resampled 5-meter and 10-meter LiDAR, as well as 10-meter DEMs from NED. Time-to-flow models assessed differences in synthetic hydrograph trends and concentration time of each watershed depending on the resolution of the DEM. Stream networks derived from each spatial resolution were also compared to NHD, evaluating the accuracy and detail of delineations to a commonly used standard.

Projected Changes in Suitable Habitat for a Dominant Prairie Grass Under Climate Change Scenarios — Katharine Winkler, University of Minnesota — Duluth

Climate change is predicted to result in shifts and/or reductions in area of suitable habitat for plant species locally adapted to current climate. Further, the extent of habitat reduction or shift in space may depend on climate change scenario. Species distribution models can help develop predictions of how suitable habitat may change in the future, and provide a tool for developing specific hypotheses for how individual plant species may be impacted by identifying the environmental variables most important to their distribution. I used freely available occurrence data, environmental data, and species distribution modeling software (Maxent) to map and characterize the current distribution of a dominant prairie grass, Andropogon gerardii (big bluestem), across the contiguous U.S. The resulting model was projected into the future for moderate and high greenhouse gas concentration scenarios and two time periods (2050 and 2070) to assess potential shifts and/or losses in suitable habitat. Area of suitable habitat (as defined by climate variables) was projected to decrease 17-30% under the moderate emissions scenario by 2070, and the high emissions scenario by 2050. Under the high emissions scenario, suitable habitat was projected to decrease 57% by 2070. In all scenarios, suitable climate space was projected to shift northward from the prairie biome into areas that are currently occupied by forest species. The climate variables that contributed the most to determining suitable habitat were related to precipitation, including precipitation of warmest quarter, precipitation seasonality, and annual precipitation (26.5%, 12.2%, and 10.6% contribution to model development respectively). Maximum entropy modeling is a useful tool for exploring the potential effects of climate change on the distribution of species for which only limited presence data are available. The projections of such models can provide valuable information for developing and testing hypotheses to further elucidate potential responses to climate change.

Solar Capacity Modeling Using LiDAR-derived High-resolution Elevation Data — Andrew Walz, University of Minnesota — LiDAR Solar Study Team

In 2013, Minnesota adopted a mandate that 1.5% of electricity must come from solar power by 2020. To comply, photovoltaic solar capacity in the state will need to increase by a factor of 30. Solar potential can be accurately predicted using GIS. Our model uses publicly available LiDAR data to produce high-resolution digital surface models that can be used with solar radiation analysis tools in ArcGIS Spatial Analyst. With these tools we developed scalable methods to measure and map solar capacity for the entire State of Minnesota considering hemispherical viewshed, sun angles, reflection, and atmospheric diffusion. Homeowners, installers, and government agencies can use the resulting data to assess solar resources and make informed decisions where to invest in photovoltaic solar installations.

Using GIS in Indian Country: Exploring the Feasibility of Conservation Reserve Program Enrollment — Agata Miszczyk, University of Minnesota

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) takes environmentally sensitive cropland out of production for a period of 10-15 years in exchange for rental payments and other financial incentives. For certain tribal lands, enrollment in the CRP program is a viable option for economic development. There are certain specifications that land needs to meet in order to be eligible to be enrolled in the program including cropland status, suitability for certain conservation practices, and environmental sensitivity.

GIS is often used for site selection and multi-criteria evaluation. In this study, a basic evaluation of several criteria was performed on numerous reservations throughout northern Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota to identify potential lands for enrollment in the CRP. Environmental variables such as land cover, soil type, and erosion hazard in combination with farmland classification were mapped for each of the study areas. The final outcome is a series of maps showing the areas that would fit the requirements for CRP enrollment the best. While the Farm Service Agency performs the ultimate evaluation, this type of GIS analysis can be used to assess the feasibility of certain lands being enrolled.

The project also touches on the community impact of this analysis. Several federal programs were presented to landowners in a series of meetings led by the Indian Land Tenure Foundation (Little Canada, MN). Visual aids in the form of maps were instrumental during the meetings and presented landowners with new options for asset management.

Web Map AbstractsMaking Spatial Data Discoverable: OpenGeoportal at the University of Minnesota — Kevin Dyke, University of Minnesota, John R. Borchert Map Library

Over the past several years the University of Minnesota’s John R. Borchert Map Library and U-Spatial have collaborated to implement OpenGeoportal (OGP), a spatial data discovery portal. Combining powerful spatial search functionality with text faceting, OGP is free and open source and has a growing community of users, many of them higher education institutions. The open nature of OGP and its emphasis on metadata reduce the danger of being inextricably tied to a single piece of software. This presentation includes a basic demonstration of OGP’s interface for data discovery, which includes preview and download capabilities, as well as an exploration of its metadata harvesting capabilities. In light of the recent launch of the Minnesota Geospatial Commons, this functionality is more important than ever. Through this demonstration, we hope to illustrate the paramount need for effective discovery tools and robust metadata to make use of proliferating data sources.

Minnesota Environmental Public Health Tracking Program (EPHT) — Kitty Hurley, GISP, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Health

The Minnesota Environmental Public Health Tracking Program (EPHT) makes data available to the public through the Minnesota Public Health Data Access portal. Bringing this data together better equips Minnesota's communities, policymakers, researchers, and public health professionals to explore relationships between environmental exposures and health effects, and to take informed action to improve health. One of the key tools used by the EPHT are the interactive maps which allow visitors to get information instantly, download data and retrieve maps for reference.

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1st Place — 2014 ESRI Climate Resilience App Challenge

The Minnesota LiDAR Solar Study Team has developed an application that allows users to identify the suitability of a location for solar panel installations. A user can locate home or current location and query solar analysis data to identify suitable sites. The solar radiation data was produced using recently collected, and publicly available, LiDAR data for the state of Minnesota.

With this data, and the services provided through this application: homeowners can identify the solar potential of their property, solar installers can more efficiently provide site assessments, energy companies can site large industrial arrays that integrate with their current network, planners can identify specific neighborhoods for targeted solar projects, and local officials can develop policies that utilize solar resource.

By providing this processed data as a service, Minnesotans now have a valuable resource available to aid in solar projects, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We hope to facilitate other communities in conducting similar analysis by sharing our methodologies and scripts utilized in our analysis. Our web map/application can be found here: http://maps.umn.edu/solar

Tour Rice County’s Historic Places — Michelle Trager, GISP, Rice County

Rice County is home to 73 places on the National Registry of Historic Places. Tour each place on this interactive storytelling map; view photographs, read a description and view its location on the map.

Tracking Bigfoot: The 10 Greatest Bigfoot Sightings of All Time — Jacqueline Brost, GISP, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The Bigfoot Research Organization (BFRO) has tracked sightings of the elusive sasquatch all the way back to the late 1800s. Over the past five years, BFRO’s president teamed up with Animal Planet researchers to determine the top 10 Bigfoot sightings. These sightings have been placed into an ArcGIS Online map, overlayed on the BFRO’s geocoded sightings database to help you determine whether the century of compelling evidence supports or denies the existence of the ‘squatch.

St. Paul Public Works Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) Collection — Catherine Hansen, University of St. Thomas —Geography; Blaine Hackett, Flat Rock Geographics

St. Thomas Geography asked Flat Rock Geographics to create a simple app using Fulcrum and Flat Rock Geographics' mapFeeder interface to assist the University of St. Thomas GIS Lab assistants' GPS data collection for the St. Paul Public Works Traffic & Lights division. Work was completed during the summer of 2014 and mapFeeder was used to visually check progress, edit changes, and display final results and queries for the city.

U.S. Highpointer Clubs Tap into ArcGIS Online — David Kelley, University of St. Thomas — Geography

The State Highpointer (www.highpointers.org) and County Highpointer (www.cohp.org) organizations were created to assist people interested in climbing some or all highpoints in the USA, but members lacked access to the power of modern GIS to help them reach their goals. ArcGIS Online was used to create interactive maps for each organization’s website, to provide the public with an improved tool for trip planning. The embedded maps are scalable to show select highpoints and the surrounding administrative boundaries, cities, water features, physiographic features, parks, landmarks, highways, roads, railways, and airports, all overlaid on topographic and shaded relief imagery.

What’s in My Neighborhood? A Web Mapping Tool for Researching Agricultural Incidences in Minnesota — Gary Elsner, Minnesota Department of Agriculture; Alison Slaats, MN.IT Services @ Minnesota Department of Agriculture

The What’s in My Neighborhood? — Agricultural (WIMN-A) web mapping application has been in use for almost 15 years and is in its third major revision. The application allows users to research agricultural chemical incidents based on chemical type or a geographic area of interest. The application was created using the ESRI JavaScript API. It displays incident location and attribute data that is stored in a DB2/ArcSDE enterprise geodatabase.

Users of this application include agricultural chemical facility owners, property buyers and/or sellers, environmental consultants, real estate agents, bankers, attorneys, citizens and others who are interested in determining if there have been incidents involving agricultural chemicals at a location of interest to them. The video will show how users are able to use geographic or text based searches to research their area of interest. Results can be printed on thematic maps or in tabular reports or exported as tabular data for further analysis.

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Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium24th Annual Conference

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Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc.(AE2S)

Booth 15A specialized civil/environmental consulting engineering firm that provides professional services and our unique brand of extreme client service to municipal, rural, and industrial clients.

Our primary service is water — meaning potable water, wastewater, and water resources, which represents approximately 80 percent of our annual revenues. Civil/site development, surveying, mapping, geographic information systems (GIS), structural and electrical engineering, and instrumentations and controls are also provided as stand-alone services or in support of our primary services. AE2S has office locations throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota, Madison, WI and Salt Lake City, UT. www.ae2s.com

Aerial Services, Inc.Booth 2Aerial Services, Inc. (ASI) is an integrated team of professionals providing premier services and products to government, utilities, engineers, and other geospatial customers. Based in the Iowa heartland for over 40 years, Aerial Services’ Midwestern work ethic, cutting-edge technology, and experienced staff combine to harness the power of geographic information and provide solutions you need.www.asi-gis.com

Ayres AssociatesBooth 26Ayres Associates is an employee-owned, nationwide multi-specialty engineering firm with 400 employees that provide services from a network of 17 offices in the Midwest, West, and Southeast regions of the United States. From their office in Madison, Wisconsin, they provide geospatial services in photogrammetry, digital mapping, LiDAR, survey, and GIS.

The services Ayres Associates provide are based on the challenges their clients face. They tailor their products and services to the needs of each client, find cost-saving and data-sharing possibilities and design project approaches that apply technology intelligently and cost-effectively.

In an industry that sees frequent innovation, they never lose sight of the fundamentals. Technologies may change, but the importance of accurate and reliable data remains constant.www.ayresassociates.com

Canon Solutions America, Inc.Booth 8Océ ColorWave® 650 printer enables GIS users to print large format color maps/drawings quickly, on plain paper, with great quality, and waterfast, too! Up to 210 D-size prints per hour. Solid toner system minimizes waste and needs no drying time for instantly dry water-fast prints. Minimize media changes with up to 6 media rolls. With the optional online folder, different folded packages can be prepared and printed right from your desktop, or print files directly from a USB flash drive. Whether copying, scanning or printing, you get the correct results at the touch of a button. csa.canon.com

Compass Tools, Inc.Booth 5CompassTools® is a Value-Added Reseller and provider of customized solutions and tools used in GPS/GIS-related work, specializing in field data collection including laser rangefinders, GPS cameras, imagery and other peripherals. We are licensed resellers for: Trimble MGIS hardware and software, Laser Technology, Ricoh, Wind Environmental, CartoPac Field Solutions, TerraGo, Adapx, Motorola, SECO, Trimble Utilities Field Solutions and others. For support, training, rentals, sales, repair and service of all field data collection products, contact us at 303-627-1810, or 800-728-5066.www.compasstoolsinc.com.

CAD Technology CenterBooth 19CTC is an Autodesk Gold Partner focused on assisting Building and Infrastructure firms achieve results. Staffed with a team that is certified for training and consulting in multiple disciplines, CTC provides solutions that utilize the latest software technology best suited for the customer. When you are ready for a true partnership with an Autodesk reseller who is passionate about BIM and customer service, let CTC provide the expertise for your team.www.cadtechnologycenter.com

dbSpatial LLCBooth 4dbSpatial provides development, support and training for large data processing, spatial databases, data catalogs, and web-based applications. dbSpatial has experience working with government agencies at all levels from local to federal and in many industries including transportation, demographics, real estate, and emergency response.www.dpspatial.com

Environmental Systems ResearchInstitute, Inc.(ESRI)

Booth 14ESRI® develops GIS solutions that function as an integral component in nearly every type of organization. A full-service GIS company, ESRI supports the implementation of GIS technology on the desktop, servers, online services, and mobile devices. These GIS solutions are flexible, customizable, and easy to use. ESRI’s GIS software gives you the power to think and plan geographically. It helps you collect, manage, and analyze geographic information, enabling you to see relationships andtrends in your data not visible in a table or chart. You can then solve problems and make better decisions because you are looking at your data in a way that is quickly understood and easily shared.www.esri.com

Frontier Precision, Inc.Booth 10 Frontier Precision is a factory authorized service and warranty repair center for Trimble. They are an authorized reseller of Trimble products and have years of experience. They back every product they sell and service and repair most brands of equipment and instruments. Frontier Precision’s sales and service personnel complete manufacturers’ certified training programs. This training combines with the professional and field experience of our staff to make Frontier Precision a valuable

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Geographic Software Specialists, Inc.Booth 3Geographic Software Specialists, Inc. (GSSi) is a GIS software development and consulting firm located in Farmington MN which has been in business since 1991. Our developers have over 38 years of experience in the creation of desktop, mobile and embedded GIS systems specializing in the fields of cadastral mapping, facilities management, crime analysis, field survey, topography and recreational mapping applications. At GIS/LIS we will be featuring our latest mobile application which automates the process of creating and analyzing a citywide curb ramp inventory.

Hexagon Geospatial Booth 20 Hexagon Geospatial helps you make sense of the dynamically changing world. Known globally as a maker of leading-edge technology, we enable our customers to easily manage and transform their data into actionable information, shortening the lifecycle from the moment of change to action. www.hexagongeopatial.com

Houston Engineering, Inc.Booth 21With offices in North Dakota, Minnesota, and a business development specialist in Montana, Houston Engineering is poised to meet the needs of clients in the Midwest. Houston Engineering offers a full range of engineering services including: water resources, environmental issues, water supply, municipal, transportation, surveying, land and site development, waste management, and GIS. As part of their growing business, Houston also provides web services, such as open source application development, Internet GIS application development and custom web applications. Over the past five years, Houston has specialized in web application development with open source toolkits such as MapServer, PostGIS, OpenLayers and GeoMOOSE. They also offer ArcGIS Server and ArcIMS web application development.www.houstonengineeringinc.com

Latitude Geographics Group, Ltd.Booth 12Since 1999, Latitude Geographics has helped people succeed with web-based geography by enabling them to make better decisions about the world around them. Hundreds of organizations worldwide rely on Latitude Geographics’ Geocortex software, to transform how they design, develop and maintain world-class ArcGIS Server and ArcGIS Online web mapping applications. They do more, faster, at less cost and risk, and with better results. ArcGIS by ESRI is the world’s leading GIS platform, and in 2010 Latitude Geographics was recognized as an ESRI Worldwide Partner of the Year and one of the first to be named as an ESRI Platinum Partner.www.latitudegeo.com

Minnesota Dept. of NaturalResources

Booth 6 The Resource Assessment Unit within the MN DNR provides natural resource stewards with the expertise, information and analysis needed to properly manage, conserve, and sustain Minnesota’s forests, wetlands, soils, plants, water, and wildlife. This is a statewide office providing services to resource professionals using techniques in remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and field inventory of the resources. www.dnr.state.mn.us

MN GIS/LIS ConsortiumBooth 27 Our mission is to develop and support the GIS professional in Minnesota for the benefit of our state and its citizens. Members include GIS/LIS professionals from local, state, and federal government agencies; business and industry; educational institutions; and nonprofits. Anyone can become a member for free by signing up at our website. www.mngislis.org

Moore Engineering, Inc.Booth 16 Over the last half decade, Moore has completed more than 15,000 civil and environmental engineering projects in Minnesota and North Dakota, advancing the region’s water, municipal, and transportation infrastructure and greatly improving the quality of life in dozens of Midwest cities and communities. Moore offers professional engineering, management, and consulting services in: airport engineering, GIS, land and site development, municipal engineering, surveying, transportation engineering, water resource engineering, and water and wastewater engineering. www.mooreengineeringinc.com

North Point Geographic SolutionsBooth 7 North Point Geographic Solutions, LLC (NPGS) is a dynamic geographic data management company specializing in GIS consulting and providing expertise in a wide variety of GIS services and applications. From data conversion or production, to custom GIS application development, NPGS employs knowledgeable staff who provide clients with innovative solutions for the most challenging GIS problems. NPGS’s vision is to offer their clients the latest in today’s GIS technology and provide high quality, responsive services tailored to fit the individual clients needs at reasonable prices. NPGS works with a variety of technologies and programming languages, including ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Server, Flex, Silverlight, Visual Basic .NET, Python, SQL Server, Oracle, ArcSDE, ArcPad Customizations, and Access.www.northpointgis.com

Pictometry InternationalBooth 9In addition to traditional ortho photography, Pictometry also provides oblique aerial imagery taken from an angle from all four directions. This allows the viewer to see the structures in their entirety and in a natural perspective. The accompanying software lets you measure height, distance, area, elevation and grade. Pictometry is also an excellent way to utilize your LiDAR data. The software and imagery integrate with your existing 911, CAMA and GIS software already in place.www.eagleview.com

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Booth 22 Pro-West and Associates’ primary purpose is to provide assistance to county or city governments and resource management industries. This assistance can take many forms including technical advising, conversion of paper maps to digital data, customized computer programming, software training and support, aerial photography and photography interpretation, and GIS design. The goal for each client is increased efficiency and productivity by integrating technology and information, adding location information to existing data, and encouraging interdepartmental cooperation to collect, share and use data, software and hardware.www.prowestgis.com

QCoherent SoftwareBooth 18GeoCue Group was founded in 2003 by a group of engineers with extensive experience in developing hardware and software solutions for primary remote-sensed data acquisition. Today GeoCue workflow management tools are used by a majority of North American geospatial production shops. In 2009 GeoCue acquired QCoherent Software LLC, the creator of the point cloud exploitation toolset, LP360. Today GeoCue is the largest supplier of kinematic LiDAR processing tools in North America and LP360 is the world’s most widely used tool for exploiting point cloud data, from both LiDAR and sUAS systems, in an ArcGIS® environment. For more information visit Booth #18. www.LP360.com

Quantum SpatialBooth 17Quantum Spatial delivers professional geospatial services and solutions for clients across all industry verticals with specialized expertise in energy, transportation, utilities, environmental, mining, national security, federal agencies, state and local government, and commercial applications. Quantum Spatial plans to invest significantly to enhance its solutions, as well as expand its newly launched family of GeoAopps, a suite of cloud-based, enterprise-wide, operational solutions. As a result of this merger, Quantum Spatial’s domestic and international clients benefit from enhance capabilities and solutions. In addition, clients benefit from accelerated research and development through significant investments to create new solutions that address the evolving challenges faced by each end market. Clients also have complete access to the creativity and knowledge of the firm’s expanded core capabilities and resources.www.quantumspatial.com

Rowekamp Associates, Inc.Booth 24 Rowekamp Associates, Inc. has delivered high-quality GIS services to businesses and government agencies in the Midwest since 1992. They were among the original ESRI business partners and continue to be one of their top performers in the Midwest. Their staff provides strategic consulting, application development services, software solutions and training that make their clients successful. www.rowekamp.com

St. Mary’s University of Minnesota

Booth 13 Saint Mary’s University — a global and diverse learning community — serves students through relevant and innovative educational programs, experiences, and enterprises. The university is nourished by its Catholic intellectual, moral, and cultural traditions and is inspired by excellence in teaching as modeled by Saint John Baptist de La Salle, founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. The hallmark of the university is its commitment to serve the needs of individual learners and promote life-long learning in a variety of contexts. The Saint Mary’s University community, together and by association, is dedicated to quality, diversity, accessibility, social justice, and sound stewardship in all its endeavors.www.smumn.com

ScanWide.comBooth 1ScanWide.com offers modern document solutions for archiving and online web based distribution of traditional maps and engineering drawings including on-premise, cloud hosted and hybrid cloud Virtual Plan Rooms, large format scanners and printers, systems and scanning services. DocIMS is a unique mobile device friendly collaboration tool for delivering project documents and data to stakeholders in the GIS community. Organizations save time and money by keeping documents and data centralized and available with maximum accountability and security. ScanWide.com also provides on-site and off-site non-destructive scanning services of maps, surveys, engineering drawings and oversized bound books.www.scanwide.com

SharedGeoBooth 25This Emergency Preparedness booth is sponsored by SharedGeo, a MN-based nonprofit. SharedGeo provides technical expertise, research, education, grants and products, including open-source mapping software and web services, to serve communities focused on disaster response, public safety, environment, health, and others where location information provides substantial public benefit. Featured projects include US National Grid education, tools and apps, AVL software, and a new release of GeoMoose web map software. We also provide information on the MnGeo Emergency Preparedness Committee, which promotes and coordinates GIS use across all levels of the state's Emergency Management community. EPC membership is open to all. www.sharedgeo.com

SurdexBooth 11www.surdex.com

WSB & Associates, Inc.Booth 23Founded in 1995, WSB & Associates, Inc. is a leader in developing the people, processes, and expertise that allow them to focus on their clients’ needs. With over 160 staff members, WSB focuses on GIS and the related fields of municipal, transportation, and water resource engineering. They design thoughtful, reliable solutions that deliver cost-saving and practical designs. WSB’s mission is to be the firm of choice in the market they serve. www.wsbeng.com

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1 ScanWide.com 2 AerialServices 3 Geographic Software Specialists, Inc. 4 dbSpatial LLC 5 CompassTools, Inc. 6 Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources 7 North Point Geographic Solutions 8 Canon Solutions America, Inc. 9 Pictometry International

19 CAD Technology Center20 Hexagon Geospatial21 Houston Engineering, Inc.22 Pro-West & Associates, Inc.23 WSB & Associates, Inc. 24 Rowekamp Associates, Inc.25 SharedGeo 26 Ayres Associates27 MN GIS/LIS Consortium

2014 MN GIS/LIS Consortium Conference Exhibitor Area

10 Frontier Precision, Inc.11 Surdex12 Latitude Geographics Group, Ltd.13 St. Mary’s University of Minnesota14 ESRI15 AE2S16 Moore Engineering, Inc.17 Quantum Spatial18 QCoherent Software

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(888) 541-4800

solutions | designwsbeng.com

GIS Planning and DesignStrategic Planning Needs and Requirements Analysis System Design

Web MappingStandardized DataLink Web Solutions Industry Solutions Custom ArcGIS Server Solutions

MobilityFlexible Web-Based Solutions Native Android and iOS Applications High-Accuracy GPS Solutions s.

Database DevelopmentCAD Conversion Easement and Land Record Mapping Utility Base Map Creation

TrainingStandard ArcGIS I and II Mobile GIS Custom Training Programs

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Wednesday, October 1 7:30 a.m. Conference registration and materials pickup; refreshments in lobby9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Full-Day Workshops WK0014 GIS for Disaster Operations (Legion) WK0015 Basics of LiDAR (Elliott B)9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Half-Day Morning Workshops

WK0001Developing a Data

Collection Application Using Collector

for ArcGIS

WK0002Introduction to GIS Using ArcGIS 10.2

WK0003Jumpstart to ArcGIS

Online

WK0004Introduction to Python Using

ArcMap’s Field Calculator

WK0005Configuring the

ArcGIS Platform for Agile and Rapid Deployment of Maps and Apps

WK0006 Geospatial Big Data Analysis — Spatial

Modeler

WK0007Leveraging the Cloud

(Riverview C2) (Riverview B) (Riverview D2) (Riverview D1) (Riverview C1) (Riverview A) (Riverview E)

10:30 a.m. Refreshment break, lobby10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Full Day and Half-Day Morning Workshops Continued12:15 p.m. Lunch1:15 – 2:45 p.m. Half-Day Afternoon Workshops

WK0008Creating Add-ins for

ArcGIS 10.1 and Beyond

WK0009Understanding Geodatabases

WK0010 Minnesota Geospatial Commons

WK0011Advanced Python

WK0012GIS Integration with Collector, Templates

and More

WK0013Transportation GIS

(Riverview C2) (Riverview D1) (Riverview B) (Riverview C1) (Riverview D2) (Riverview A)

2:45 p.m. Refreshment break, lobby3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Full Day and Half-Day Afternoon Workshops Continued6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Wednesday Welcome Reception, Rochester Art Center

Thursday, October 27:30 a.m. Conference registration and materials pickup; refreshments in lobby8:00 a.m. Conference Welcome — Kitty Hurley, GISP, Conference Chair8:15 a.m. State of the State — Dan Ross, Minnesota GIO8:30 a.m. Opening Keynote Session: Geospatial Data Management: Building a National Data Sharing Infrastructure — Kevin Mickey, GISP, CTT+10:00 a.m. Pro-West & Associates Morning Break (Exhibit Hall), Exhibit Hall Open, Geolounge Open and Web Map & Poster Gallery Open10:30 a.m. – Noon Concurrent sessions:

Session 1ArcGIS Online I

Session 2The Living

Map

Session 3Data

Visualization

Session 4Hydrology

Session 5Imagery & Remote

Sensing

Session 6Lightning I

Session 7 Product

Demonstrations I

Session 8Students —

Graduate Competition

(Elliott A) (Mayo A) (Elliott B) (McDonnell A) (Mayo B) (Legion A) (Legion B) (McDonnell B)

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Thursday, Continued Noon Awards Luncheon1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Concurrent sessions:

Session 9Asset

Management I

Session 10Communication through Custom

Applications

Session 11Emergency Response

Session 12LiDAR I

Session 13 Project

Management I

Session 14Product

Demonstrations II

Session 15Students —

Undergraduate Competition

(Legion A) (Elliott A) (Elliott B) (Legion B) (McDonnell A) (Mayo A) (McDonnell B)

3:00 p.m. Afternoon break; Exhibit Hall3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Last Call: Poster Gallery; People’s Choice Vote Concurrent Sessions and User Group Meetings

Session 16 Communication with Web Maps I

Session 17 Enterprise

GIS

Session 18K-12

Education

Session 19LiDAR II

Session 20 Lightning II

Session 21Parcel

Database Initiative

Session 22 Transportation

Session 23User & Regional

Groups

(McDonnell A) (Mayo A) (McDonnell B) (Elliott A) (Legion A) (Mayo B) (Elliott B) (Grand Ballroom)

5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Exhibitor Reception, Exhibition Hall5:00 – 5:30 p.m. Poster & Web Map Presentations, North Lobby6:45 – 7:00 p.m. Exhibitor and GIS/LIS Raffle (must be present to win), Exhibition Hall7:15 p.m. Thursday Night Tailgate Social Event, Grand Ballroom

Friday, October 36:30 a.m. 5k Fun Run/Walk7:30 a.m. Conference registration and materials pickup; refreshments in lobby8:00 a.m. Exhibit Hall, Geolounge Open and Refreshments8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Concurrent sessions:

Session 24 ArcGIS Online II

Session 25Demographics & Demographic

Analysis

Session 26Students & Young

Professionals

Session 27 LiDAR III

Session 28Lightning III

Session 29 Free & Open Data

Session 30Utilities

(Elliott A) (Legion A) (McDonnell B) (Mayo B) (McDonnell A) (Legion B) (Mayo A)

10:00 a.m. Morning Break; exhibit hall closes at 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. – Noon Concurrent sessions:

Session 31 Asset

Management II

Session 32Communication

with Web Maps II

Session 33 Spatial Data

Session 34Environment

Session 35Parcel/Land Resources

Session 36Process

Improvement

Session 37Python

(McDonnell A) (Mayo A) (Legion A) (Elliott A) (Elliott B) (Legion B) (Mayo B)

Noon Closing Luncheon: From Sensemaking to Sharing: The Importance of Design in Geographic Analysis and Communication — Joshua Stevens1:45 p.m. 2014 Salary Survey Results — Kitty Hurley, GISP, Conference Chair2:00 p.m. MN GIS/LIS Annual Business Meeting — Adam Snegosky, Board Chair

1000 Westgate Drive, Suite. 252St. Paul, MN 55114-1067

Phone: 651-203-7242

www.mngislis.org

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