NWGIS UC 2024

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with geographic information systems (GIS) has opened new possibilities for spatial analysis and decision-making. This presentation explores the advancements in what we term GeoAI (a.k.a. Machine Learning) found in Esri software. We will discuss how GeoAI algorithms can be trained to analyze geospatial data, extract meaningful insights, and automate various tasks. We’ll also look at Generative AI that Esri is beginning to integrate into many of its solutions. These tools leverage AI\ML techniques to generate realistic and contextually aware spatial data. Throughout the presentation, we will showcase real-world examples and success stories of organizations leveraging Esri's GeoAI and Generative AI tools.

Trends in State and Local Government: Keeping Pace with Technology and Policy Drivers in GIS - Have you ever wondered if you are keeping pace with your peers in the applications of GIS in government? There are many drivers that shape how state and local governments use GIS, ranging from response to crisis, legislation, peer technologies, and new releases of spatial solutions. This session will draw from the pioneering work of government users, repeated patterns of success, and technology that is reshaping our industry. We will present how these trends are emerging and how governments are adapting to deliver the next generation of digital government services by:
• Leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence
• Leading your community’s recovery efforts
• Building an intelligent organization
• Managing successful infrastructure projects
• Driving towards digital transformation

Providing safe, sustainable water, wastewater and stormwater solutions is a critical priority for community leaders, utility managers and a reasonable expectation of citizens. Many utilities rely solely on age based deterioration to forecast asset condition and replacement strategies. This session will discuss best business practices for incorporating risk and physical condition into your asset maintenance strategy. Risk is defined as Probability of Failure and Criticality of Failure. Maintenance workers can score their assets based on these risk factors to better understand potential impact to services provided. Furthermore, adding condition assessment based on physical deterioration of assets helps prioritize where the maintenance dollars should be spent.

ADA ramp inspections are often a tedious task that must be frequently repeated. In this presentation, I will introduce an innovative application designed to simplify and enhance the efficiency of these inspections for civil engineers. Leveraging GIS, the application centralizes all inspection data into a single, geolocated, and richly attributed dataset that is immediately accessible and ready for analysis, along with creating pre-filled inspection forms.

GIS professionals understand the pivotal role that geospatial data plays in decision-making across various industries. Now, imagine harnessing that power to transform the management of infrastructure, facilities, and other assets. This presentation delves into VertiGIS FM, a groundbreaking solution that integrates spatial intelligence as a key component of infrastructure and facilities management, creating new opportunities and efficiencies across organizations.

We will describe the process of collecting and submitting NG911 data to the statewide for aggregation. We plan to cover our process and the scripts involved to streamline this process.

I was the City Engineering Technician from 2005-2023. I became the GIS Administrator in 2023 and am in charge of all GIS functions for the City of Mountain Home Idaho with a population of a little over 16,000. I have created a GIS database with over 6K Water meters, 94 miles of water lines, 1,800 Water Valves, 2,700 street signs, 1,500 sewer manholes, 82 miles of sewer lines and 87 miles of street data including signs and sidewalks, over 70 miles of walking/biking paths, City zoning data as well as the Area of Impact data.
By collecting and building the city-wide GIS database John has saved the city over $1M.
John has provided City crews with "online maps" and the system is being used by most every department in the city as well as City Council members.
Many times, we only hear of larger cities or organizations doing amazing things with GIS.
I would like to encourage smaller towns to take that next step and prove that you too have that "can do" spirit. No matter the size of the town you too can have interactive GIS data that is easy to read and follow.

"With an active GIS Strategic Plan, you can take your organization’s GIS maps and data, from a mysterious mapping software to something that will be a very useful tool for every department."

The creation of a comprehensive and standardized parcel dataset is no easy task. Involving extensive collaboration and innovative solutions to overcome numerous challenges. This presentation will provide an overview of where Idaho is at in the development of this dataset and where we still have to go. This project is ongoing collecting data from counties throughout Idaho in different formats and update schedules. We have developed a standard for this dataset and leveraging different low-cost GIS solutions to aggregate this data at the state level. A major milestone for this project has been working with our local government entities and other state agencies to start publishing standardize data. Even though we do not have full state coverage, this is something we strive for and will continue working on. I will discuss the practical applications of the dataset, such as its impact on economic development, Trail Management and disaster management. Join me as we delve into the journey of developing the statewide parcel dataset, sharing valuable insights and lessons learned along the way so far. This presentation aims to inspire and guide similar initiatives, demonstrating the transformative power of comprehensive and accurate spatial data.

"With internet access becoming the fourth “utility” in modern life it is critical that we understand where there is access and where there is not. To complete the goal of Internet for All, the FCC, NTIA, USDA and State of Washington all have funding to build broadband infrastructure. In support of the agencies involved the federal government has started requiring ISP’s to report on their networks at an individual location level.

This talk will run through the funding programs, data available, and unveil new tools that WSU has created to speed up the processing and analysis of the data provided because of the Broadband Data Collection. Additionally, there will be time to ask all of your broadband questions!"

No other cartography textbook has withstood the test of time like Map Use: Reading Analysis, Interpretation. Since its debut in 1978―nearly a half century ago―it has remained a stalwart companion for instructors, students, self-learners, and professionals in GIS and other industries. With Map Use, 9th Edition, authors empower current map readers and novice mapmakers in various ways. The new edition will be published in both print and e-book format and will include some of the best maps recently made. It provides the map reader with a unique perspective into what has changed over the years―and what concepts and approaches to map use remain the same. From the book’s first to its ninth edition, the underlying philosophy of Map Use remains the same―a good map user must understand, at a basic level, what goes into the making of a map.