MSGIC Blog, Author at Maryland State Geographic Information Committee

Regional Spotlight: GIS Helps Ensure Equity in Transportation Planning

April 10, 2017

The National Capital Region’s (NCR) Transportation Planning Board (TPB) recently adopted an Equity Emphasis Areas (EEA) Map that marks a new approach by the organization to ensure equity in their Constrained Long Range Transportation Plan (CLRP). The map was a collaborative effort involving staff from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG), TPB and other local leaders. The adoption of the EEA Map is the first phase in a federally mandated Title VI analysis of the CLRP to “test for…

Looking back on the Getting Ready for Next Generation 911 education sessions

January 8, 2017

MSGIC Blog

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The MSGIC-sponsored URISA training sessions entitled ‘NG9-1-1 and the GIS Workflow’ were held on November 29th and 30th in Frederick and Crownsville, respectively. Both sessions were lively and very well attended. The Frederick session was attended by over 35 people and the Crownsville session was a full house. Sandi Martin organized the training sessions, which featured presenters Sandi Stroud (Michael Baker International), Peter Hannah (Baltimore City) and Lynda Warthen (Frederick County). These sessions were attended by a diverse group of…

Next Steps on Next Generation 9-1-1

October 5, 2016

MSGIC Blog

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In some systems we accept faults, but when it comes to safety we expect perfection. In Baltimore last month, officials met to discuss how our emergency 9-1-1 system could be upgraded along side our rapidly growing technology, in the pursuit of that ideal. Part of this includes using GIS to accurately locate a caller in need. Here is an article reporting on Maryland’s round table discussion about Next Generation 9-1-1, which took place in September. ____________________________________________ County Emergency Managers, Public Safety…

ESRI now offering FREE TRAINING

September 14, 2016

MSGIC Blog

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Whether you are completely new to GIS or you have been working with the software for years, ESRI is the place to go for ArcGIS training. ESRI offers training for all academic levels including new users, students, GIS managers, data editors, GIS analysts, map designers, GIS technical leads, GIS application developers, or anyone else interested in learning about GIS. The best news is that they now offer FREE TRAINING. You can sharpen your skills or learn a new skill altogether…

GIS Blunts Winter’s Threat in Maryland – County Tracks Snow Operations in Real Time

July 20, 2016

MSGIC Blog

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If you’ve been following weather forecasts, this August is gearing up to be one of the warmest on record in Maryland. Though you may have some sunburn from your summer activities, (sunscreen is an everyday essential at this point) it’s best to appreciate summer before it’s gone. I for one would take beach traffic on my commute over dangerous icy roads any day. To remind you of cooler thoughts, here is an article about GIS being used to dispatch snow…

The National Address Database: It’s time to “Just do it!”

March 28, 2016

MSGIC Blog

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The National Address Database (NAD) represents a single database containing address information for every residential and non-residential structure and interior unit, and optimally, for every point of ingress to real property. Providing accurate address data in a centralized open data portal will benefit nearly every aspect of government service, consistently improve the delivery of services, and spur innovation in the public and private sectors. Advanced technologies make the NAD possible today. The necessity for an open NAD is real and…

Esri Receives Champions of the Chesapeake Award

February 8, 2016

MSGIC Blog

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Chesapeake Conservancy Honors Esri for Providing GIS Software and Support Benefiting Restoration and Conservation of the Chesapeake Bay Annapolis, Md. – Last night, the Chesapeake Conservancy presented Esri with a Champions of the Chesapeake Award at the second annual Champions of the Chesapeake Awards and dinner celebration. “The Chesapeake Conservancy is pleased to honor our partner Esri; for their innovative GIS software and staff support that helps propel the Conservancy’s work in GIS mapping and precision conservation to the forefront…

NEW DATUMS – NAD2022 & NAVD2022

January 26, 2016

MSGIC Blog

Data

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The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is preparing new horizontal and vertical datums for release in 2022, as part of the NGS Ten-Year Plan. What does this mean for MSGIC? MSGIC is advocating education about the new datums and engaging the community by forming a sub-committee on New Datums. Executive Committee member Matthew Webb will head this subcommittee, which will guide MSGIC through the change, as we go from today to 2022. The sub-committee intends to help educate and prepare the…

Teaching GIS to Business Students

January 10, 2016

MSGIC Blog

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(Originally posted on the TUinnovates.com blog) Location. Location. Location. From deciding where to locate a new store to analyzing how well marketing campaigns are working in various markets, maps help business leaders make better decisions. Recently, I taught two classes to Towson University business students, which focused on how businesses can use geospatial technology to enhance decision-making. Introducing GIS to Business Students Associate Professor Tobin Porterfield teaches Project Management and Business Analysis, among other courses, at Towson University in Northeastern Maryland. Professor Porterfield invited…

On the Maryland Map: Getting to Know Roger Barlow

February 26, 2014

MSGIC Blog

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As I have been working in the GIS field for over 10 years in Maryland, I have met some interesting, talented, intelligent, and motivating GIS colleagues along the way. Hopefully this reinvigorated blog series will share with you some exciting tidbits of information from each person who has touched my career in some way. Here are some fun facts about Roger! Quick Facts about Roger Barlow Physical Scientist (Geospatial Liaison) at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Born in Beloit, Wisconsin,…