Geographic Information Council (WAGIC)

August 29, 2002

Teleconference originating from

DIS Interactive Technologies, Lacey, WA

 

Introductions – George Spencer, WAGIC Chair – From Lacey, George opened the meeting and welcomed council members in Seattle, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Spokane. 

 

Meeting Theme: GIS in Support of Parks and Recreation

Please visit the WAGIC Website www.wa.gov/gic to view presentation slides

§         Historical overview of the 1998 Riverside State Park GIS Project – Bea Lackaff

§         Level of Service Analysis for the Spokane County Parks Plan using Census 2000 Data -  John Bottelli

§         Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission – Update on Riverside State Park since 1998 and GIS at the Commission – Doug Mackey

 

Business Items

 

Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) State Tribal GIS Forum Meeting – Ian Von Essen

This forum sponsored by the FGDC included northwest tribes from Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington and representatives from each state GIS organization. The meeting was designed to bring together all parties in an effort to do a more effective job partnering at state and federal levels and, to better involve tribal organizations in state GIS organizations by making those programs more relevant to the tribes. Current challenges faced by the tribal organizations are similar to those faced by local government organizations including land management and acquisition, cadastral mapping and resource management.   A presentation by the Suquamish tribe showcased how GIS is currently being used to research the history of the tribe and coordinate cultural events.  Ian, suggested that WAGIC consider focusing an upcoming meeting theme on WA tribes use of GIS.

 

WAGIC Budget

Review of 2001-2002 Budget and Proposed 2002-2003 Budget – Jeff Holm

In reviewing the 2001-2002 budget Jeff highlighted the estimated actual expenses that the council experienced over the year including video-teleconferencing, mailing expenses, travel reimbursements to the chair, memberships in other organizations, etc.  Last years total budget was $25,500 and estimated actual expenses came in at $22,065.  Variances included reimbursement of chair conferences (which exceeded estimates) and memberships in other organizations (which came in under the estimated amount).  With regards to council revenue, the funds from the voluntary membership program were projected to be $27,000.  Actual revenue was $22,550. The total variance in the 2001 – 2002 was a surplus of $485.00.

The proposed budget for the coming year is $27,450.   Anticipated factors include an increase in expenses for promotional items, website space and clearinghouse support.  While chair conference reimbursements remain the same, membership in other organizations has been reduced and the need to reimbursement for the chair’s travel to Olympia has been removed.  Projected membership funds are estimated to be $28,000.  A faxed based ballot will be distributed to voting members for approval.

 

Update Washington State Remote Sensing Consortium

As previously reported, the original pilot activity of the consortium was to pool a limited amount of funds from several agencies and organizations to purchase terrain corrected data.  The purchase and quality review has been completed and data has been distributed to consortium members.  The consortium is also able to take advantage of a recent purchase by the Office of Community Trade and Economic Development (CTED) of 43 scenes of statewide coverage of LandSat5.  This data was processed to the same consortia specification as the developed for the 2000 data buy.  Consequently, the data holding has significant analytical value as users will be able to compare one data set to another.  This recent (June 2002) data purchase has been received and next steps include conducting the same quality assurance/quality control and documentation process as run on the previous data buy. 

 

Update ISB GIT Subcommittee Activities – George Spencer

Established last year by the Information Services Board (ISB), the Geographic Information Technology subcommittee is currently addressing the issue of a coordinated funding proposal for statewide ortho-imagery.  At the July 2^nd meeting, an overview of ortho imagery was presented to subcommittee members. While DNR currently provides a statewide program that is funded by DNR, federal and local partners and fees, they are facing challenges in continuing to provide this program.  There is a need and desire to build on the strengths of the current program in a collaborative way that results in a sustainable approach that meets future data needs.

 

The suggested approach to funding this program is through both federal and state participation that would provide a predictable and sustainable funding base. A governance mechanism based on four elements (a lead agency, a steering committee, a data steward and a project implementation team) was presented to the subcommittee.  The subcommittee expressed general support for the proposal but asked that a phased implementation proposal be developed that recognizes the state budget difficulties and provides experience with the proposed new elements of governance, funding and decision-making.

 

Chair’s Call to Review Bylaws for Potential Updates – George Spencer

The current bylaws under which the council operates were adopted more that five years ago.  It was suggested they be reviewed in order to bring them up to date and to also provide the opportunity for securing additional council leadership.  Suggested roles included the addition of a Vice Chair or Chair Elect and also a committee that would head up the planning of the theme based meetings. George asked that those who would be interested in helping review the bylaws and craft recommendations to the council contact him at SpenceG@wsdot.wa.gov  or Jeff Holm at wagic@dis.wa.gov.

 

Closing Site Roundtable – George Spencer

 

Next meeting – October 17, 2002