Government Data + Maps: 10 Great Examples
Explore 10 ways federal agencies use geographic information system (GIS) technology and maps to improve decision making and deliver public information.
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Scientists, horticulturists, researchers, and the public can access the National Arboretum's Botanical Explorer to get information on every plant and associated features. Botanical Explorer is also used for visitor services, self-guided tours, and to assist in landscape design.
(Source: USDA/National Arboretum)
This map viewer of New York allows users to see sea level rise and where coastal flooding is likely to occur. It helps communities understand the impact of coastal flooding and allows them to plan and prepare accordingly.
(Source: NOAA)
The Department of Agriculture's Forest Service developed a pest damage website that shows maps of major forest insect and disease conditions throughout the US. It's a way for the Forest Service to manage and distribute pest information that covers a large area and is used by many people.
(Source: USDA/Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team)
This shows that, despite the current Veterans Administration scandal over failing to schedule timely appointments, elsewhere government leaders have been working to improve access.
(Source: Veterans Health Administration)
The North Carolina National Guard built an online map using GIS and aerial photography to show the status of a combat support team assigned to Camp Greene for the 2012 Democratic National Convention. By doing so, it also improved information sharing with partnering agencies.
(Source: NC National Guard)
The Department of Transportation's Office of Federal Lands Highway wanted to provide better resources for public roads servicing federal and Indian lands. This GIS-based web tool helps monitor road conditions and plan for infrastructure investments.
(Source: USDOT)
This Department of Transportation Web application houses information on structurally deficient bridges throughout the national highway system. It's used to inform Congress and the public about the state of bridges across the US.
(Source: USDOT)
The Forest Service developed the Wildland Fire Geoportal to share data and information about the 2011 Wallow Fire in northeast Arizona. The website promotes collaboration with other agencies by allowing them to view and share maps online and analyze data from a single interface.
(Source: USDA)
This map illustrates how real-time updates to the Army Corps of Engineers' database can instantly be reflected to show the long-term issues and impacts of droughts in the Fort Worth District, Texas. The map shows updated symbology and labels.
(Source: US Army Corps of Engineers)
The Department of Veterans Affairs created this map to keep track of major weather events so they don't disrupt health services. It allows the department to quickly and accurately gather information about weather impacts on facilities and plan a response.
(Source: Veterans Health Administration)
The Department of Veterans Affairs created this map to keep track of major weather events so they don't disrupt health services. It allows the department to quickly and accurately gather information about weather impacts on facilities and plan a response.
(Source: Veterans Health Administration)
Nearly every federal government agency uses geographic information system (GIS) technology to meet various mission goals. Agencies rely on GIS for asset management, citizen engagement, public policy, planning and analysis, disaster response, and much more.
"GIS brings transparency and accountability to federal government by engaging citizens through dynamic, interactive maps," Christopher Thomas, director of federal government solutions for Esri, told InformationWeek Government. Esri offers GIS software and geodatabase management applications that address key federal initiatives and mandates.
Earlier this year, Esri launched an open data initiative centered on helping federal agencies create custom websites to easily share data. Esri made enhancements to ArcGIS Online, a geospatial platform that allows users to create interactive Web maps and apps. The new ArcGIS Online allows organizations -- in this case, government agencies -- to build custom, open data websites in minutes. The public can then search ArcGIS Online and download data by topic or location, filter the information, and see it on an interactive map.
It’s a simpler way of making geospatial data accessible to the public, and it supports President Obama’s vision to open up government data, Thomas said about the enhancements. A year ago, the President signed an executive order requiring that all data generated by the government must be made publicly available in open, machine-readable formats. The Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Science and Technology Policy also released an Open Data Policy calling on agencies to manage government information as an asset.
Agencies have responded with a number of open data initiatives, as well as other efforts like holding open data roundtables with private-sector users of government data to encourage new business opportunities.
Thomas said:
From open government to open data, the current administration calls for new innovative ideas, tools, and improved policies that reform government and make it smarter, more efficient, more transparent, more collaborative, more responsive, and better serves the American people. But to change the path of government, innovation needs to go beyond great ideas and become enmeshed with the infrastructure in place. Through GIS, innovative maps and applications are inspiring and enabling raw data and great ideas to be put to action, transforming government and the world around us.
Our slideshow features 10 maps created by agencies with ArcGIS Online. The maps reflect how the government is using geographic data to keep the public up-to-date on different issues -- from coastal flooding to forest insect and disease conditions. The maps are also used internally by agencies to make important decisions, such as providing medical access to veterans.
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