July 01, 2009

Due to a suspension of funding from the State, the Georgia Spatial Data Infrastructure (GaSDI) and the Georgia GIS Clearinghouse will be operating at a minimal level. The site will continue to be hosted by the Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Georgia as a courtesy, but there are no funds for site support at either school. Staff have been reassigned to other duties. We will attempt to answers questions and provide assistance during the last working day of every month and as time permits, so please be patient. It is our hope and desire that as the economy improves, funding will be returned to this statewide asset so that it can continue to serve the needs of the state.

The year-long Geospatial Strategic Planning effort has concluded. The Plan can be read here: http://www.georgiaspatial.org/wp-content/docs/GeorgiaFiftyStates-StatewideGeospatialStratPlan09.pdf

Funding was graciously provided by the Department of Interior (DOI) United States Geological Survey (USGS) Federal Geographic Data Committee’s (FGDC) 50 States Initiative and the Georgia Institute of Technology College of Architecture (CoA) Center for GIS. Representatives from the GISCC, and over 700 people throughout Georgia, were involved in the following activities under this statewide Geospatial Strategic Planning effort:

Revamped GaSDI architecture

Hired consultant “in-the-know” (former Deputy Executive Director of GTA)

Create statewide Geospatial Maturity Assessment

Facilitated GIS Inventory training through Georgia Regional Development Centers

Worked with the private sector to offer Senior Administrator Technology Briefing, “Connecting People, Places and Policy” by former 2-term Governor of WY, Jim Geringer

Debriefed Governor Perdue and Policy Staff, Agency Commissioners on Geospatial inventory/activities

Brought senior level staff from the Governor’s Office of Planning & Budget to the National States Geographic Information Council ( NSGIC) mid-year conference

Brought Cy Smith
, Coalition of Geospatial Organizations (COGO) Chair and former NSGIC Chair, to panel presentation for Georgia Digital Government Summit

§         Presented and gathered input regarding Georgia’s Geospatial Landscape (>700 people and 65-plus agency administrators):

o        Georgia Department of Natural Resources User’s Group, 2008

o        Georgia Digital Government Summit, 2008

o        CIO Forum & Executive IT Summit, 2008

o        State CIO Council, 2008

o        Georgia URISA Biennial Conference, Keynote and 90-minute Input session, 2008

o        Online survey (293 responses), 2008 (see Appendix A of Plan)

o        3 Strategic Planning Input sessions around the state, 2008

o        Strategic Planning Input session with MAPPS, 2008

o        Georgia Surveying and Mapping Society of Georgia (SAMSOG), 2009

o        Gainesville State College Colloquium, 2009

o        Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) Breakfast Series, 2009

Particular individuals and organizations highly engaged in this activity have been identified in Section 10 of the Plan (Acknowledgements). (*gritting my teeth hoping that I didn’t inadvertantly forget anyone!! If so, PLEASE send me a note .. it’s not too late)

I encourage you to stay abreast of GISCC activities by joining the list serve and attending the monthly meetings.

Thank you, again, for your support and continued involvement! Now, on to implementing these strategic planning goals!!

Visit the GeorgiaGIS You Tube Channel for more exposure to geospatial technologies in support of a Growing, Safe, Healthy, Educated and Best Managed Georgia.

Former 2-term Governor of WY, Jim Geringer (R), offers an invitation-only Briefing on how GIS improves the business of government.

October 20, 2008 | 8:30 AM | Coverdell Legislative Building Office, Rm #606