This map was created by Matthew T. Campbell from the Department of Cartography and Geography East Central University (Oklahoma). The map was based on 120,464 respondents who were asked what they called “soft drinks.” – Pop, Coke, Soda, Other. I wonder what “Other” is…. Also, Alaska is very interesting… leave a reply and let us know what you call soft drinks today!…
Click to Enlarge
As I mentioned in my previous post “Redistricting with GIS: Exposing Powerful People to a Powerful Technology”, Geographic Information System (GIS) is the key technology behind the redistricting process. As the redistricting process winds down and candidates transition into campaign mode, they need to be aware of some tremendous opportunities to continue leveraging the power GIS.
Targeted Campaigning with GIS
If we look at the campaigning process in three phases, GIS brings tremendous value from start to finish.
Phase 1 – Build a Strategy: Strategists are immediately confronted with the challenge of understanding their new district boundaries and the constituents that fall within. This information is the foundation for building a strategy for targeting likely voters, efficiently and effectively communicating your message and ultimately getting out the vote. This process will be especially challenging for candidates from the party that didn’t control the redistricting process. This is because they have just recently seen the new boundaries while their opponents have been analyzing them for the past several months.
The ability to overlay new district boundaries with relevant political information (age, race, income, party affiliation, past voting results, etc.) is by far the most efficient way to build this strategy. It allows campaigns to identify the geographic areas of their district that contain voters that are most likely to vote for them. While using GIS can make this process much more efficient, it can still be a challenge if you’re a state party official that needs this to happen across the state. This is where web-based GIS applications (Web Mapping Applications) come into play. State party officials really need to be focusing on building a centralized GeoCampaigning database that is exposed to campaigns across the state via the Internet. Build it once, use it many. This type of system will allow campaign strategists from across the state to log in to a website and start using the power of GIS to organize their outreach efforts. A longer-term benefit of this approach is that you are exposing party officials across the state to the value of GIS and how to use it as a campaigning tool moving forward. The party that is maximizing the use of geospatial technology will definitely have a strategic edge moving forward.
Phase II – Outreach: With a campaign strategy built, it’s now time to focus on reaching out to likely voters to gain their support. This has historically been done with walk lists and canvassers, but I’m proposing that we spatially enable these walk lists and allow canvassers to also leverage the power of GIS while in the field. Through the use of smartphones and tablets, which most campaign staff already have, canvassers are able to see where they are currently at (via GPS technology) on an interactive map in relation to the portions of the district that they are targeting. In addition, canvassers can enhance the centralized GeoCampaigning database by collecting information in the field as they place signs, talk with voters, etc. Because all of this information is being stored in a centralized database that is (securely) being exposed over the Internet via web services, other campaign staff (canvassers, strategists at campaign headquarters, etc.) are able to see this information in near real time.
Phase III – Analysis: With all of this information flowing in to a centralized location, strategists are able to quickly analyze the progress canvassers are making in addition to the reaction of voters. Every time a canvasser talks with a voter and collects information, this is represented by a dot on the map. Dots are color coded by likelihood to vote for the candidate and by clicking on the dot you can see the information entered by the canvasser. A “common operating picture” for spatially analyzing campaign information and connecting campaign staff is very powerful. In addition, this information will be stored for analysis against actual voting results and thus preparation for the next election year.
Campaign Message
While you may think that GIS is just a technical tool for making your campaign operate more efficiently, it’s actually much more. Whether you are for big government or small government, I think that all candidates can agree on a more efficient and effective government. If this is part of your campaign message, which I personally think should be, then GIS is key to following through on this campaign promise. We are already seeing this from incumbent John Isbell, Assessor of Property, Sumner County, TN who is referencing “GIS Implementations” as an accomplishment while in office. I am really encouraged by this and it makes me proud that public officials are looking for ways to leverage technology to increase operational efficiency. There are very few technologies that bring value to so many different aspects of government. By visiting the Esri industries page, you can see the vast array of government agencies that can benefit from GIS.
So as you start to build your campaign strategy and craft your message, don’t forget about GIS. After all, it is the secret to success.
Come join us for a series of Local Government GIS Seminars to be held in Jonesborough, Crossville, Columbia, Germantown (MAGIC Conference), and Jackson, Tennessee.
Lunch is on us after the Seminar!
| Location | Time | Address | Links |
| Jonesborough, TN | Monday, November 14, 2011 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Jonesborough Visitors Center 117 Boone Street Jonesborough, TN 37659 |
Register |
| Crossville, TN | Tuesday, November 15, 2011 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Art Circle Public Library 3 East Street Crossville, TN 38555 |
Register |
| Columbia, TN | Wednesday, November 16, 2011 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Holiday Inn Express 1561 Halifax Drive Columbia, TN 38401 |
Register |
| Germantown, TN | Thursday, November 17, 2011 Short Lunch Discussion | MAGIC Conference - Great Hall & Conference Center 1900 South Germantown Road Germantown, TN 38138 |
Register |
| Jackson, TN | Friday, November 18, 2011 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM | City of Jackson/Madison County Emergency Management Office 239 Grady Montgomery Drive Jackson, TN 38301 |
Register |
QR Code Generator
QR Codes give you quick access to data via a mobile “QR code/barcode scanning app.” But unlike standard barcodes, they provide much more data than your basic RFID. So how can QR Codes be implemented to provide relevant geospatial information? QR Codes must be linked to some type of data like text, video, a phone number, or url. Mobile friendly websites could be linked to a QR Code to provide people with geospatial information. For instance, you could scan a QR Code in downtown Chicago that takes you to an interactive map where you could see the closest bus stops and when that bus is arriving. QR Codes can provide you with access to websites quickly while you are out in the field enabling you to receive real-time mapping data throughout the day. It is important to have a web based map viewing platform such as Google Maps, Bing Maps or GeoPowered that will support locational data. QR Codes help facilitate the lengthy and frustrating process of searching for information on the web through a mobile device.
QR CODES AND UTILITIES
A QR Code on each utility infrastructure would provide extremely fast infrastructure identification that could deliver more data than a barcode. As the shift in tablet field computers and broadband internet access continues, more utility personnel will receive real-time mapping updates. Instead of scanning a barcode that gives you a number to identify the infrastructure, you could scan a QR Code using a “QR Code Scanning” application that ties into the web based map and enables you to view all of the attributes about the infrastructure.
GEOExplorer 6000 Series
Can you currently use QR Codes and Trimble Equipment for utility identification? I downloaded a few code scanning apps for the Trimble GeoXH 6000 but to no avail. However, I receieved this email from their product management department, “Technically, our camera is already capable of reading 2D and/or QR codes. As Eric found, there are third party applications for Windows Mobile that allow these barcode formats to be read. I have found some that do work on the Geo6000, but the workflow is usually clunky – most are optimized for capturing URLs or phone numbers, and will only ever automatically launch the browser or trial to dial a phone number… not particularly useful for data collection. i-nigma, BeeTagg and NeoReader are all freely available on the internet, and all work to varying extents with the GeoExplorer 6000 camera – capturing barcodes and launching internet explorer.”
THE FUTURE OF GEO-LOCATION AND MARKETING TECHNOLOGIES
QR Codes were supposed to create a storm in the United States this year. They have made a major splash in marketing and advertising but have not been used for many other purposes. I firmly believe that as real-world object recognition applications and near field communication becomes more advanced we will quickly see QR Codes disappear. Unless, the QR Code becomes the standard “sign” for AR’s object recognition (just a thought for an easy transition into new technology recognition).
On July 5th and 6th 2011, Vice President of GEO-Jobe GIS consulting, Richard Duncan, was asked to attend a meeting in Vienna, Austria by the United Nations (http://www.un-spider.org/crowdsource-mapping). Not only was he honored to be asked but he was looking forward to meeting GIS Professionals on an International Level and learning from Emergency Management Professionals and Crowdsource Experts with the goal of making a global impact.
The meeting summarized by Richard Duncan:
The first day consisted of a series of introductory presentations on UN-SPIDER (http://www.un-spider.org/), the Secure World Foundation (http://swfound.org/) who also financed the meeting, the Haiti Disaster (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haiti_earthquake_2010) from a GIS Data and Crowdsource contribution perspective and short discussions on several other world disasters. The speakers that really caught my attention (all the speakers were good but these were exceptional) were Agnieszka Lukaszczyk (Secure World Foundation) and John Crowley (Harvard).
Agnieszka Lukaszczyk presented on the Secure World Foundation and its role within the Space Based Community (comprised of any information that is gathered from Satellites/GPS/etc as well as the GIS Community, Satellite Community, etc). Their mission is as follows:
“SWF works with governments, industry, international organizations and civil society to develop and promote ideas and actions for international collaboration that achieve the secure, sustainable, and peaceful uses of outer space.” They are an organization that is privately funded and is dedicated to increasing the knowledge about the space environment and the need to maintain it, promoting international cooperation and dialog, and helping all space actors realize the benefits that space can provide. They engage with the space and other relevant communities to support steps that encourage the long term sustainability of outer space and the effective use of space to benefit humanity. It works through three primary methods:
- Informing – The Foundation generates research and analysis for decision-makers to promote the creation of sound policy and raise awareness of key issues that may threaten the security, sustainability and utility of outer space.
- Facilitating – The Foundation convenes timely public and private meetings with stakeholders on key issues to encourage discussion and constructive dialogue for the next steps in support of its mission.
- Promoting – When viable solutions or next steps become apparent, the Foundation formulates and disseminates policy positions that are aligned with its vision and mission in order to move them from idea to implementation.
John Crowley presented on the utilization of Open Street Map (http://www.openstreetmap.org/) during the Haiti disaster. Base data was not available in the area and had to be built. One of the resources they used was Satellite Imagery provided by Google, the US Airforce and various other sources. The Images were then used to digitize planimetric data. Crowdsource (Or Volunteer Geographic) information was used to populate attributes such as street names, refugee camps, disaster areas, etc. Once the base data was collected they printed maps that had QR Codes on them that were used for tracking the map as it physically moved through the region geographically and for documenting the redlines that were put on the printed map. The final redlined map would then be re-scanned and georectified at which time the redlines were converted into vector data. Also during the scanning process, the QR code would document its final end point on its geographic journey.
The second day consisted of 2 more break out sessions that focused more on the actual issues related to creating a better template for future response to Emergency Situations, how to better utilize Crowdsourced data, better desiminate GIS Data during a disaster, how to quickly analyse the data, how to quickly and effectively initiate Space Based Agencies (USGS, etc) help, etc.
There will be a report generated and given to the Secretary General of the United Nations which will be considered by the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (STSC/COPUOS) when it meets in early 2012. The second expert meeting is currently scheduled to be held in Geneva on November, 16 2011 together with the next International Conference on Crisis Mapping (ICCM 2011). (Please see http://www.un-spider.org/about/updates/ june-2010 For more details)
Richard Duncan, GEO-Jobe GIS’s Vice President, was explaining the Trimble Yuma to K-Towns finest!
We would like to thank everyone for coming!
Utilities – Public Works June 15-June 27 Local Government – Engineers
Utilities, Public Works, Local Government and Engineers are invited to this FREE 1/2 Day Seminar where attendees will be educated on the industries latest GIS/GPS hardware and software!
Spatially Link your office to your field crew with the Spatial Links family of products and services. Take advantage of the GEO-Jobe GIS designed and configured Work Order Management Solution, utilize the Spatial Links Field Inspection Solution or design a field-to-office/office-to-field solution best suited for your entities Spatial Links needs.
GEO-Jobe GIS is the Authorized Sole Source Trimble Dealer for Mapping & GIS Solutions in Tennessee and is the only vendor in the State authorized to handle Trimble Sales, Training, Service, Support and Rentals. GEO-Jobe GIS is also an Authorized ESRI Business Partner, Consultant, Reseller, Developer, and offers Authorized ESRI Training throughout the State. In addition, GEO-Jobe GIS is the Authorized Reseller for LaserTech Laser Offset devices and LizardTech MrSID technology.
REGISTER HERE FOR THE FREE SEMINAR IN JOHNSON CITY
REGISTER HERE FOR THE FREE SEMINAR IN KNOXVILLE
REGISTER HERE FOR THE FREE SEMINAR IN CHATTANOOGA
REGISTER HERE FOR THE FREE SEMINAR IN NASHVILLE
In the early part of 2010, GEO-Jobe GIS Consulting was contracted by the City of Mt Pleasant, TN to collect sewer, water, and gas utility infrastructure. The City of Mt Pleasant demanded an additional level of accuracy for their sewer manholes. Our clients commonly request mapping grade data collection of their infrastructure; however, survey grade jobs are less frequent. This is the part of the project that will be highlighted today. But first, we must understand the difference between grades of accuracy. What makes “survey grade” so special?
The data collectors are employing two different units to collect the data. A standard mapping grade unit, such as a Trimble Recon, pictured at right, is used to collect the attribute data for each manhole, such as diameter, number of pipes, pipe inverts and sizes, etc. 
Loading this raw data into a GIS environment was much more involved than a standard mapping grade job, since the data is coming from two different units. None of the steps were terribly difficult; there were just a lot of them. The project is nearing completion, with a projected completion date of mid-February. The data will then be replicated between the City of Mt. Pleasant, and Geo-Jobe. This will ensure that updates will be seamless, should any new data need to be collected in the future.
Hopefully you now have a better understanding of what a “survey grade” GPS is, and how it can be implemented in your GIS/GPS arsenal.
GEO-Jobe GIS Consulting a division of W. D. Schock Company, Inc. has begun a three year GIS project at the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR). The goal is to combine GIS and airport management in an innovative manner that will enhance many aspects of the airport’s operations. The key component of this project is the implementation of a web-based GIS that will serve not only as a centralized location for updated spatial information about the airport and surrounding properties, but also as a means of conducting workflow processes such as tracking maintenance repairs and building reports. The project is currently scheduled to last about three years, and should benefit almost all of the departments within the airport.
The first phase of this multi-year project consists of data collection and installation of required hardware and software. The system runs on a local ArcGIS server that integrates airport data and provides the opportunity for replicating this data on a city, parish, or statewide level. Existing GIS datasets are being collected from local government agencies and added to the airport’s geodatabase. Once the datasets are added, the Airport Layout Plan (eALP) and other CAD drawings for utilities and floor plans will be converted into a GIS format and added to the geodatabase making it accessible through the map application. As changes are made to these types of documents, they will be updated in the geodatabase, allowing the map application to always maintain the most up-to-date airport information. This will benefit the airport significantly with FAA’s guidelines that regulate the accuracy of spatial data. It will also assist the airport in generating current maps for analysis, planning, and reporting purposes.
In addition to spatial data, GEO-Jobe will also help the airport manage and reduce its paperwork using the DocSTAR document management system. Once scanned into DocSTAR, a document’s text is archived using Optical Character Recognition technology. It is then classified and made fully searchable and retrievable to all airport employees with necessary security clearances via a web application that works similar to most library catalogs. These documents will also be linked to features and areas on the airport’s map application once they have been filed in the DocSTAR system. The documents are currently scattered across different computers in different departments throughout the airport. The integrated DocSTAR system will be on the centralized map application where information can be accessed from anywhere with permission.
The later stages of this project will involve additions to the map application that will further increase the workflow efficiency of the airport. These additions will effect the Operations and Emergency/Safety Departments at the airport and will greatly improve the overall operations and security for airport personnel and its passengers. Through these integrated aspects of the project, GEO-Jobe will provide the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport with much more than a map. They will have a spatially-oriented, centralized system that will be utilized for storing, accessing, updating, and producing data about their facilities. It will also greatly increase the efficiency of the everyday workflow processes and security measures, saving the airport both time and money. Overall, this project highlights the needs and possibilities for GIS in the airport industry while mapping out the future of AirportGIS.
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