GIS for Government: Answering the Big Questions

Whether you are a decision maker trying to determine how GIS can bring value to your community, or a practitioner that already uses GIS to support community services, you may be seeking answers to important questions that will guide how you leverage GIS now and in the future. For example, what are the boundaries between data privacy and the public good? How can GIS be effectively leveraged alongside other technological advancements including social media, open data or IoT? Are there differences in how GIS is applied in support small communities vs large metropolitan areas, regions or states? Is the effort to develop and maintain GIS capability worth the cost?

GIS technology is used to support a vast array of government services including economic development, property and infrastructure management, disaster response and social services. GIS is also increasingly being used by governments to support the collection and sharing of information with constituents such as home and business owners.

Our Panelists:

Steven J. Steinberg, Ph.D., GISP - Geographic Information Officer (GIO) for Los Angeles County, California
In collaboration with a team of highly skilled GIS professionals, Dr. Steinberg guides the geospatial strategy for more than 10 million residents and 100,000 county employees across 37 departments. He is a self-titled “geospatial evangelist” passionate about the use of technology to solve real problems of people and their environment. Prior to joining LA County, he served as Principal Scientist and Department Head for Information Management and Analysis at the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority (SCCWRP) and over a decade as a Professor of Geospatial Science at Humboldt State University, California. Dr. Steinberg continues teaching as an Adjunct Professor and has co-authored two books on geospatial science applications. Dr. Steinberg is actively involved in geospatial leadership positions and professional organizations including URISA, ASPRS, and CGIA. He is the Immediate Past President of the Southern California URISA Chapter.

Jim Sparks, Director - Geoinformatics for The Polis Center at IUPUI
A highly-experienced geospatial information professional, Jim has spent the majority of his career working with geospatial information. Prior to joining Polis, he served as Indiana’s first Geographic Information Officer which entailed coordinating the statewide geospatial efforts and integrating, creating, and distributing geospatial data.
Previously, Jim was integral to the development of the Indianapolis Mapping and Geographic Infrastructure System (IMAGIS), serving as project manager for the data conversion component. This substantial effort converted paper and digital data into GIS layers to create a geographic information system for Marion County, Indiana. Upon completion, IMAGIS was recognized as noteworthy for its size, complexity, and the level of benefit that it delivered.

Cindy Domenico - Former Commissioner, Boulder County, Colorado
Cindy was first appointed to the Board of County Commissioners in July 2007 to fill the seat left vacant when County Commissioner Tom Mayer passed away in June 2007. In 2009, she was chosen by Colorado Counties, Inc. as “Commissioner of the Year” out of 219 commissioners and council members from 64 counties for her dedicated work on initiatives that helped benefit small and large counties alike. Domenico served as Boulder County Assessor from 1997-2007. Cindy also served as the 2005-06 URISA President. A member of both URISA and IAAO (International Association of Assessing Officers), she has long been a champion for GIS at the local government level.