Links to recordings of the Integrated Services Program and 9-1-1 & Geospatial Services Bureau webinar series, including NG9-1-1 GIS topics such as: data preparation; data provisioning and maintenance; boundary best practices; and extract, transform, and load (ETL). Offerings include:Topic: Virginia Next Generation 9-1-1 Dashboard and Resources Update Description: Virginia recently updated the NG9-1-1 Dashboard with some new tabs and information sources and continues to develop new resources to assist the GIS data work. This webinar provides an overview of changes, a demonstration of new functionality, and a guide to finding and using new resources that will benefit Virginia public safety and GIS personnel with roles in their NG9-1-1 projects. Wednesday 16 June 2021. Recording available at: https://vimeo.com/566133775Topic: Emergency Service Boundary GIS Data Layers and Functions in your NG9-1-1 PSAP Description: Law, Fire, and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Emergency Service Boundary (ESB) polygons are required elements of the NENA NG9-1-1 GIS data model stack that indicate which agency is responsible for primary response. While this requirement must be met in your Virginia NG9-1-1 deployment with AT&T and Intrado, there are quite a few ways you could choose to implement these polygons. PSAPs and their GIS support must work together to understand how this information will come into a NG9-1-1 i3 PSAP and how it will replace traditional ESN information in order to make good choices while implementing these layers. This webinar discusses:the function of ESNs in your legacy 9-1-1 environment, the role of ESBs in NG9-1-1, and how ESB information appears in your NG9-1-1 PSAP. Wednesday, 22 July 2020. Recording available at: https://vimeo.com/441073056#t=360sTopic: "The GIS Folks Handle That": What PSAP Professionals Need to Know about the GIS Project Phase of Next Generation 9-1-1 DeploymentDescription: Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) brings together the worlds of emergency communication and spatial data and mapping. While it may be tempting for PSAPs to outsource cares and concerns about road centerlines and GIS data provisioning to 'the GIS folks', GIS staff are crucial to the future of emergency call routing and location validation. Data required by NG9-1-1 usually builds on data that GIS staff already know and use for other purposes, so the transition requires them to learn more about PSAP operations and uses of core data. The goal of this webinar is to help the PSAP and GIS worlds come together by explaining the role of the GIS Project in the Virginia NG9-1-1 Deployment Steps, exploring how GIS professionals view NG9-1-1 deployment as a project, and fostering a mutual understanding of how GIS will drive NG9-1-1. 29 January 2020. Recording available at: https://vimeo.com/showcase/9791882/video/761225474Topic: Getting Your GIS Data from Here to There: Processes and Best Practices for Extract, Transform and Load (ETL) Description: During the fall of 2019, VITA-ISP staff delivered workshops on "Tools and Techniques for Managing the Growing Role of GIS in Enterprise Software." This session presents information from the workshops related to the process of extracting, transforming, and loading data (ETL), best practices for ETL, and methods for data schema comparison and field mapping as a webinar. These techniques and skills assist GIS staff with their growing role in Next Generation 9-1-1 but also apply to many other projects involving the integration and maintenance of GIS data. 19 February 2020. Recording available at: https://vimeo.com/showcase/9791882/video/761225007Topic: NG9-1-1 GIS Data Provisioning and MaintenanceDescription: VITA ISP pleased to announce an upcoming webinar about the NG9-1-1 GIS Data Provisioning and Maintenance document provided by Judy Doldorf, GISP with the Fairfax County Department of Information Technology and RAC member. This document was developed by members of the NG9-1-1 GIS workgroup within the VITA Regional Advisory Council (RAC) and is intended to provide guidance to local GIS and PSAP authorities on the GIS datasets and associated GIS to MSAG/ALI validation and synchronization required for NG9-1-1 services. The document also provides guidance on geospatial call routing readiness and the short- and long-term GIS data maintenance workflow procedures. In addition, some perspective and insight from the Fairfax County experience in GIS data preparation for the AT&T and West solution will be discussed in this webinar. 31 July 2019. Recording available at: https://vimeo.com/showcase/9791882/video/761224774Topic: NG9-1-1 Deployment DashboardDescription: I invite you to join us for a webinar that will provide an overview of our NG9-1-1 Deployment Dashboard and information about other online ISP resources. The ISP website has been long criticized for being difficult to use and find information. The addition of the Dashboard and other changes to the website are our attempt to address some of these concerns and provide an easier way to find information especially as we undertake NG9-1-1 deployment. The Dashboard includes a status map of all Virginia PSAPs as it relates to the deployment of NG9-1-1, including the total amount of funding requested by the localities and awards approved by the 9-1-1 Services Board. During this webinar, Lyle Hornbaker, Regional Coordinator for Region 5, will navigate through the dashboard and provide tips on how to more effectively utilize the ISP website. 12 June 2019. Recording not currently available. Please see the Virginia Next Generation 9-1-1 Dashboard and Resources Update webinar recording from 16 June 2021. Topic: PSAP Boundary Development Tools and Process RecommendationDescription: This webinar will be presented by Geospatial Program Manager Matt Gerike and VGIN Coordinator Joe Sewash. With the release of the PSAP boundary development tools and PSAP boundary segment compilation guidelines on the VGIN Clearinghouse in March, this webinar demonstrates the development tools, explains the process model, and discusses methods, tools, and resources available for you as you work to complete PSAP boundary segments with your neighbors. 15 May 2019. Recording available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI-1DkUQF9Q&feature=youtu.beTopic: NG9-1-1 Data Preparation - Utilizing VITA's GIS Data Report Card ToolDescription: This webinar, presented by VGIN Coordinator Joe Sewash, Geospatial Program Manager Matt Gerike, and Geospatial Analyst Kenny Brevard will provide an overview of the first version of the tools that were released on March 25, 2019. These tools will allow localities to validate their GIS data against the report card rules, the MSAG and ALI checks used in previous report cards, and the analysis listed in the NG9-1-1 migration proposal document. We will also discuss the purpose of the tools, input requirements, initial configuration, how to run them, and how to make sense of your results. 10 April 2019. Recording available at: https://vimeo.com/showcase/9791882/video/761224495Topic: NG9-1-1 PSAP Boundary Best Practice WebinarDescription: During the months of November and December, VITA ISP staff hosted regional training sessions about best practices for PSAP boundaries as they relate to NG9-1-1. These sessions were well attended and very interactive, therefore we feel the need to do a recap and allow those that may have missed the training to attend a makeup session. 30 January 2019. Recording not currently available. Please see the PSAP Boundary Development Tools and Process Recommendation webinar recording from 15 May 2019.Topic: NG9-1-1 GIS Overview for ContractorsDescription: The Commonwealth of Virginia has started its migration to next generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1). This migration means that there will be a much greater reliance on geographic information (GIS) to locate and route 9-1-1 calls. VITA ISP has conducted an assessment of current local GIS data and provided each locality with a report. Some of the data from this report has also been included in the localities migration proposal, which identifies what data issues need to be resolved before the locality can migrate to NG9-1-1. Several localities in Virginia utilize a contractor to maintain their GIS data. This webinar is intended for those contractors to review the data in the report, what is included in the migration proposal and how they may be called on to assist the localities they serve. It will still ultimately be up to each locality to determine whether they engage a contractor for assistance, but it is important for the contractor community to understand what is happening and have an opportunity to ask questions about the intent and goals. This webinar will provide such an opportunity. 22 August 2018. Recording not currently available. Please contact us at NG911GIS@vdem.virginia.gov if you are interested in this content.

Utility Network GIS Migration Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global Utility Network GIS Migration market size reached USD 2.04 billion in 2024, with a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2% projected for the period from 2025 to 2033. By 2033, the market is anticipated to attain a value of USD 5.67 billion. The primary growth factor driving this surge is the increasing need for utilities to modernize legacy Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and integrate advanced digital mapping, asset management, and real-time data analytics to enhance operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

One of the key growth drivers for the Utility Network GIS Migration market is the accelerating pace of digital transformation across utility sectors such as electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications. Utilities are under immense pressure to improve service reliability, reduce operational costs, and comply with evolving regulatory frameworks. The migration from traditional GIS platforms to next-generation utility network GIS solutions enables organizations to leverage spatial analytics, automate workflows, and support the integration of smart grid technologies. The proliferation of distributed energy resources, IoT devices, and the need for advanced outage management systems have further intensified the demand for robust and scalable GIS migration strategies. Utilities are increasingly prioritizing the modernization of their spatial data infrastructure to ensure seamless data flow, improve asset tracking, and enhance customer engagement, thereby fueling market expansion.

Another significant growth factor is the rising adoption of cloud-based GIS solutions, which offer utilities unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Cloud deployment models enable utilities to efficiently manage and analyze vast volumes of spatial and non-spatial data without the burden of maintaining on-premises infrastructure. This shift not only reduces capital expenditure but also accelerates the deployment of new functionalities and ensures rapid disaster recovery. Moreover, cloud-based GIS platforms facilitate real-time collaboration among field and office teams, enabling faster decision-making and improving response times during emergencies. The growing emphasis on sustainability, grid modernization, and the integration of renewable energy sources is prompting utilities to invest in cloud-enabled GIS migration projects to future-proof their operations and achieve long-term operational excellence.

The increasing regulatory focus on data accuracy, cybersecurity, and interoperability is also propelling the Utility Network GIS Migration market. Regulatory bodies worldwide are mandating utilities to maintain precise and up-to-date spatial data for effective asset management, outage response, and infrastructure planning. As a result, utilities are compelled to migrate from outdated GIS systems to advanced platforms that offer robust data governance, security, and integration capabilities. The need to comply with standards such as the Common Information Model (CIM) and industry-specific regulations is driving utilities to adopt sophisticated GIS migration strategies. Furthermore, the emergence of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics is enabling utilities to extract deeper insights from spatial data, optimize maintenance schedules, and proactively address infrastructure vulnerabilities, thereby fostering market growth.

From a regional perspective, North America continues to dominate the Utility Network GIS Migration market, accounting for the largest share in 2024, followed closely by Europe and Asia Pacific. The rapid modernization of utility infrastructure, extensive deployment of smart grids, and the presence of leading GIS solution providers have positioned North America at the forefront of market growth. In Europe, stringent regulatory mandates and the push for sustainable energy transition are driving significant investments in GIS migration projects. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is witnessing the fastest growth, fueled by large-scale infrastructure development, urbanization, and increasing government initiatives to improve utility services. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America are also emerging as promising markets, supported by ongoing digitalization efforts and investments in utility infrastructure upgrades.

Component Analysis

Land use change in rangeland ecosystems is pervasive throughout the western United States with widespread ecological, social and economic implications. In California, rangeland habitats have high biodiversity value, provide significant habitat connectivity and form the foundation for a number of ecosystem services. To comprehensively assess the conservation status of these habitats, we analyzed the extent and drivers of habitat loss and the degree of protection against future loss across a 13.5 M ha study area in California. We analyzed rangeland conversion between 1984 and 2008 using time series GIS data and classified resulting land uses with aerial imagery. In total, over 195,000 hectares of rangeland habitats were converted during this period. The majority of conversions were to residential and associated commercial development (49% of the area converted), but agricultural intensification was surprisingly extensive and diverse (40% across six categories). Voluntary enrollment in an agricultural tax incentive program provided widespread protection from residential and commercial conversions across 37% of the remaining rangeland habitat extent (7.5 M ha), though this program did not protect rangeland from conversion to more intensive agricultural uses. Additionally, 24% of the remaining rangeland was protected by private conservation organizations or public agencies through land or easement ownership while 38% had no protection status at all. By developing a spatial method to analyze the drivers of loss and patterns of protection, this study demonstrates a novel approach to prioritize conservation strategies and implementation locations to avert habitat conversion. We propose that this approach can be used in other ecosystem types, and can serve as a regional conservation baseline assessment to focus strategies to effect widespread, cost-effective conservation solutions.

West Africa’s vulnerability to climate change is influenced by a complex interplay of socio-economic and environmental factors, exacerbated by the region’s reliance on rain-fed agriculture. Climate variability, combined with rapid population growth, intensifies existing socio-economic challenges. Migration has become a key adaptive response to these challenges, enabling communities to diversify livelihoods and enhance resilience. However, spatial patterns of migration in response to climate risks are not fully understood. Thus, the study evaluates the applicability of the IPCC risk assessment framework to map and predict migration patterns in Ghana and Nigeria, with a focus on identifying areas of potential out-migration. By integrating geospatial environmental, socio-economic, and population data, the study highlights areas that have a higher likelihood of migration for the current baseline and near future (2050). Future climate is modeled using CMIP6 projections under the RCP4.5 scenario, while population projections providing insight into future exposure. The results from the baseline assessment are compared with actual migrant motivations, providing a ground-level perspective on migration drivers. In northern Ghana and Nigeria, elevated hazard, vulnerability, and exposure scores suggest a higher likelihood of migration due to the overall risk faced by the population. This pattern is projected to persist in the future. However, migrant responses indicate that environmental factors often play a secondary role, with vulnerability factors cited more frequently as migration drivers. The findings highlight the importance of developing localized adaptation strategies that address the specific needs of vulnerable areas. Additionally, management strategies that enhance community resilience and support sustainable migration pathways will be critical in addressing future climate-induced migration challenges.

Abstract

In partial migrant systems, where residents and migrants co-exist within a population, residents are commonly predicted to gain a reproductive advantage over migrants through priority access to high quality territories and an earlier breeding start. Annual variation in reproductive benefits has been suggested to be important for the co-existence of both strategies in a population, as differences in wintering conditions experienced by the two strategies may result in a periodic reproductive advantage for migrants. However, the importance of spatial environmental variation for reproductive output in partially migrant populations remains largely unexplored. We investigated variation in the reproductive output of migrants and residents in a population of Swiss red kites (Milvus milvus) both temporally, across and within years, and spatially, along an elevational gradient. We gathered four years of reproductive data combined with 183 GPS-derived full annual cycles from individuals breeding in the Swiss Alpine foothills. At low, but not high elevations residents produced more fledglings than migrants. We also found evidence for annual variation in the reproductive advantage of the two strategies. Furthermore, while reproductive output did decline with a later breeding start, there was no difference in the start of breeding between the two migration strategies. The results of this study suggest that differences in reproductive output between migrants and residents in partial migrant populations can vary due to both the use of spatially distinct overwintering grounds, as well as being differently affected by spatial variables in breeding areas, such as elevation. The study emphasizes that spatial and temporal variation in reproductive benefits must be considered when predicting how migratory species will respond to future environmental change.

Counties with more agricultural land (Kern, Merced) experienced an increase in the rate of conversions compared to the long-term average, while Sacramento County experienced a decline in conversions likely due to the drop in demand for new housing.

The Great River Environmental Action Team (GREAT) was a federal/state multi-agency cooperative program established in the late 1970's to evaluate current resource management practices and develop management strategies for the Upper Mississippi River (UMR). One of the problems facing the GREAT project was the lack of available information on many of the river's components. One project implemented by GREAT was the creation of a land cover/land use (LCU) database derived from color infrared aerial photography collected in 1975. Mississippi River Pools 3 through 10 were photographed at a scale of 1:9,600, and Lock and Dam 10 to the Ohio River were photographed at a scale of 1:24,000. The program's photo interpreters delineated whatever features could be viewed on the photos, using a minimum mapping unit that was less than half an acre. A contractor was hired to transfer the photo overlays for Pools 3 through 14 onto 1:24,000-scale USGS quadrangles, then automate the data using the geographic information system (GIS) program PIOS. The data were also distributed as map books that contained 1:6,000-scale enlargements of the photos and their overlays. During the data transfer process; the contractor hired to automate the data generalized it to a 2.5 acre minimum mapping unit. Documentation archived by the GREAT project described this automation process as; some polygons smaller than 2.5 acres and linear features were incorporated into nearby polygons. Others were manually enlarged so that the data contained within would be preserved. All generalizations were made in accordance with the guidelines established for the GREAT projects. The digital data sets were then enhanced by the GREAT project. Unfortunately no record of the enhancements or an archive of the original digital dataset are known to exist. The enhanced digital data, copies of the aerial photo overlays, copies of most of the map books, and some of the photos themselves were archived and preserved by the various agencies that participated in the GREAT project. These data were then passed to the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center (UMESC) in the late 1980's and 1990's when the center became the administrator for the Upper Mississippi River System's Long Term Resource Monitoring Program (LTRMP). Comparisons of the archived digital data set to the photos and their overlays displayed discrepancies that were difficult to document. The 1975 data set is viewed by many as an important baseline data set, so in 1999 UMESC decided to use the archived photo overlays to (1) address the data discrepancies by reautomating Pools 3 through 14, and (2) complete the data set by automating Lock and Dam 14 to the Ohio River.