In this course, you will explore a variety of open-source technologies for working with geosptial data, performing spatial analysis, and undertaking general data science. The first component of the class focuses on the use of QGIS and associated technologies (GDAL, PROJ, GRASS, SAGA, and Orfeo Toolbox). The second component of the class introduces Python and associated open-source libraries and modules (NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Seaborn, GeoPandas, Rasterio, WhiteboxTools, and Scikit-Learn) used by geospatial scientists and data scientists. We also provide an introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL) for performing table and spatial queries. This course is designed for individuals that have a background in GIS, such as working in the ArcGIS environment, but no prior experience using open-source software and/or coding. You will be asked to work through a series of lecture modules and videos broken into several topic areas, as outlined below. Fourteen assignments and the required data have been provided as hands-on opportunites to work with data and the discussed technologies and methods. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact us. We hope to continue to update and improve this course. This course was produced by West Virginia View (http://www.wvview.org/) with support from AmericaView (https://americaview.org/). This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Geological Survey under Grant/Cooperative Agreement No. G18AP00077. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Geological Survey. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Geological Survey. After completing this course you will be able to: apply QGIS to visualize, query, and analyze vector and raster spatial data. use available resources to further expand your knowledge of open-source technologies. describe and use a variety of open data formats. code in Python at an intermediate-level. read, summarize, visualize, and analyze data using open Python libraries. create spatial predictive models using Python and associated libraries. use SQL to perform table and spatial queries at an intermediate-level.

This dataset holds all materials for the Inform E-learning GIS course

This seminar is an applied study of deep learning methods for extracting information from geospatial data, such as aerial imagery, multispectral imagery, digital terrain data, and other digital cartographic representations. We first provide an introduction and conceptualization of artificial neural networks (ANNs). Next, we explore appropriate loss and assessment metrics for different use cases followed by the tensor data model, which is central to applying deep learning methods. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are then conceptualized with scene classification use cases. Lastly, we explore semantic segmentation, object detection, and instance segmentation. The primary focus of this course is semantic segmenation for pixel-level classification. The associated GitHub repo provides a series of applied examples. We hope to continue to add examples as methods and technologies further develop. These examples make use of a vareity of datasets (e.g., SAT-6, topoDL, Inria, LandCover.ai, vfillDL, and wvlcDL). Please see the repo for links to the data and associated papers. All examples have associated videos that walk through the process, which are also linked to the repo. A variety of deep learning architectures are explored including UNet, UNet++, DeepLabv3+, and Mask R-CNN. Currenlty, two examples use ArcGIS Pro and require no coding. The remaining five examples require coding and make use of PyTorch, Python, and R within the RStudio IDE. It is assumed that you have prior knowledge of coding in the Python and R enviroinments. If you do not have experience coding, please take a look at our Open-Source GIScience and Open-Source Spatial Analytics (R) courses, which explore coding in Python and R, respectively. After completing this seminar you will be able to: explain how ANNs work including weights, bias, activation, and optimization. describe and explain different loss and assessment metrics and determine appropriate use cases. use the tensor data model to represent data as input for deep learning. explain how CNNs work including convolutional operations/layers, kernel size, stride, padding, max pooling, activation, and batch normalization. use PyTorch, Python, and R to prepare data, produce and assess scene classification models, and infer to new data. explain common semantic segmentation architectures and how these methods allow for pixel-level classification and how they are different from traditional CNNs. use PyTorch, Python, and R (or ArcGIS Pro) to prepare data, produce and assess semantic segmentation models, and infer to new data.

Have you ever wanted to create your own maps, or integrate and visualize spatial datasets to examine changes in trends between locations and over time? Follow along with these training tutorials on QGIS, an open source geographic information system (GIS) and learn key concepts, procedures and skills for performing common GIS tasks – such as creating maps, as well as joining, overlaying and visualizing spatial datasets. These tutorials are geared towards new GIS users. We’ll start with foundational concepts, and build towards more advanced topics throughout – demonstrating how with a few relatively easy steps you can get quite a lot out of GIS. You can then extend these skills to datasets of thematic relevance to you in addressing tasks faced in your day-to-day work.

In this seminar, you will learn about the spatial analysis tools built directly into the ArcGIS.com map viewer. You will learn of the spatial analysis capabilities in ArcGIS Online for Organizations, whether for analyzing your own data, data that's publicly available on ArcGIS Online, or a combination of both. You will learn the overall features and benefits of ArcGIS Online Analysis, how to get started, and how to choose the right approach in order to solve a specific spatial problem.

Through the Department of the Interior-Bureau of Indian Affairs Enterprise License Agreement (DOI-BIA ELA) program, BIA employees and employees of federally-recognized Tribes may access a variety of geographic information systems (GIS) online courses and instructor-led training events throughout the year at no cost to them. These online GIS courses and instructor-led training events are hosted by the Branch of Geospatial Support (BOGS) or offered by BOGS in partnership with other organizations and federal agencies. Online courses are self-paced and available year-round, while instructor-led training events have limited capacity and require registration and attendance on specific dates. This dataset does not any training where the course was not completed by the participant or where training was cancelled or otherwise not able to be completed. Point locations depict BIA Office locations or Tribal Office Headquarters. For completed trainings where a participant _location was not provided a point locations may not be available. For more information on the Branch of Geospatial Support Geospatial training program, please visit:https://www.bia.gov/service/geospatial-training.

Through the Department of the Interior-Bureau of Indian Affairs Enterprise License Agreement (DOI-BIA ELA) program, BIA employees and employees of federally-recognized Tribes may access a variety of geographic information systems (GIS) online courses and instructor-led training events throughout the year at no cost to them. These online GIS courses and instructor-led training events are hosted by the Branch of Geospatial Support (BOGS) or offered by BOGS in partnership with other organizations and federal agencies. Online courses are self-paced and available year-round, while instructor-led training events have limited capacity and require registration and attendance on specific dates. This dataset does not any training where the course was not completed by the participant or where training was cancelled or otherwise not able to be completed. Point locations depict BIA Office locations or Tribal Office Headquarters. For completed trainings where a participant location was not provided a point locations may not be available. For more information on the Branch of Geospatial Support Geospatial training program, please visit:https://www.bia.gov/service/geospatial-training.

This file provides the raw data of an online survey intended at gathering information regarding remote sensing (RS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for conservation in academic education. The aim was to unfold best practices as well as gaps in teaching methods of remote sensing/GIS, and to help inform how these may be adapted and improved. A total of 73 people answered the survey, which was distributed through closed mailing lists of universities and conservation groups.

Seattle Parks and Recreation Golf Course locations. SPR Golf Courses are managed by contractors.Refresh Cycle: WeeklyFeature Class: DPR.GolfCourse

In successful geoinformatics education, students’ active role in the learning process, e.g. through applying self-assessment, show an increasing interest but the evidence of benefits and challenges of self-assessment are sporadic. In this article, we examine the usefulness of an online self-assessment tool developed for geoinformatics education. We gathered data in two Finnish universities on five courses (n = 11–73 students/course) between 2019 and 2021. We examined 1) how the students’ self-assessed knowledge and understanding in geoinformatics subject topics changed during a course, 2) how the competencies at the end of a course changed between the years in different courses, and 3) what was the perceived usefulness of the self-assessment approach among the students. The results indicate support for the implementation of self-assessment, both as a formative and summative assessment. However, it is crucial to ensure that the students understand the contents of the self-assessment subject topics. To increase students’ motivation to take a self-assessment, it is crucial that the teacher actively highlights how it supports their studying and learning. As the teachers of the examined courses, we discuss the benefits and challenges of the self-assessment approach and the applied tool for the future development of geoinformatics education.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Bison Project will serve a variety of purposes that are designed to uphold the best of Tribal bison herd expansion interests, including a focus on ecosystem restoration through bison conservation. The Bison Project will foster practices that are traditional and culturally attentive to the historical coevolved relationship with bison to support the Tribe’s own self-determined well-being. Furthermore, the projects will work to foster the intent of the Department of the Interior Secretary’s Order 3410, the purpose of which is to restore wild and healthy populations of American bison and the prairie grassland ecosystem through collaboration among the Department’s Bureaus and partners such as other Federal agencies, states, Tribes, and landowners using the best available science and Indigenous Knowledge. The analysis in this dashboard is based on data provided to the BIA from a multitude of resources including but not limited to the BIA, Federally Recognized Tribes, and partner organizations. All data was current as of time of collection for this project, data will be updated as determined by the BIA. Data displayed within this application can vary at different times of the year as external factors may affect herd sizes and will not reflect changes in real time. Herd numbers can also decrease between data updates due to range management practices performed on the local level, not managed by the BIA. The Bison Program Application’s data is made up of a polygon feature layer and a point feature layer hosted on the BIA online portal. The Bison Polygon layer features the geospatial extent of known Bison ranches as provided to the BIA. Tribes without any GIS data on ranch boundaries will only be featured in the Bison points feature layer. Both feature layers contain data including, name of Tribe, herd size, rangeland acres, and a link to their Bison website (if available). The Bison Program Application will focus on ecosystem restoration through bison conservation and expansion and improved management of existing herds on Tribal trust lands, individual Indian allotment lands, or in areas managed by Tribes through treaties or agreements. The Bison Project will focus on bison conservation and expansion and improved management of existing herds on Tribal trust resources and describe the role of Tribal bison on ecosystem restoration on Tribal landscapes and altered Tribal environmental conditions. This can cover bison as indicator keystone species on agricultural pasture, grassland, and rangeland settings. The Bison Program Application also features data from partner organizations who focus on promoting the restoration of Bison. These organizations include The Nature Conservancy (TNC). For more information on data contributors, follow the links below. The feature layers used in this application from partner organizations are not managed by the BIA. The Nature Conservancy (TNC): https://www.nature.org/en-us/. Disclaimer: The analysis in this dashboard is based on the analysis of available data provided to the BIA from a multitude of resources including but not limited to the BIA, Federally Recognized Tribes, and partner organizations. All data was current as of time of collection for this project, data will be updated as determined by the BIA. Data displayed within this application can vary at different times of the year as external factors may affect available foliage due to weather or other uncontrollable circumstances. The number of Bison within herds may also change throughout the year and might not be accounted for within this application. Herd numbers can also decrease between data updates due to outside factors or range management practices performed on the local level, not managed by the BIA.This application also uses data provided from other sources such as The Nature Conservancy (TNC). This data is owned and maintained by their respective owners. These data sources have been developed from the best available sources. Although efforts have been made to ensure that the data are accurate and reliable, errors and variable conditions originating from source documents and/or the translation of information from source documents to the systems of record continue to exist. Users must be aware of these conditions and bear responsibility for the appropriate use of the information with respect to possible errors, scale, resolution, rectification, positional accuracy, development methodology, time period, environmental and climatic conditions and other circumstances specific to these data. The user is responsible for understanding the accuracy limitations of the data provided herein. The burden for determining fitness for use lies entirely with the user. The user should refer to the accompanying metadata notes for a description of the data and data development procedures.

The Digital Geomorphic-GIS Map of Gulf Islands National Seashore (5-meter accuracy and 1-foot resolution 2006-2007 mapping), Mississippi and Florida is composed of GIS data layers and GIS tables, and is available in the following GRI-supported GIS data formats: 1.) a 10.1 file geodatabase (guis_geomorphology.gdb), a 2.) Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) geopackage, and 3.) 2.2 KMZ/KML file for use in Google Earth, however, this format version of the map is limited in data layers presented and in access to GRI ancillary table information. The file geodatabase format is supported with a 1.) ArcGIS Pro map file (.mapx) file (guis_geomorphology.mapx) and individual Pro layer (.lyrx) files (for each GIS data layer), as well as with a 2.) 10.1 ArcMap (.mxd) map document (guis_geomorphology.mxd) and individual 10.1 layer (.lyr) files (for each GIS data layer). The OGC geopackage is supported with a QGIS project (.qgz) file. Upon request, the GIS data is also available in ESRI 10.1 shapefile format. Contact Stephanie O'Meara (see contact information below) to acquire the GIS data in these GIS data formats. In addition to the GIS data and supporting GIS files, three additional files comprise a GRI digital geologic-GIS dataset or map: 1.) A GIS readme file (guis_geology_gis_readme.pdf), 2.) the GRI ancillary map information document (.pdf) file (guis_geomorphology.pdf) which contains geologic unit descriptions, as well as other ancillary map information and graphics from the source map(s) used by the GRI in the production of the GRI digital geologic-GIS data for the park, and 3.) a user-friendly FAQ PDF version of the metadata (guis_geomorphology_metadata_faq.pdf). Please read the guis_geology_gis_readme.pdf for information pertaining to the proper extraction of the GIS data and other map files. Google Earth software is available for free at: https://www.google.com/earth/versions/. QGIS software is available for free at: https://www.qgis.org/en/site/. Users are encouraged to only use the Google Earth data for basic visualization, and to use the GIS data for any type of data analysis or investigation. The data were completed as a component of the Geologic Resources Inventory (GRI) program, a National Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) Division funded program that is administered by the NPS Geologic Resources Division (GRD). For a complete listing of GRI products visit the GRI publications webpage: For a complete listing of GRI products visit the GRI publications webpage: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/geologic-resources-inventory-products.htm. For more information about the Geologic Resources Inventory Program visit the GRI webpage: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/gri,htm. At the bottom of that webpage is a "Contact Us" link if you need additional information. You may also directly contact the program coordinator, Jason Kenworthy (jason_kenworthy@nps.gov). Source geologic maps and data used to complete this GRI digital dataset were provided by the following: U.S. Geological Survey. Detailed information concerning the sources used and their contribution the GRI product are listed in the Source Citation section(s) of this metadata record (guis_geomorphology_metadata.txt or guis_geomorphology_metadata_faq.pdf). Users of this data are cautioned about the locational accuracy of features within this dataset. Based on the source map scale of 1:26,000 and United States National Map Accuracy Standards features are within (horizontally) 13.2 meters or 43.3 feet of their actual location as presented by this dataset. Users of this data should thus not assume the location of features is exactly where they are portrayed in Google Earth, ArcGIS, QGIS or other software used to display this dataset. All GIS and ancillary tables were produced as per the NPS GRI Geology-GIS Geodatabase Data Model v. 2.3. (available at: https://www.nps.gov/articles/gri-geodatabase-model.htm).

This resource contains data inputs and a Jupyter Notebook that is used to introduce Hydrologic Analysis using Terrain Analysis Using Digital Elevation Models (TauDEM) and Python. TauDEM is a free and open-source set of Digital Elevation Model (DEM) tools developed at Utah State University for the extraction and analysis of hydrologic information from topography. This resource is part of a HydroLearn Physical Hydrology learning module available at https://edx.hydrolearn.org/courses/course-v1:Utah_State_University+CEE6400+2019_Fall/about

In this activity, the student learns how to (1) derive hydrologically useful information from Digital Elevation Models (DEMs); (2) describe the sequence of steps involved in mapping stream networks, catchments, and watersheds; and (3) compute an approximate water balance for a watershed-based on publicly available data.

Please note that this exercise is designed for the Logan River watershed, which drains to USGS streamflow gauge 10109000 located just east of Logan, Utah. However, this Jupyter Notebook and the analysis can readily be applied to other locations of interest. If running the terrain analysis for other study sites, you need to prepare a DEM TIF file, an outlet shapefile for the area of interest, and the average annual streamflow and precipitation data. - There are several sources to obtain DEM data. In the U.S., the DEM data (with different spatial resolutions) can be obtained from the National Elevation Dataset available from the national map (http://viewer.nationalmap.gov/viewer/). Another DEM data source is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (https://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/srtm/), an international research effort that obtained digital elevation models on a near-global scale (search for Digital Elevation at https://www.usgs.gov/centers/eros/science/usgs-eros-archive-products-overview?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects). - If not already available, you can generate the outlet shapefile by applying basic terrain analysis steps in geospatial information system models such as ArcGIS or QGIS. - You also need to obtain average annual streamflow and precipitation data for the watershed of interest to assess the annual water balance and calculate the runoff ratio in this exercise. In the U.S., the streamflow data can be obtained from the USGS NWIS website (https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis) and the precipitation from PRISM (https://prism.oregonstate.edu/normals/). Note that using other datasets may require preprocessing steps to make data ready to use for this exercise.

CDFW BIOS GIS Dataset, Contact: Laura Ryley, Description: This GIS dataset offers a link to the California portion of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) information resource for the United States Geological Survey. The NAS program has been established as a central repository for accurate and spatially referenced biogeographic accounts of nonindigenous aquatic species. The program provides scientic reports, online/realtime queries, spatial data sets, regional contact lists, and general information

In 2007, the California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within California’s State Waters. The program supports a large number of coastal-zone- and ocean-management issues, including the California Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) (California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2008), which requires information about the distribution of ecosystems as part of the design and proposal process for the establishment of Marine Protected Areas. A focus of CSMP is to map California’s State Waters with consistent methods at a consistent scale. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and visualization of swath sonar data (the undersea equivalent of satellite remote-sensing data in terrestrial mapping), acoustic backscatter, seafloor video, seafloor photography, high-resolution seismic-reflection profiles, and bottom-sediment sampling data. The map products display seafloor morphology and character, identify potential marine benthic habitats, and illustrate both the surficial seafloor geology and shallow (to about 100 m) subsurface geology. It is emphasized that the more interpretive habitat and geology data rely on the integration of multiple, new high-resolution datasets and that mapping at small scales would not be possible without such data. This approach and CSMP planning is based in part on recommendations of the Marine Mapping Planning Workshop (Kvitek and others, 2006), attended by coastal and marine managers and scientists from around the state. That workshop established geographic priorities for a coastal mapping project and identified the need for coverage of “lands” from the shore strand line (defined as Mean Higher High Water; MHHW) out to the 3-nautical-mile (5.6-km) limit of California’s State Waters. Unfortunately, surveying the zone from MHHW out to 10-m water depth is not consistently possible using ship-based surveying methods, owing to sea state (for example, waves, wind, or currents), kelp coverage, and shallow rock outcrops. Accordingly, some of the data presented in this series commonly do not cover the zone from the shore out to 10-m depth. This data is part of a series of online U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) publications, each of which includes several map sheets, some explanatory text, and a descriptive pamphlet. Each map sheet is published as a PDF file. Geographic information system (GIS) files that contain both ESRI ArcGIS raster grids (for example, bathymetry, seafloor character) and geotiffs (for example, shaded relief) are also included for each publication. For those who do not own the full suite of ESRI GIS and mapping software, the data can be read using ESRI ArcReader, a free viewer that is available at http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcreader/index.html (last accessed September 20, 2013). The California Seafloor Mapping Program is a collaborative venture between numerous different federal and state agencies, academia, and the private sector. CSMP partners include the California Coastal Conservancy, the California Ocean Protection Council, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Geological Survey, California State University at Monterey Bay’s Seafloor Mapping Lab, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories Center for Habitat Studies, Fugro Pelagos, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, including National Ocean Service–Office of Coast Surveys, National Marine Sanctuaries, and National Marine Fisheries Service), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. These web services for the Offshore of Coal Oil Point map area includes data layers that are associated to GIS and map sheets available from the USGS CSMP web page at https://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/mapping/csmp/index.html. Each published CSMP map area includes a data catalog of geographic information system (GIS) files; map sheets that contain explanatory text; and an associated descriptive pamphlet. This web service represents the available data layers for this map area. Data was combined from different sonar surveys to generate a comprehensive high-resolution bathymetry and acoustic-backscatter coverage of the map area. These data reveal a range of physiographic including exposed bedrock outcrops, large fields of sand waves, as well as many human impacts on the seafloor. To validate geological and biological interpretations of the sonar data, the U.S. Geological Survey towed a camera sled over specific offshore locations, collecting both video and photographic imagery; these “ground-truth” surveying data are available from the CSMP Video and Photograph Portal at https://doi.org/10.5066/F7J1015K. The “seafloor character” data layer shows classifications of the seafloor on the basis of depth, slope, rugosity (ruggedness), and backscatter intensity and which is further informed by the ground-truth-survey imagery. The “potential habitats” polygons are delineated on the basis of substrate type, geomorphology, seafloor process, or other attributes that may provide a habitat for a specific species or assemblage of organisms. Representative seismic-reflection profile data from the map area is also include and provides information on the subsurface stratigraphy and structure of the map area. The distribution and thickness of young sediment (deposited over the past about 21,000 years, during the most recent sea-level rise) is interpreted on the basis of the seismic-reflection data. The geologic polygons merge onshore geologic mapping (compiled from existing maps by the California Geological Survey) and new offshore geologic mapping that is based on integration of high-resolution bathymetry and backscatter imagery seafloor-sediment and rock samplesdigital camera and video imagery, and high-resolution seismic-reflection profiles. The information provided by the map sheets, pamphlet, and data catalog has a broad range of applications. High-resolution bathymetry, acoustic backscatter, ground-truth-surveying imagery, and habitat mapping all contribute to habitat characterization and ecosystem-based management by providing essential data for delineation of marine protected areas and ecosystem restoration. Many of the maps provide high-resolution baselines that will be critical for monitoring environmental change associated with climate change, coastal development, or other forcings. High-resolution bathymetry is a critical component for modeling coastal flooding caused by storms and tsunamis, as well as inundation associated with longer term sea-level rise. Seismic-reflection and bathymetric data help characterize earthquake and tsunami sources, critical for natural-hazard assessments of coastal zones. Information on sediment distribution and thickness is essential to the understanding of local and regional sediment transport, as well as the development of regional sediment-management plans. In addition, siting of any new offshore infrastructure (for example, pipelines, cables, or renewable-energy facilities) will depend on high-resolution mapping. Finally, this mapping will both stimulate and enable new scientific research and also raise public awareness of, and education about, coastal environments and issues. Web services were created using an ArcGIS service definition file. The ArcGIS REST service and OGC WMS service include all Offshore Coal Oil Point map area data layers. Data layers are symbolized as shown on the associated map sheets.

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.

Building a resource locator in ArcGIS Online (video).View this short demonstration on how to build a simple resource locator in ArcGIS Online. In this demonstration the presenter publishes an existing Web Map to the Local Perspective configurable application template. The resulting application includes the ability to locate and navigate to different health resources that would be critical in managing a surge of displaced people related to a significant event impacting public health._Communities around the world are taking strides in mitigating the threat that COVID-19 (coronavirus) poses. Geography and location analysis have a crucial role in better understanding this evolving pandemic.When you need help quickly, Esri can provide data, software, configurable applications, and technical support for your emergency GIS operations. Use GIS to rapidly access and visualize mission-critical information. Get the information you need quickly, in a way that’s easy to understand, to make better decisions during a crisis.Esri’s Disaster Response Program (DRP) assists with disasters worldwide as part of our corporate citizenship. We support response and relief efforts with GIS technology and expertise.More information...

Landforms are large recognizable features such as mountains, hills and plains; they are an important determinant of ecological character, habitat definition and terrain analysis. Landforms are important to the distribution of life in natural systems and are the basis for opportunities in built systems, and therefore landforms play a useful role in all natural science fields of study and planning disciplines.Dataset SummaryPhenomenon Mapped: LandformsUnits: MetersCell Size: 231.91560581932 metersSource Type: ThematicPixel Type: 8-bit unsigned integerData Coordinate System: WGS 1984Mosaic Projection: Web Mercator Auxiliary SphereExtent: GlobalSource: EsriPublication Date: May 2016ArcGIS Server URL: https://landscape7.arcgis.com/arcgis/In February 2017, Esri updated the World Landforms - Improved Hammond Method service with two display functions: Ecological Land Units landform classes and Ecological Facets landform classes. This layer represents Ecological Facets landform classes. You can view the Ecological Land Units landform classes by choosing Image Display, and changing the Renderer. This layer was produced using the Improved Hammond Landform Classification Algorithm produced by Esri in 2016. This algorithm published and described by Karagulle et al. 2017: Modeling global Hammond landform regions from 250-m elevation data in Transactions in GIS.The algorithm, which is based on the most recent work in this area by Morgan, J. & Lesh, A. 2005: Developing Landform Maps Using Esri’s Model Builder., Esri converted Morgan’s model into a Python script and revised it to work on global 250-meter resolution GMTED2010 elevation data. Hammond’s landform classification characterizes regions rather than identifying individual features, thus, this layer contains sixteen classes of landforms:Nearly flat plainsSmooth plains with some local reliefIrregular plains with moderate relief Irregular plains with low hillsScattered moderate hillsScattered high hillsScattered low mountainsScattered high mountainsModerate hillsHigh hills Tablelands with moderate reliefTablelands with considerable reliefTablelands with high relief Tablelands with very high relief Low mountainsHigh mountainsTo produce these classes, Esri staff first projected the 250-meter resolution GMTED elevation data to the World Equidistant Cylindrical coordinate system. Each cell in this dataset was assigned three characteristics: slope based on 3-km neighborhood, relief based on 6 km neighborhood, and profile based on 6-km neighborhood. The last step was to overlay the combination of these three characteristics with areas that are exclusively plains. Slope is the percentage of the 3-km neighborhood occupied by gentle slope. Hammond specified 8% as the threshold for gentle slope. Slope is used to define how flat or steep the terrain is. Slope was classified into one of four classes: Percent of neighborhood over 8% of slopeSlope Classes0 - 20%40021% -50%30051% - 80%200>81% 100Local Relief is the difference between the maximum and minimum elevation within in the 6-km neighborhood. Local relief is used to define terrain how rugged or the complexity of the terrain's texture. Relief was assigned one of six classes:Change in elevationRelief Class ID0 – 30 meters1031 meter – 90 meters2091 meter – 150 meters30151 meter – 300 meters40301 meter – 900 meters50>900 meters60The combination of slope and relief begin to define terrain as mountains, hills and plains. However, the difference between mountains or hills and tablelands cannot be distinguished using only these parameters. Profile is used to determine tableland areas. Profile identifies neighborhoods with upland and lowland areas, and calculates the percent area of gently sloping terrain within those upland and lowland areas. A 6-km circular neighborhood was used to calculate the profile parameter. Upland/lowland is determined by the difference between average local relief and elevation. In the 6-km neighborhood window, if the difference between maximum elevation and cell’s elevation is smaller than half of the local relief it’s an upland. If the difference between maximum elevation and cell’s elevation is larger than half of the local relief it’s a lowland. Profile was assigned one of five classes:Percent of neighborhood over 8% slope in upland or lowland areasProfile ClassLess than 50% gentle slope is in upland or lowland0More than 75% of gentle slope is in lowland150%-75% of gentle slope is in lowland250-75% of gentle slope is in upland3More than 75% of gentle slope is in upland4Early reviewers of the resulting classes noted one confusing outcome, which was that areas were classified as "plains with low mountains", or "plains with hills" were often mostly plains, and the hills or mountains were part of an adjacent set of exclusively identified hills or mountains. To address this areas that are exclusively plains were produced, and used to override these confusing areas. The hills and mountains within those areas were converted to their respective landform class.The combination of slope, relief and profile merged with the areas of plains, can be better understood using the following diagram, which uses the colors in this layer to show which classes are present and what parameter values produced them:What can you do with this layer?This layer is suitable for both visualization and analysis. It can be used in ArcGIS Online in web maps and applications and can be used in ArcGIS Desktop. This layer is part of a larger collection of landscape layers that you can use to perform a wide variety of mapping and analysis tasks.The Living Atlas of the World provides an easy way to explore the landscape layers and many other beautiful and authoritative maps on hundreds of topics.Geonet is a good resource for learning more about landscape layers and the Living Atlas of the World. To get started see the Living Atlas Discussion Group.The Esri Insider Blog provides an introduction to the Ecophysiographic Mapping project.

ArcGIS Dashboards Training Videos for COVID-19With the current COVID-19 situation across the world, there’s been a proliferation of corona virus themed dashboards emerging over the last few weeks in ArcGIS Online. Many of these were created with ArcGIS Dashboards, which enables users to convey information by presenting location-based analytics using intuitive and interactive data visualizations on a single screen._Communities around the world are taking strides in mitigating the threat that COVID-19 (coronavirus) poses. Geography and location analysis have a crucial role in better understanding this evolving pandemic.When you need help quickly, Esri can provide data, software, configurable applications, and technical support for your emergency GIS operations. Use GIS to rapidly access and visualize mission-critical information. Get the information you need quickly, in a way that’s easy to understand, to make better decisions during a crisis.Esri’s Disaster Response Program (DRP) assists with disasters worldwide as part of our corporate citizenship. We support response and relief efforts with GIS technology and expertise.More information...

Esri Disaster Response Program (DRP) assistance request form. Use this website to request assistance.