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Back to SAG Winners 2003
City of Evansville & Vanderburgh County
View Photo(s) of Award Presentation The central goal is to build an enterprise GIS with high-quality mapping layers which will end replication of map creation efforts, promote data sharing and cooperation between local government departments, and enable access for the public to non-sensitive information.
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Business Problem To centrally locate mapping information maintained by various government departments in a digital format that could be easily distributed throughout the enterprise. By computerizing these maps with GIS, the city/county has implemented a mechanism to effectively create, maintain, and update accurate mapping information that is instrumental in day-to-day operations and decisions. Additionally, a full-scale data automation project to convert the land records into the GIS was necessary to assist in the State of Indiana’s Reassessment process.
Additional benefits of the GIS system include the ability to get departments to work together to share information, store information in a central repository, create awareness between departments on the type of information maintained by other departments, and reduce the duplication of data management. Technology Implemented The first step was to implement a networking infrastructure capable of distributing large GIS files efficiently. The GIS department implemented two transport solutions that include a wide area network (WAN) and a Cisco switched gigabit local area network (LAN), which Cisco Systems, Inc. stated, “Because the GIS network is a switched environment, it can serve as a model for beginning the process on the remaining networks” during a Security Posture Assessment.
Next came the establishment of a Windows 2000 domain, ArcIMs websites, ArcSDE, and SQL Server databases. The ArcSDE with SQL Server allowed the enterprise to establish a multi-editor environment using versioning.
Additionally, the GIS Department has implemented a centralized database architecture that allows GIS desktop applications to be supported on user workstations located on the central Local Area Network (LAN), each with access to central GIS data sources. Data sources can include GIS file servers, ArcSDE database servers, Raster Image servers, ArcIMS Intranet and Internet servers, and related attribute data sources. One central repository serving GIS data allows the GIS department to implement the necessary security procedures and allows the simplification of the necessary backup requirements of such vast systems.
Today there are 27 different departments connected to the GIS Network and supported by the GIS department. Development Team Biography Mayor and County Commissioners: Executive Administration. Gave financial support to the project that allowed the GIS department the resources to successfully implement the system.
Matthew B. Arvay: GIS Director, City of Evansville. Hired to establish a GIS department and related GIS/IT technologies on April 1, 2001. The Director has accomplished the following:
· Established the City of Evansville/Vanderburgh County GIS department while saving the City/County over $612,000 compared to vendor proposal over a two-year period
· Managed the implementation of the EWSU/GIS Network WAN, saving the Evansville Water and Sewer Utility over $327,487 with an additional cost savings for the entire City/County estimated to be approximately $800,000 over a five-year period
· Introduced Dell Computers at significantly discounted prices to City/County departments compared to current vendor pricing on equivalent Compaq Computers
· Managed the creation, design and implementation of the City/County GIS system
· Maintain all management aspects of the GIS department including budgets, contracts and proposals
· Managed the creation, design and implementation of the City/County GIS Network
· Managed the creation, design and implementation of multiple City/County high-end GIS websites
· Responsible for all financial aspects of the GIS department
· Write and Evaluate all Network/Computer related RFP’s and RFB’s for GIS and Evansville Water and Sewer Utility
· Conduct User Training on GIS and related software
· Manage the growth, vision and implementation of the GIS Technology and Network (currently in 27 City/County departments)
Mark Rolley: Network Engineer/Administrator. Hired by GIS Director in May, 2001 to assist in the implementation of the GIS Directors vision by, implementing and supporting networking technologies, database development, website design. Also is right hand man to the GIS Director who shares the vision and is instrumental in the success of the GIS department and GIS technology.
Jim Cameron: General Manager, Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU). As the first adopter of GIS technology, he supports the project financially, provides on-going political support, and was key in establishing the GIS department. Provides main funding source for the GIS department annual budget. Also initially funded the 2000 Aerial photography project. Currently is funding the EWSU geodatabase design pilot project for the water and sewer layers.
Cheryl Musgrave: Vanderburgh County Assessor/Project Champion. One of initial key visionaries to identify the benefits of GIS for the city/county. The Assessor was the first take to initiate and complete a full-scale data automation project in the county that provides and promotes enterprise wide data sharing and distribution. She also supported the first ArcIMS website developed by the GIS department, that provided public access to property related information.
Roger Lehman: Building Commissioner, City of Evansville. Served as the Executive on a Committee that selected the GIS Director, assisted in the identification of the GIS funding sources, assisted in the development of the initial five-year plan, and contributes heavily in the support of the GIS department and its technologies.
Kathy McCarter: GIS Consultant. Instrumental in providing initial GIS project support and coordination and served as Project manager on the Parcel Conversion project.
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