Project Goal
We are recognizing the work done to create a custom basemap in ArcGIS that addressed a real need by enabling consistent symbology, colors, and typography across all maps, significantly improving visual quality and cohesion. The use of dynamic symbology allows maps to scale seamlessly from systemwide views down to neighborhood detail. By bringing together multiple ArcGIS tools and services, the team delivered a flexible, scalable solution that is now foundational to how UTA produces maps and played an important role in the SAG Award success.Business Problem Solved
UTA lacked a consistent, scalable way to apply standardized symbology, colors, and typography across its maps, leading to inefficiencies and visual inconsistency. The custom basemap addressed this by providing a unified foundation that ensures alignment across all mapping products, supports seamless scaling from systemwide to neighborhood views, and streamlines map production through a flexible, enterprise-ready solution.
Technology Implemented
The solution was implemented and deployed using ArcGIS Enterprise and ArcGIS Pro, supported by the Vector Tile Style Editor and both raster and vector tile services. These tools enabled the creation of a flexible, scalable basemap that can be centrally managed and consistently applied across UTA’s mapping applications.
Development Team Biography
Sumerset Ellis, GIS - System admin supervisor
Ian Nelson, GIS Analyst, Project Lead and Primary Developer
Ben Hoke, Sr GIS Analyst
Katelynn Hall, GIS Analyst
Company Overview
The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) is the primary public transportation provider for the Wasatch Front, serving communities across Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, Weber, and Tooele counties. UTA operates an integrated network of bus, TRAX light rail, FrontRunner commuter rail, streetcar, and paratransit services, connecting people to jobs, education, and essential services. The agency is committed to providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation while supporting regional growth, mobility, and sustainability.
Within UTA, the GIS team is a small but highly impactful group located in the Capital Services department. Despite its size, the team plays a critical role in supporting planning, operations, and decision-making by delivering high-quality mapping, data, and spatial analysis across the organization.
Return on Investment
While the custom basemap is newly implemented, it is already delivering value by standardizing how maps are created across UTA, reducing time spent on styling and rework. By providing a centralized, scalable foundation, it improves efficiency, ensures consistency, and minimizes duplication of effort. As adoption grows, the solution is expected to further increase productivity, support better decision-making, and reduce long-term maintenance costs across mapping workflows.