Maps at the Capitol Preview

On Wednesday, October 2^nd, the State Agency Geographic Information Committee (SAGIC) will be hosting Maps at the Capitol. This event is intended to inform state legislature and other stakeholders of the value of mapping data and skills for the betterment of Wisconsin as well as build relationships with these stakeholders. Twelve state agencies and organizations will be present to share and discuss their work with attendees.

Throughout the day, six presentations will offer a deeper dive into the effort of mapping teams in state government. Check out a preview of these presentations below, and be sure to attend Maps at the Capitol or stream it on WisconsinEye on Wednesday! For a complete schedule, check out this recent WLIA article or review the image at the end of this news post.

LTSB’s Map & Geographic Services to the Legislature & How GIS Collaboration Makes Elections Run Smoothly (LTSB/WEC)

The nonpartisan Legislative Technology Services Bureau (LTSB) GIS team performs analysis, develops mapping applications, and designs district maps. The GIS team provides redistricting expertise and training to the Legislature, as well as municipalities and counties. They also coordinate the statewide collection of municipal GIS datasets, participates in all geographic boundary improvement programs offered by the U.S. Census Bureau, and maintains district boundary information for both the Legislature and the public. This allows for the Wisconsin Elections Commission to increase collaboration with LTSB and other state agencies, and to streamline processes and improve accuracy. This has also provided effective feedback loops where incorrect elections data are corrected and resubmitted, helping improve how elections are run in Wisconsin.

The Importance of Effective Broadband Mapping (PSC)

The Wisconsin Broadband Office (WBO) at the Public Service Commission (PSC) helps citizens and businesses understand local internet coverage and advocates for improved service. The Wisconsin Broadband Map, other mapping apps, and the state’s $48 Million (2020-2021 budget) Broadband Expansion Grant Program rely on quality mapping data to serve stakeholders. Along with describing their efforts, PSC staff will also share how improved mapping techniques and supporting data can help accurately map broadband and plan for future expansion.

Opioid Crisis Health Consequences Prevention and Treatment Resource Allocation (DHS)

As the opioid crisis continues, overdoses and infections related to injection drug use (such as hepatitis C) continue to increase nationwide and in Wisconsin. Prevention and treatment are possible, but rural areas often have less access to prevention and treatment resources. To inform the allocation of funds and resources to local jurisdictions to combat the crisis, DHS identified areas of Wisconsin with the highest rates of poor health outcomes related to the opioid crisis and with the least access to prevention and treatment resources. The final maps identify areas of Wisconsin where resources should be targeted to reduce overdoses and infectious harms from injection drug use.

Mapping for Research, Field Work and Telling Stories (WHS)

To help record Wisconsin’s treasure trove of history, the Wisconsin Historical Society GIS team helps with fieldwork to collect information across the state. WHS will share stories of their work ranging from locating unrecorded prehistoric burials to understanding shipwreck sites along the Great Lake coast.

Integrating Satellite Data Analysis into a Water Quality Monitoring Program (DNR)

Water quality monitoring is an integral tool in the management of freshwater resources. The Department of Natural Resources will give a look into their work of using satellite-collected data to assess water quality. The DNR will discuss how their analysis helps identify trends in water quality and waterbodies of exceptional recreational value and tracks the effects of anthropogenic influences. Cost efficiencies and the advantages of data sharing will also be explained.

GIS in Emergency Response and Preparedness (WEM)

Wisconsin Emergency Management will discuss the use of GIS data and web apps during real-world emergencies. Their presentation will showcase WEM’s Common Operating Picture (COP) Map used during emergencies in the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and around the state along with other tools that are used to support WEM and Wisconsin’s communities during emergency incidents. WEM will also discuss their Air Coordination Group when we talk about imagery acquisition, including drone technologies.