Nebraska GIS Steering Committee

Meeting Minutes -- January 3, 2002

Present were (authorized to vote +):

UPDATE ON GRANT: Larry report that he now has a draft copy of the final cooperative agreement between the USGS and the Steering Committee and in theory the Steering Committee should have final cooperative agreement for the $50,000 in hand soon.

REVIEW OF STRATEGIC PLAN AND ANNUAL REPORT: Larry provided an overview of the draft Annual Report and Strategic Plan Update to provide the background for the adoption of the Annual Report.  Larry noted that last year's Strategic Plan/Annual Report was titled "Building a Geospatial Data Infrastructure for Nebraska" and he has retained this title for this year's Annual Report, with the addition of a "December 2001" date reference. As a part of the Strategic Plan, the mission statement read as follows.

"The mission of the Nebraska Geographic Information System Steering Committee is to encourage the appropriate utilization of GIS technology and to assist organizations to make public investments in GIS technology and geospatial data in an effective, efficient, and coordinated manner."

Six strategic goals and objectives were identified in the 2000 Strategic Plan including development and maintenance of Priority Databases, Land Records Modernization, Technical Assistance, Education and Outreach, Data Sharing and Distribution, and Strengthening of Coordination Capacity. This year's report includes all of the previous goals and objectives as well as a new initiative suggested by the Executive Committee related to homeland security and the addition of geodetic control as a database that is discussed in the Annual Report.  Larry indicated that the specific issue of the Homeland Security goal would be discussed later in the agenda.  Larry provided a quick overview of the draft Annual Report related to some of the long-term goals and key databases.

Hydrography Database
There has been quite a bit of work done in the development of the hydrography database. Agreements have been made for general standards for this database and there is a technical advisory committee in place to deal with details as each watershed is approached. Any agency that wants to participate is welcome. DNR has stated a willingness to take on a leadership role in developing this data. In the past year, two collaborative grants have been awarded by the NITC to further these projects. At this point, the focus is on trying to use student digitizers to perform the bulk of the work. In addition, DEQ has committed $50,000 from their nonpoint source fund with the potential of obtaining more matching money. The Dept. of Roads and the Lower Elkhorn NRD also provided some money for the watersheds. It is feasible to complete the entire state on a watershed by watershed basis, but obtaining funding that way takes up an extraordinary amount of administrative time and it would be more efficient to obtain funding in bigger pieces.

Digital Ortho Photography
Statewide DOQs based on 1993 imagery and 30 DEMs is available. A pilot project in Lancaster County exploring the use of 10 meter DEMs and 1999 imagery was completed.

There is a work share contract in place with NDNR/USGS to complete statewide 1999-based DOQs.  NDNR has completed and received certified for 19 counties. 10 counties are complete and are waiting to be certified and an additional 6 counties are in the process of being completed. Target date for completion of this project is June 2003, assuming that the USGS and DNR continue with their work share arrangement.

Digital Elevation Models
10 meter DEMs are being developed under the same work share agreement as the DOQs. 35 counties are completed and certified, 15 counties are completed and waiting for certification, and 13 more are in process. The target completion date is December 2002.

Cadastral Data
There are two similar low resolution statewide PLSS coverages, one at DNR, one at the State Surveyors office. Last year, the need to integrate those coverages was addressed. Each has special features that need to be retained and combined to make the data usable to both sources. That did not happen last year and is in the strategic plan again for completion this year. Pilot projects have been completed in three counties and the methodology is proven. Now the challenge is to determine how to do that organizationally and statewide. Hopefully, the proposed land records modernization study with the $50,000 grant will be a method of further exploration.

Additional issues include the decision of the Department of Property Assessment and Taxation to not accept the assessment responsibility for three or four additional counties who requested that change.

There are also two Bureau of Land Management related initiatives that also need further consideration. One is focused around the Western Governor's Association, the other is known as the Eastern States.

The Bureau of Land Management has been heavily involved in cadastral mapping efforts in the Western states for some time because they own quite a bit of land in that area. While Nebraska is technically part of that area and association, there is a whole tier of states from North Dakota to Texas where the federal government does not own much land. Because of that, those states have not benefited from the cadastral mapping efforts made by the BLM.

As a response to that, a group has formed in the Eastern states, called the Eastern States Initiative designed to obtain federal funds for cadastral work in that area. The boundary of those states extends all the way to the edge of the Western Governor's Association. This means that that tier of states belonging to the Western Governor's Association but not receiving benefits from the BLM initiatives will also not be a part of the Eastern States Initiative. This is something that needs active pursuit to ensure Nebraska does not get left completely out.

Ground Transportation
The Nebraska Department of Roads has had approximately 30,000 miles of state highways and major local roads in a GIS database. In the past year, they committed to develop and integrate an additional 60,000 miles of local roads. Vector center lines have been created in roughly 53 counties with the target of completion in June 2002. The next step will be to develop the attribute data, in particular a common identifier scheme for road segments and intersections to facilitate the exchange of data from local governments and state department of roads. The intent is that the maintenance of this database would be a cooperative endeavor between  local governments and the Dept. of Roads. The target date for completion of the local road attributing is June 2003. This is being funded through Roads GIS development.

There is another dialogue occurring between the Department of Transportation - Bureau of Transportation Statistics,  USGS, Census, and FEMA about developing a common transportation database format. That initiative will bear watching.

Administrative Boundaries
Initial research showed that many of the administrative boundaries are available but the information is scattered among several agencies and, for the most part, there is little metadata documentation. The one significant gap identified was municipal boundaries and public power district boundaries.

The municipal boundary gap is being filled by data from the Census 2000. The Dept. of Roads has committed to keeping that information updated annually so that should no longer be a problem. Some effort needs to be put into documenting this information.

Another problem is that some of these boundaries have been maintained by the Legislature's GIS staff. Following the most recent vacancy of that position, the Legislature has elected not to fill it.

Geodetic Control
This was not included in last year's Annual Report because the conclusion was that the National Geodetic Data Survey available online was adequate for most purposes. The discussion that followed revealed more interest in vertical control enhancement. There is a pilot project in the planning stages to address height modernization in Lincoln. 

Ground Water Features Database
This is the first non-framework database that has been prioritized by the Steering Committee. One of the problems in Nebraska is that there is no Universal Well ID system though there are several agencies collecting data. The closest to a common identifying system is Registered Wells ID. There are over one hundred thousand wells in that database but there are a lot of wells that are not. At this point, the locational information in the Registered Wells database is based on extrapolation from either section or quarter section or some distance from the section line. When the Water Resources Advisory Committee looked at this, they discovered there were at least twenty thousand wells various agencies had GPSed. Through this GPS work, NRDs, DNR, HHS, and DEQ all had contributed to significant enhancements in the locational information but the information was all scattered across the agencies and was not finding its way back into this common database.

The Advisory Committee came up with a recommended systematic method of documenting how that data was collected and a proposal for how it might get batch processed into the Registered Wells database. About the same time, the Department of Water Resources and the Natural Resource Commission were merged, staffing reallocated and this project was reprioritized.

There has been an legislative change to require that well registration be done by the well driller, in addition to the well owner, in the hopes that such a move will result in an increase in well registration. There has also been a significant initiative to put well registration online. 

Soil Surveys
This is the fourth year of a five year collaborative effort between the NRCS, CSD and DNR to develop digital soil surveys of all the counties in Nebraska. At the latest count, sixty three of those counties have been done. Target completion date is June 2002, contingent upon continued funding among those three agencies.

Street Address Database
This database is becoming increasingly more important as the move is made to a more service-oriented society. The 2001 strategic plan pointed out the need to convene a street address database advisory committee. That has not been done yet.

Related initiatives mentioned by the Strategic Plan are the two-phased E911 system that requires a master street address database to guide automatic switching to the appropriate emergency responder, the joint federal initiative to create a master transportation database, and the various homeland defense initiatives. Efforts need to be made to explore the possibilities of integrating and achieve some level of senergy between these initiatives.

Land Records Modernization Initiative
The subcommittee has continued to work on drafting a book of standards and guidelines as resources have permitted. The document, although not totally complete, has been fairly widely circulated  adn used.  The committee still hopes to add a needs assessment section to it.

The PLSS and DOQ database development was identified in the 2001 strategic plan as key to this endeavor. A regional professional service center and the need for education and outreach were also highlighted in this document. The best vehicle for exploring the regional professional center seems to be the proposed Nebraska Land Records Modernization Study for which funding. Ultimately, the role that state agency's play in property assessment will probably be a major factor in this initiative.

Technical Assistance Initiative
The Interactive Internet Advisory Committee was formed to facilitate the completion of this initiative. Out of that committee came a number of recommendations, several of which were discussed at the last meeting. One of the most important was the recommendation that a spatial data and access and support center be formed. The creation of an advisory committee to study the issue was authorized but has not yet formed. Another element that may be a part of this initiative is the land records modernization project.

Education and Outreach
There are not a lot of resources available for this effort. The Steering Committee worked with the GIS/LIS Association to hold the annual symposium with three to four hundred people in attendance.

Datasharing and Distribution
Last year, the creation of more metadata, enhancement of the clearinghouse and the data cooperative were discussed as a part of this initiative. The Internet Mapping Advisory Committee discussed ways of sharing databases via the Internet. They made recommendations and a new Advisory Committee to Facilitate Geospatial Data Sharing was authorized.

There are several federal level initiatives that are related and will probably require the coordination efforts of the Steering Committee on the state level.

• Geospatial One Stop - This is part of the federal e-government initiative to provide a single place to go to get geospatial data.
• I-Team - A coordinated plan between local, state, and federal agencies.
• National Map Concept - The USGS is working to put in place a system by which they can have the latest and most current information available in a digital format, similar to what is available on topo maps.

There is no clear directive from the federal level as to how these various initiataives are related or what the role of the state might be. State feedback to the federal agencies was that the initiatives are sound good but states lack funding. In order to obtain the greatest benefit from the state, the federal agencies need to define how these are related.

Strengthen Steering Committee's Coordinating Capacity
A GIS Service Bureau, enhancement of the clearinghouse, and the possibility of a collaborative database development fund were all identified as ways of strengthening the Steering Committee's coordinating capacity. The most important development has been the Steering Committee's agreement to head up the effort to create an I-Team in Nebraska. As a part of that initiative, a federal forum was held.

Two successful interagency grant requests were initiated through the NITC for the surface water database work and have laid the groundwork for the advisory committee on data sharing.

Homeland Security
Larry noted that the Executive Committee had recommended that a goal be added to our Strategic Plan that relates to the support of GIS use in homeland security initiatives. It was noted that some work has already been done by several agencies to assist the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency in getting their short-term needs met by sharing data etc but longer-term coordination meetings are needed.  Larry had proposed draft wording for a Homeland Security initiative in the draft Annual Report.  Following discussion, it was determined that Larry's draft wording did not adequately address that fact that efforts in this regard were already underway.  Tom Lamberson offered some modifications to Larry's original draft goal that seemed to meet with general approval.   Lamberson's revised goal statement read as follows: 

GIS and Homeland Security. Continue to assist, as requested, the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and other emergency and public safety agencies in planning for short and long-term GIS and geospatial data requirements to support Homeland Security and other public safety initiatives.

MEBMER FEEDBACK ON DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT:  Prior to formally acting the draft Annual Report, Larry asked Tom Lamberson to provide an overview of his ealier comments on the draft Annual Report that he had sent to Larry in response to his request for review and feedback.  Tom's major feedback points were are follows:

• The homeland security section seems incomplete. The way it is worded implies this is finite with a definite end. The addition of the word 'continuing' will correct this misconception.
• Reference to too many acronyms. Larry said he would try to correct that problem.
• The Appendix includes a presentation document in the Interactive Internet Mapping Advisory Committee Recommendations section that was not approved by the Steering Committee. Larry explained that the outcome of presentation of the Structural Recommendation piece Tom is referring to was the adoption of a resolution to create a Data Sharing Advisory Committee. Tom indicated that there was no context or point of reference. It would be acceptable if there was some context included to show the sequence of events.
• The numbering of the initiatives is wrong and will be corrected.
• There was some question as to whether the statement should be made in the report questioning whether the Community Council's priorities will continue to match the Steering Committee's priorities. There is some doubt as to whether they will continue to provide funding for the same project to get the Surface Water Database completed.
  
  Steve Schafer said this was an accurate representation of circumstances. However, there is some discussion about the awarding of funds, if it should be less competitive and if some should be set aside for enterprise solutions. The Community Council's priorities have seemed to remain focused on projects that promote economic development and there is some desire for create a funding source to act as seed money for more collaborative enterprise-wide projects.  The decision was made to leave this section in.

GIS PERSONNEL CLASSIFICATION: Dick Genrich explained in the process of attempting to hire a new GIS person, he discovered that there was no State classification for GIS personnel. His initial inquiries into creating a classification of this sort received support from Steering Committee members however, shortly after the project began, Dick's division was disbanded and he came under the supervision of Jon Ogden.

Jon Ogden explained that traditionally GIS personnel have been classed as IT personnel and that very few people have any idea what GIS specialists actually do. It would be helpful if the Steering Committee were to form an advisory committee to work with a person from classification and a person from personnel to determine if GIS staff should be classified under the IT designation or be separately defined.

Larry commented that the people who should be involved are probably the ones actually doing the GIS work. Jon agreed.  Larry indicated this is becoming an increasingly important issue for Nebraska because a number of GIS specialists have left the area for more lucrative positions. If Nebraska is to remain competitive and retain its GIS talent, more proactive measures must be taken.

Mark asked for a motion to form a GIS Personnel Classification Committee to assist State Personnel in developing appropriate duties, knowledge and skill sets for GIS classifications. Mike Thompson so moved. Dick Genrich seconded.  It was suggested that Larry could help recruit volunteers and let Jon Ogden know of interested people.

Erik Hubl suggested contacting the cities of Omaha and Lincoln regarding their GIS classifications. Jon indicated they have already looked into definitions from other states but would welcome input from any interested entity. Scott said that they are also trying to eliminate job classifications and that they have typically used the Drafting Technician category for GIS personnel.

NEMA: The annual emergency manager’s conference is coming soon and will be held in Hastings this year. Larry asked if the GIS Steering Committee felt the need for representation at that meeting. In the past, Duane Stott has represented the Steering Committee and might be interested in doing so again should his expenses be covered.

Mark asked if there was any benefit to being represented at the conference. Emergency management is already aware of the existence of the Steering Committee and its functions. Larry indicated that the only value might come in having the opportunity to speak with county officials. The state emergency management personnel are acquainted with the Steering Committee but the county officials may not be.

Tom suggested asking NEMA if there is anything the Steering Committee might be able to contribute to the conference.

GIS/LIS ASSOCIATION: Ed reported that the main focus for the Association recently has been membership renewals. Jim Lacy sent out renewal notices and Ed encouraged people to return those to renew their memberships.  The next meeting will be January 24 and will be about planning the Association Annual meeting to be held at the University of Nebraska Omaha.

They are hoping to have a newsletter put together by the end of January.

Carl Kinkade, previously leader of the Education Subcommittee, has taken a position with ESRI and will be moving to St. Louis, leaving that spot vacant.

Larry suggested the Association become involved in working on the new classification process committee.

AGENCY REPORTS: Mike Thompson reported there has been a boost in the efficiency of the soil survey project with the arrival of a new scanner. They are now looking ahead to the final DOQs. These maps will be available in both the state plane coordinate system and in UTM. Many people are looking forward to having these projections available statewide in a single coordinate system.

State Surveyor’s office has been working in Dodge County on a project with the Dept. of Property Assessment and Taxation. In addition, they have been occupied with answering questions from Nebraska cities and counties.

Scott McIntyre reported that ¼ of the ortho data has been entered. They received 1/16 meter imagery and have noted a dramatic difference between the 1/8 to the 1/16 imagery.

John Miyoshi reported that he has been working on the NHD project being supported by DNR and CSD.

Mark Kuzila reported they were trying to maintain their current projects, working on SSURGO and the NHD. CALMIT is very active as well.

Dick Genrich reported that they are moving forward on the local coordinate center line vectors. 62 counties are now complete.

Erik Hubl reported that Doug Alberg from the Lancaster Emergency Management met with four other individuals at the Eros Data Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota regarding a homeland security pilot project. The project is to be funded through the USGS who is seeking 45 million dollars, most of which will go to the states.

Steve Schafer asked if there was any support for this from the congressional delegation. Erik indicated that would be helpful.

Larry asked if there would be any discussion of this at the NEMA conference. Erik did not know.

Larry reported that the Steering Committee committed to hosting the second annual I-Team gathering March 6 and 7 and requested any suggestions for how to best structure that meeting.

Steve Schafer said that Ron Matzner needs to be reminded about developing a database directory of federal, state and local GIS projects. Also, at least one breakout session should be devoted to discussing federal initiatives and how those fit together.

Larry said there had been an inquiry from UNL Love Library personnel about wanting to help catalog and store geospatial data. As they have considerable metadata and cataloging experiencing, a partnership with this group is something that might prove very helpful.

Larry said that there may be some funds available via the EPA for development and improvement of the clearinghouse. Tom clarified that the EPA has $25 million appropriated this year but it is not all necessarily earmarked for a clearinghouse.

The meeting was adjourned.

"P"=present, "A"=absent, "+"=voting for, "-"=voting against, "NV"=not voting