Nebraska GIS Steering Committee
1:00 PM, Thursday, October 28, 2004
Main Auditorium, Nebraska Department of Roads

Minutes

Roll Call Present were (authorized to vote *):

Complete Meeting Agenda

MAJOR MEETING TOPICS

ROLL CALL:  Chair John Miyoshi called the meeting to order and requested a roll of members present.  Ten duly authorized members were present and therefore the Steering Committee had a quorum of its members present and could conduct business. 

NOTICE OF MEETING: A public notice of the meeting, pursuant to Section 84-1411 R.R. S. 1943, had been published in the Lincoln Journal Star on October 22, 2004.

INVITATION FOR PUBLIC COMMENT FROM ATTENDEES:  John announced the open period available for public comment from those non-members attending the meeting.  No comments were offered from non-members.

APPROVAL OF 7/1/04 MINUTES:  Kim Menke moved and Cliff Welsh seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the July 1, 2004 GIS Steering Committee meeting as they were distributed.  The motion carried  unanimously.

NEBRASKA GEOSPATIAL DATA CENTER AND NATIONAL MAP UPDATE:  Larry Zink opened this discuss by noting that about  1-1/2 years the Steering Committee adopted recommendations from an Advisory Committee on Facilitating Data Sharing that among other things recommended the development of an enterprise-wide Nebraska Geospatial Data Center to be hosted by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.  Larry noted that for a while budget shortfalls and other considerations impeded work on developing this Data Center, but over the last few months considerable work has been accomplished.  A grant has been secured from the State Records Board to develop a web front end for the Data Center and its Clearinghouse and a MOU outlining the understanding related to the operation and governance of the Data Center has been signed between NDNR and the GIS Steering Committee. 

Data Center Clearinghouse. Kim Menke, NDNR reported that right now the only data listing in the Data Center's clearinghouse is NDNR data.  Kim noted that the search functions in the Clearinghouse rely on formalized metadata about geospatial dataset.  The Data Center provides two ways to enter metadata into the Clearinghouse catalogue.  If an agency has existing metadata, it can upload that metadata to the Clearinghouse catalogue.  As part of the upload process, a parser will check the metadata and provide an error report if there are problems with the metadata attempting to be uploaded.  The other methodology for get metadata about an agency's geospatial data listing on the Clearinghouse is to use a metadata-lite online entry form that NDNR develop as part of the State Records Board grant.  This online entry form only asks for information related to a minimum subset of the full FGDC metadata.  As part of this metadata-lite online entry form, information is only requested relative to type of data, geographic area the data covers, information related to the data developer, and how one gets access to the data.  This minimum subset of the full metadata, allows the dataset to be listed and searched for in the Clearinghouse.

Metadata Policy. Larry called the Str. Cmte.'s attention to Kim's report that at the present time only NDNR data is currently listed in the Data Center's Clearinghouse.  Larry suggested that the real challenge now is to get agencies to do the work of documenting their existing data and listing it in the Data Center's Clearinghouse.  Larry called the Str. Cmte.'s attention to a metadata policy statement that the Str. Cmte. endorsed back in 2000.  The metadata policy calls on agencies to develop metadata for new geospatial datasets and for existing datasets as resources allow.  Larry noted that the policy statement indicates that the policy was approved for submission to the Nebraska Information Technology Commission, but that formal submission never occurred.  Larry also reported that Steve Schafer indicated that before this metadata policy could be successfully submitted to the NITC, it would need to be fleshed out more.  Among the issues that should be considered are the following:

• Is it mandatory and if so, for whom (State or local governments)?

• What metadata standard should we use?

• For what data (all, new, old, policy-relevant only, data-to-be-shared only)?

• Is mandatory to do full FGDC metadata or will metadata-lite be sufficient?

Larry indicated that from his point of view, he would suggest it indeed be mandatory for State and local governments where they use State funds.  So concern was expressed that we don't what to adopt a policy that is too rigid or heavy-handed.  Larry noted that if anybody was going to take the leadership on this issue, it was the Str. Cmte.  He suggested that as the Str. Cmte. considers this policy that they should consider that without a fairly clear and determined message from the Str. Cmte., it is unlikely that very much of the existing or new data will be documented.  Larry indicated that he will try to bring some policy options for the Str. Cmte.'s consideration at the next meeting.

Metadata Resources.  Larry noted that because it is so difficult to get agencies to devote the resources to develop metadata to document their datasets, he has been working with the University to explore the possibilities of developing some resources to help agencies develop metadata.  It appears that the UNL Libraries will be willing to devote some of their staff time to assist other agencies.  The assistance will still be limited and agencies will still be primarily responsible for developing the metadata.  Gayle Follmer, NDNR metadata specialist, has been working with UNL Library personnel to help them learn about geospatial metadata.

National Map and FGDC Cooperative Agreement Program Grant.  Kim provided a brief demo of the National Map website and reported that NDNR applied for and received a grant from the FGDC related to Nebraska's support for The National Map effort.  Kim noted that Larry Zink helped NDNR with the grant writing and submission.  Kim explained that The National Map is the USGS effort to replace the paper 7.5 minute topographical quad maps with online digital maps that contain the most current data from multiple sources. As part of the grant from FGDC, NDNR will provide online map serve for several Nebraska-related geospatial databases, including the FSA aerial imagery, to the National Map servers.  Kim also noted that a significant portion of the grant funds will go to support an NDOR effort to develop a on-going system develop and serve, to the National Map, a "best available" statewide Nebraska street centerline - address database.  

Larry indicated that as part of the FGDC grant agreement, he will be working with NDOR, NDNR, and the Steering Committee to develop a three-way MOU outlining the understanding related to the development, on-going maintenance, and map service related to the statewide street centerline-address database.

TRANSPORTATION - STREET CENTERLINE -ADDRESS DATABASE EFFORTS:

Advisory Committee Recommendations.  A Steering Committee created Advisory Committee on Transportation - Street Address Databases has been meeting to explore the possibilities for and develop recommendations for a system to develop and maintain a combined transportation-street address database.  The Advisory Committee has recommended that NDOR undertake this effort and NDOR has tentatively agreed.  Larry noted that NDOR has a draft interagency MOU relative to undertaking this effort. In undertaking this effort, it is anticipated that updates to this transportation-address database, for specific geographic areas, may be developed by a variety of entities (cities, counties, US Census, Public Service Commission, NDOR).  Under the proposed process, NDOR will get copies of these updates, evaluate them, and as appropriate integrate the updated data into the statewide database. The Advisory Committee has developed draft guidelines for what this "best available" street centerline-address database should include.  The Advisory Committee has proposed that NDOR undertake a pilot project to test the draft guidelines.  The initial "best available" database will probably consist of NDOR centerlines, NDOR identifiers for intersections, and the CALMIT-created enhanced Census TIGER file that includes address data from 17 local governments.  To test the update process a more current street address database from one of the local governments (i.e. Lancaster County) may be integrated into the original "best available" database.

Nebraska Public Service Commission.  Larry noted over the longer-term, efforts by the Nebraska Public Service Commission may offer the best source for updated local street address data to be incorporated into this "best available" statewide database.  The NPSC is seeking to facilitate the implementation of Phase II E911, which would allow local emergency E911 operators to identify the location from which an emergency cellular call originated.  An up-to-date street centerline-address database is a key component of this system.  NPSC is the steward of fees collected on cellular calls for the purpose of facilitating Phase II E911 implementation.  NPSC is currently exploring the possibilities of contracting with private vendors to develop and maintain street centerline-address data for 44 counties, which are ready to undertake Phase II implementation.  If this proposal moves forward, it is our current understanding that NDOR will be able to get copies of any updated street address data, which could then be integrated into the "best available" statewide dataset.  The Advisory Committee has been in communications with NPSC and the Committee has made recommendations to NPSC regarding data elements we feel should be included in their data acquisition arrangements.  It is our understanding that most of those recommendations will be incorporated, with the exception of including data space for up to five different street name aliases.   

Fsa imagery update:  Larry reported that copies of the 2003 FSA NAIP statewide color, 1-meter, uncompressed imagery has been ordered and delivered to NDNR.  Larry reported that in the end the following agencies contributed financially (total of $44,002.50)to this interagency effort:  

Nebr. Emergency Management Agency 
Nebr. Dept. of Agriculture 
Nebr. Health and Human Services System 
Nebr. Dept. of Roads 
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 
Nebraska Public Power District 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Other agencies (NDNR, CALMIT-UNL) contributed in-kind services to the project.

Kim reported that anyone who was a partner in the project could get a copy of the data through NDNR.  However, NDNR is still re-processing the data to make it available in both UTM and State Plane Coordinate Systems and to make it available in a compressed format.

LAND RECORD MODERNIZATION:   

Update on Legislative Initiatives. Larry reported the progress of on-going discussions with the various interested parties related to legislation to implement some of the recommendations coming out of the Nebraska Land Record Modernization Study.  Larry noted that there were two somewhat competing bills in the legislature last year, one was introduced on behalf of the Register of Deeds and the other was the Nebraska Land Information System Program Act and both proposed an increase in the recording fee on land record transactions.  Larry noted that there has been discussions both within NACO and between NACO and the GIS user community on developing a compromise merger of these two legislative concepts.  Larry indicated that he felt that the parties had finally reached an agreement in principal on the major division of any new revenue.  That agreement in principal would involve a $5 recording fee increase that would be specifically dedicated to the Register of Deeds needs for the first five years and then would shift to support the Nebraska Land Information System Program (NLISP).  In addition, there would be a proposed $0.50/$1,000 documentary stamp tax increase that would be dedicated to the Land Information System Program.  The revenue to the NLISP would be split three ways (50% re-distributed to counties by formula, 25% to a grant fund, and 25% for state-level program expenditures).  Still under discussions with NACO are the relative mix of requirements versus incentives to encourage regionalization.  We have clarified for NACO that regionalization does not imply that all within a region will necessarily combine there data onto one system.

NPAT - J.D. Edwards Study. John Miyoshi inquired about the Nebraska Department of Assessment and Taxation study with the UNL - J.D. Edwards program.  Larry indicated that it was his understanding that this is Cathy Lang's effort to step back and take a big picture look at local and state land record information requires and processes.  Larry noted that this study is looking primarily at the attribute side of land records, instead of the geospatial mapping component.  

Advisory Committee on Land Record Standards. Larry indicated the the Land Records Standards Advisory Committee has, up to this point, focused primarily on the mapping component of land records.  The Committee is seeking to define the minimum standards needed to meet the property parcel data needs of state, regional and local agencies and allow that county specific data to be integrated into a statewide database.  For example, one of the draft recommendations of the Advisory Committee is to require counties receiving NLISP funding to use GPS to collect at least the four primary corners that define a county's boundaries.  The thinking is that this is the minimum needed to allow for the relatively easy integration of spatial data across county boundaries. The Advisory Committee is also seeking to arrange a joint meeting with the J.D. Edwards study group so that we can explore whatever synergy is possible and avoid duplication.  It is the Advisory Committee's thinking that we will take whatever attribute data that NPAT determines it needs, as a starting point, and then explore whether those data needs are also sufficient to meet other agencies needs.

PLSS Data Steward.  Larry reported on discussions he has had recently with the State Surveyors Office relative to the two existing statewide Public Land Survey System (PLSS) databases for Nebraska.  Larry noted that Jim Brown, State Surveyor, is retiring at the end of the year and that his Deputy, Steve Cobb, as been selected by the Board of Education Lands and Funds to fill that position.  Larry indicated that he has spoken to both Jim and Steve about the possibility of the SSO taking on the role of data steward for a combined, "best available" PLSS data for the state.  Larry reported that there are two very similar PLSS databases, one developed by the Dept. of Natural Resources and one developed by the US Bureau of Land Management.  They have been cross-checked for errors and anything outside of a 50 ft discrepancy has been resolved.  The data source for both datasets is not any more accurate than +/- 50 ft.  The main difference between the two datasets is differ attribute data associated with the PLSS points.  Earlier discussions were held about three years ago between SSO and NDNR related to merging the two databases, but it just never happened.  The State Surveyors Office indicated a willingness to consider taking the lead as the data integrator/stewardship for this database, but indicated a desire to first discuss it with NDNR and to have a some time to consider the implications.

MAJOR CITIES IMAGERY:  Chris Chalmers, HHSS, gave brief report on a meeting that was held that morning to explore the possible interest in a partnership to acquire high-resolution imagery for many of the larger cities in Nebraska.  Representatives from several of the large cities in Nebraska attended the meeting.  The stimulus for the meeting was the interest with HHSS to have available higher resolution imagery for the municipal areas for potential Bio-terrorism applications.  Early rough estimates that Chris had received from one vendor made it seem feasible that HHSS might be able to provide up to 50% of the funding for such an effort.  The imagery under discussion was 6-inch, 'leaf-off", digital color, orthos.  From the discussion this morning, it appeared that there was considerable interest among some of the cities and that it appeared there was the potential of significant cost savings by pooling needs and resources.  

Larry noted that one of major problems discussed in the meeting was the difficulty of syncing budgetary timelines.  HHSS needs to spend their funds by the end of August 2005.  Most cities just started their budget year on August 1st.  Counties budget year starts on July 1st, Utilities start on January 1st, and state agencies on July 1st.  At this point, we have not identified a means for pooling resources that can overcome this budget cycle mismatch. 

In response to the level of interest, it was decided that each of the interested communities would send Chris a shapefile outlining the areas for which they would like imagery (i.e., city limits, or 1 to 3-miles beyond).  Chris will then take these areas and ask several vendors to provide rough estimates so that we have a better idea of likely costs.  This likely cost figure was needed to allow city folks to take the proposal up through their bureaucratic/budget process.  In the meantime, we will need to continue to explore ways of overcoming the difficulties of pooling resources and differing budgetary timelines.  

Chris was asked what cities were invited to the meeting.  Chris indicated that Scottsbluff, Grand Island, North Platte, Hastings, Kearney, and Norfolk were originally contacted.  At the meeting, it was suggested that Columbus and Fremont be included.  Omaha was not include because it just completed a imagery flight in 2004.  Scott McInytre indicated that he thought they had also collected imagery for Fremont. It was also asked at to whether this imagery would be in the public domain.  Chris' response was that he didn't see how it could not be.

Chris was asked as to whether he wanted a GIS Steering Committee motion in support of this effort.  Chris indicated that he thought it would be helpful in getting HHSS support for the project.  Scott McIntyre moved and Alan Beierman seconded that the GIS Steering Committee endorsed this effort to form a partnership to acquire high-resolution aerial imagery for selected municipal areas in Nebraska.  The motion passed unanimously.

USGS NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL PROGRAMS OFFICE:  Ray Fox, USGS, provided an overview of the restructuring that is taking place with USGS regarding the mapping related programs.  USGS has created a new National Geospatial Programs Office (NGPO) and has included within that office programs such as The National Map, Geospatial One-Stop, USGS Mapping Partnership Offices, NSDI Future Directions, and the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC). Ray pointed to the strong influence of state GIS personnel on this new office.  Karen Sideralis, formerly the GIS Director for North Carolina, is the Chief of the NGPO and Hank Garie, formerly the GIS Coordinator for New Jersey is the Head of The National Map.  The NGPO is currently involved in a major in-house re-assessment and planning effort to help better integrate all of these programs.   Ray also noted that the USGS is still strongly committed to the state Mapping Partnership Offices, and while this re-organization will likely slow the development of that Partnership Office in Nebraska, it will still happen. 

INTERNET MAP SERVER COORDINATION:  Larry reported there are several state agencies, as well as local and regional entities, that are moving to adopt Internet Map Server (IMS) technology.  Because of his desire to avoid duplication and interest in exploring ways of working together to get more bang for the buck, he called an initially meeting involving CALMIT-UNL, NDNR, Roads, HHSS, Game & Parks.  The goal of the meeting was just some initial exploration of what data they might see themselves serving and areas the agencies might work together on these applications. One of the questions for state government, is whether every interested state agency should develop their own capability in this area or should we pool our needs and resources and develop a collaborative approach to implementing these applications and this technology?  This technology also offers the possibility for some newly interest agencies to develop initial, limited GIS applications without making a major investment in GIS.  The meeting was just a beginning discussion and further discussions seemed to be warranted.

APPROVAL OF BOOTH FOR NACO ANNUAL CONFERENCE. Larry indicated that when it was decided to cancel the September meeting of the Steering Committee, the one action item that was pending was the approval of the expense related to having a Steering Committee exhibition booth at the NACO Annual Conference in December.  Given the previous record of the Steering Committee approving such a booth for the last several years, the Executive Committee of John Miyoshi and Steve Schafer authorized me to go ahead an make a commitment for that booth.  Larry noted that he did make that commitment and that it would now be timely for the Steering Committee to affirm that action.  Dick Genrich moved, and Chris Chalmers seconded that the Steering Committee authorize the expenditure of $175 for an exhibitor booth at the Annual NACO Conference.  The motion passed unanimously.

ANNUAL REPORT.  Larry provided a Power Point presentation of the items and concepts he would propose to include in the 2004 Annual Report of the GIS Steering Committee.   Larry noted that the proposed report would primarily consist of providing an update on initiatives and long-range goals outlined in the 2003 Annual Report.  In addition, some new initiatives such as the street centerline - address database would be outlined.  Support was expressed by the Committee for the proposed Annual Report outline.

Nebraska GIS/LIS Association:  Jim Langtry reported that the GIS/LIS Association has mainly been focusing its efforts on planning for the 2005 Nebraska GIS Symposium to be held in Lincoln at the Cornhusker Hotel on May 24, 25, 26th.  

.

.

.

.

.

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