Missouri GIS Statewide Strategic Planning (50 STATES INITIATIVE GRANT)
Strategic Planning and Outreach
The geospatial coordination groups of Missouri, Geographic Information Officer (GIO), Missouri Spatial Data Information Service (MSDIS) and Missouri Geographic Information Systems Advisory Committee (MGISAC), collectively agree that many opportunities exist to support and promote geospatial development in Missouri. We recognize that in order to take advantage of those opportunities, and realize the benefits of geospatial technology improvements, two primary next steps need to happen. One part of the work will require a plan for statewide spatial data infrastructure (SSDI) based on input from broad stakeholders. Another part of the work, equally important, is outreach and education.
In the past the geospatial coordination groups have had some success supporting SSDI development and reaching out to stakeholder groups. The GIO coordinated a successful effort, with many other federal and state agencies, to collect current statewide imagery for public use; improved communication between the geospatial coordination groups and state leaders; and represents a consistent presence at the federal level for state and local geospatial needs. The MGISAC sponsors the bi-annual Missouri GIS Conference; supports data standards development (cadstre, street standards and GPS approved); and provided a forum for monthly discussion on critical topics. MSDIS, the state spatial data clearinghouse, has progressively improved service to satisfy data needs; led the effort to hold regional workshops for local governments to develop a GIS; and developed ways to secure the data holdings and infrastructure for emergency situations.
The successes have been piece-meal, however, and not reached the full spectrum of those that could benefit. Geospatial coordination and communication among all levels of government could greatly improve the quality and scope of information available. Stewardship policies of critical data layers are not consistent. Publicly available data and imagery are not being used to the extent possible. Services and funding for the primary data producing organizations are lacking, unsustainable or marginal.
In an effort to bring together the strands of success towards a more solid SSDI for Missouri the GIO secured funding from the 50 States Initiative Grant, sponsored by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) and USGS. The Project goal is to develop statewide strategic and business plans to facilitate program and resource coordination in support of the NSDI and the Fifty States Initiative Action Plan. Project outcomes are two-fold. First, define Missouri’s geospatial strategic and business plans’ primary goals and structures. Secondly, ‘implement’ key plan components by creating and distributing targeted education materials for the Missouri legislature and local government groups. Strategic plan outcomes focus on gaining state governmental and legislative recognition, establishing sustainable funding mechanisms, improving funding coordination (both for state and national programs); and strengthening existing coordination groups, and improving data development. Business plan outcomes focus on identifying funding resources and mechanisms, adopting tools to identify and secure data, and improving statewide GIS coordination by creating consistent relationships among stakeholder groups. Creating and distributing education materials will assist in improving legislative and governmental awareness and support. This educational effort will help formalize regional and county group coordination. These activities provide a tangible medium to educate and raise awareness, as well as formally connect regional and county groups in sharing information, coordinating educational efforts and tracking progress.
