Note: Babel Fish is a
third-party resource and a computer translation of the original webpage. It
is provided for general information only and should not be regarded as complete
or accurate.
Data Services: Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
GIS is an analytical tool that allows an operator
to view map layers on a computer screen while accessing databases
of the map features. By viewing the map layers simultaneously, one
can analyze relationships within and between the different layers.
GIS integrates data from different
sources in a multitude of formats to represent any area within the
region. Scenarios can be created to represent changes in the landscape,
infrastructure, and populations.
GIS is used in-house by the SPC for a multitude
of activities within the various departments. SPC also provides
GIS data to its planning partners, transportation agencies, transit
operators, consulting firms, businesses, environmental agencies,
and various offices of federal, state, county, and municipal government.
With over 60 map layers, SPC has one of the largest collections
of comprehensive GIS data for the 10-county region.
SPC's
Unified GIS
In 2002, SPC launched a collaborative effort to
upgrade GIS data and operations across the region. Not only does
this Unified GIS aid in establishing a single, regional data set
representing the geography, topography, and land use for the entire ten-county region, it also establishes a working relationship
with the region's GIS users. This cooperative process involves SPC's
GIS staff and activities collaborating with local governments and
planning partners to develop the following:
Technical and interoperability standards
Consistent information categories
Protocols for data development
Data exchange agreements
SPC is expanding their relationships with GIS
users in the region, both public and private, to address issues,
share data, and participate on region-wide activities to simplify
the development and availability of accurate GIS data.
As a first step in implementing the Unified GIS,
SPC, with assistance from staff at the Geospatial Technology Program
within Pennsylvania State University's College of Agricultural Sciences,
completed a brief Regional GIS Assessment for the 10-county region.
SPC met with staff at the planning, assessment, 911, and other departments
at each county and at the City of Pittsburgh and conducted short
interviews concerning the status of existing or planned GIS activities.
The report gives a general assessment of county GIS programs and
presents recommendations toward a long-term strategy for the counties.
For a copy of the report, click SPC
GIS Assessment Report Summer 2003 (PDF--large file, 2.86M).
To access the above files,
you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. If you don't have
Acrobat Reader, it's available as a free download from Adobe.
For additional information
on GIS activities at SPC, please call Kirk Brethauer at (412)
391-5590 x 347 or e-mail kbrethauer@spcregion.org
