Essex County Development Plan for Geospatial...

Essex County Development Plan for

Geospatial Capabilities

September 2015

Prepared for:

Essex County, Virginia

Prepared by:

University of Mary Washington Masters of Science in Geospatial Analysis Program

Colin Chadduck, Nathan Dawes, Photios Katsourakis, Richard Lafleur Kenneth Mendenhall, Christopher Petroff, Paul Rabatin,

Clare Rodenberg, Gelisa Slyer, Jacob Snyder And

Dr. Brian Rizzo

Director, GIS Program

Essex County Development Plan for Geospatial Capabilities September 2015

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ......................................................................................................... I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................. II 1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 1

1.1 PURPOSE....................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 STAKEHOLDERS ............................................................................................................... 1 1.3 SCOPE ......................................................................................................................... 1

2.0 COUNTY GEOSPATIAL SUPPORT UNIT ......................................................................... 1 2.1 THE COORDINATOR POSITION .............................................................................................. 1 2.1.1 RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................... 2 2.1.2 EXPERIENCE ................................................................................................................ 3 2.2 JOB SUMMARY ................................................................................................................ 3

3.0 TECHNOLOGY .............................................................................................................. 3 3.1 SOFTWARE .................................................................................................................... 3 3.1.1 COTS ....................................................................................................................... 3 3.1.2 OPEN SOURCE ............................................................................................................. 4 3.2 HARDWARE .................................................................................................................... 4

4.0 RETURN ON INVESTMENT ............................................................................................ 5 4.1 INITIAL PROJECTS ............................................................................................................ 5 4.1.1 PARCEL AND TAX UPDATES ............................................................................................... 5 4.1.2 SOIL VALUE INTEGRATION ............................................................................................... 6 4.1.3 FLOOD ZONE DATA ........................................................................................................ 6 4.1.4 EMS-E911 ................................................................................................................ 7 4.1.5 ZONING ATTRIBUTION .................................................................................................... 7 4.1.6 CONSERVATION EASEMENT DATA ....................................................................................... 7 4.1.7 PARKS AND RECREATION ................................................................................................. 8 4.1.8 RURAL HISTORIC DISTRICT DATA ....................................................................................... 8 4.2 ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO INTEGRATE ............................................................................. 9

5.0 OPTIONS FOR OBTAINING SOFTWARE AND COSTS ................................................... 10 5.1 ESRI SOFTWARE LICENSING .............................................................................................. 10 5.2 GRANT FUNDING ........................................................................................................... 10 5.2.1 POSSIBLE GRANT: 2016 PTT GRANTS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY—NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ................. 11 5.2.2 POSSIBLE GRANT: WATERSHED FUNDING—ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) .................. 11

6.0 FUTURE IMPLEMENTATION OPTIONS ........................................................................ 11 7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS AND FIRST STEPS FORWARD ................................................... 12 APPENDIX A – GEOSPATIAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR JOB POSTING .......................... A-1


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Geospatial capabilities are widely utilized in local government decision-making and can provide

beneficial services for both citizens and the county. Essex County is looking to capitalize on

geospatial capabilities that will aid in data visualization, analysis, and understanding that will

ultimately support better decision making, generate revenue, and provide efficiency while

integrating into functional government areas. Essex County is in the early stages of its geospatial

abilities and is looking to take the first steps towards creating a robust geospatial capability like

many of its neighboring counties. In order to accomplish more advanced geospatial capabilities the

county has engaged the University of Mary Washington to create a strategic document that will

provide insight on how to move forward with a geospatial program within the county.

This document serves to create a development plan that will be the basis for the county’s future

implementation of a geospatial program by covering multiple topics related to the development and

substantiation of a program. By examining topics such as organization, technology, investments,

returns, software, funding, first steps, and future implementations, this document will provide a

constructive guideline to analyze the wants and needs of the county and produce a tactical report

explaining recommendations for beginning a self-sufficient geospatially enabled program. The

project, identified by county officials, helps to expand on ways to utilize these newly found

geospatial capabilities to solve the problems and provide the county with a return on investment.


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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE

Geospatial technologies are becoming increasingly common at the local government level as local

government officials are discovering the benefits of working ‘spatially’ with their data sets. Indeed,

the State and many localities already have well developed geospatial programs. The development

of a geospatial program in Essex County will allow departments to capitalize on geospatial

technologies, maintaining more better control of their assets and workflow, providing more timely

access to data and information, greater functionality and flexibility and citizen access in the future

through a web portal. These benefits will enhance decision making, generate revenue, and provide

efficiency while integrating government functional areas.

The Development Plan for a Geospatial Program will guide the process of establishing the

framework of an in-house geospatial program in Essex County by describing various phases of

program development. Although geospatial technologies provide great value to users through

useful and easy to understand information, they often require an up-front investment. This

document will identify investment costs and ways to mitigate these costs as well as identify a

return-on-investment (ROI) while building a capability appropriate for the county.

1.2 STAKEHOLDERS

This document is applicable to any current or future stakeholders in the potential Essex County

geospatial program. This includes any Essex County employees or contractors that are responsible

for developing or utilizing the county’s geospatial capabilities.

1.3 SCOPE

This development plan will be limited to local in house geospatial capabilities to be implemented in

Essex County’s potential geospatial program. This plan will not detail any significant geospatial web

capabilities or build outs. However, the approach detailed in this plan will facilitate a future move

into geospatial web functionality for Essex County if it is deemed necessary.

It is also important to note that the terms “GIS” (Geographic Information System) and “geospatial”

are often used interchangeably; however there are differences in what the terms mean. The term

“geospatial” is used to define the collected data and associated technology that has a geographic or

locational component. A GIS is just one form of geospatial technology. This document will use the

term “geospatial” instead of the widely used “GIS” to refer to the full array of technology and

capabilities possible in location analytics.

2.0 COUNTY GEOSPATIAL SUPPORT UNIT

2.1 THE COORDINATOR POSITION

The Geospatial Program Coordinator requires a range of administrative and technical skillsets to

include; spatial analysis, programming, database maintenance and program management. While


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many counties have numerous geospatial professionals taking on multiple roles such as a Manager,

Technician, or IT engineer, smaller counties can initially utilize a single coordinator who can both

manage and perform daily geospatial tasks until workload pressure warrants additional resources.

It is the responsibility of the Geospatial Program Coordinator to organize and communicate their

geospatial capabilities to departments within the county, educate them in terms of the technology

and provide guidance and advice with respect to timelines and costs for projects to ultimately

respond to their requests with appropriate deliverables. Open and transparent dialogue between

the Geospatial Program Coordinator and departments will enhance the program’s success and

further promote open dialogue with its stakeholders. Figure 1, shows a brief graphical

representation identifying the interactions between potential geospatial program stakeholders and

the Geospatial Program Coordinator.

Figure 1 – Program Interactions

2.1.1 RESPONSIBILITIES

A Geospatial Program Coordinator has unique responsibilities when handling daily tasks within the

geospatial field. Examples of these responsibilities are listed below.

● Department wide responsibilities and supervision

● Coordinate geospatial needs outside of the department and the local government

● Prepare reports and plans for cost effective development

● Conduct geospatial analysis and generate reports

● Public data outreach and involvement

● Department and data quality control measures

● Utilize geospatial technologies to analyze, maintain and update county data

● Coordinate geospatial data for other county departments

● Incorporate new countywide information into a geospatial database


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● Performs quality assurance and quality control procedures on geospatial data and attribute

information

● Assist the public with geospatial web services and data access

2.1.2 EXPERIENCE

The Geospatial Program Coordinator is an excellent multitasker, has excellent interpersonal skills,

understands how small county governments work and has a breadth of geospatial knowledge.

He\she is a generalist rather than a specialist.

Below are examples of experience and education required for such a position.

● Bachelor's Degree or higher in Geography and/or geospatial related field

● Experience with Geospatial technologies (GIS, Remote Sensing, GPS) tools, applications and

databases

● Experience working with county/state level government and officials

● 2-3 years of experience in the field

● Experience with technical computer hardware and maintaining network systems

● Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

● Excellent communication skills

● Excellent interpersonal skills

2.2 JOB SUMMARY

To attract the best future employee for Essex County’s upcoming geospatial needs, the following

responsibility, education, and experience requirements must be clearly and precisely explained in a

job application. A strong outline featuring these traits will attract individuals who are capable of

coordinating and establishing a functional department that will benefit the county. Appendix A

contains an example of the Geospatial Program Coordinator job posting.

3.0 TECHNOLOGY

3.1 SOFTWARE

The backbone of a geospatial program consists of a GIS software suite running on a high end

computer. The actual configuration of the hardware and selected components of the software will

be determined by the programs funding. Once a baseline system has been established,

functionality can be added and processes can be refined over time. This section will cover the

possibilities for a cost effective baseline system that is robust and efficient. The system outlined

below will have in house capabilities with data that can be manipulated both on and off of the

internet.

3.1.1 COTS

Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) refers to standalone software that is sold commercially and

supported by a company. In the geospatial field, Esri’s ArcGIS desktop suite, commanding 80% of


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the market, is considered the gold standard. Esri’s platform is commonly adopted due to its

capabilities, support and user base. Working within an Esri environment would give Essex County

the ability to easily import and export data with the geospatial community including all state, local,

and federal governments. Having the industry standard in GIS will give Essex County the resources

necessary to send, manipulate, and receive data without having to worry about compatibility

issues.

Esri’s desktop platform consists of many optional components that provide enhanced capabilities

that would allow for the creation of various products. There are desktop based components such as

3D Analyst for adding 3D modeling capabilities for enhanced analysis and animated mapping

projects. There are web-based geospatial tools and capabilities that support web map

development. For mobile application development, Esri has multiple components that can be

added. Overall, Essex County would be able to customize Esri’s platform based on the county’s

needs.

3.1.2 OPEN SOURCE

While Esri is considered the gold standard for geospatial systems, the open source community has

been quietly building robust and capable systems, to compete with Esri products. Although open

source systems are free or cost substantially less than Esri, they can be very complicated to

implement and maintain. Additionally, there is significantly less technical literature available

concerning workflows, troubleshooting and support. As a result, an open source option will require

a more resilient and technologically savvy employee who has experience in application

development and geospatial training. Such personnel will be hard to find particularly in rural areas

as the majority of state schools have agreements with Esri to use their products. As a

consequence students who attended state schools rarely learn how to operate open source

platforms. Further, Esri’s proprietary geospatial data format can pose problem when trying to

integrate open source applications. This is problematic as the majority of geospatial data available

to Essex County from other local governments and organizations will be in Esri’s format and thus

be incompatible with an open source platform.

3.2 HARDWARE

In the early stages of Essex County’s development of geospatial capabilities, one or two Advanced

ArcMap for Desktop licenses will be more than enough to get things up and running. Hardware

required for desktop capabilities simply requires a high end desktop computer and an external hard

drive or server for backups. At a minimum the computer should have 16 GB of memory, a high end

graphics card, a 3.8 GHz multi-core CPU, a hard drive with a couple terabytes of storage and two

high resolution monitors. As the county’s geospatial capabilities and budget evolve over time, a

web based system with more robust data collection and maintenance can materialize which will

require a server.

Today there are two routes available for servers, on-site (a physical server box) or off-site (a

server hosted in the cloud). There are benefits and disadvantages to both depending on the

resources available. The on-site option allows for total control of the server in regards to setup,

security and maintenance of the server. However, the on-site option will require an employee with

extensive knowledge of servers to run and maintain it to ensure the health and security of the data


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hosted on the server. The on-site option will require physical maintenance and upgrades for the

server, which can add up over time. The off-site option requires no maintenance of a physical

server, comprehensive data redundancies, server security, and very small likelihood of downtime.

The disadvantage of the off-site server is the fact that performance is based on internet speed.

Essex County would most likely not be affected by this due to the fact that the county

administration buildings have broadband internet.

As the geospatial capabilities of Essex County grow over time, the county may want to investigate

the acquisition of GPS hardware for collection of data in the field. The addition of GPS hardware will

give the county the ability to create new and useful datasets as well as enhance the accuracy of

the data that the county already has. Like many other markets, the GPS market has been

expanding rapidly and as a result many smaller companies are coming out with low cost, high

accuracy handheld units that may be of great interest for a county like Essex. Bad Elf is one such

company. They sell a small handheld system that connects to standard smartphones (Android or

Apple) via an app that allows for the user to collect features in the field. Trimble and Leica GPS

systems are fairly common for high accuracy (~ < 1 meter) applications but they come with large

price tags and require expensive proprietary software. It is also worth mentioning that GPS units

do not require internet connection out in the field to collect features. They connect to various

constellations of satellites in the sky that allow them to locate themselves on the surface of the

Earth via a GNSS chip.

4.0 RETURN ON INVESTMENT

4.1 INITIAL PROJECTS

Geospatial capabilities have significant returns for investment through the completion of projects

and the collection and redistribution of data for organizations outside the field of geospatial

analysis. Investment is defined as the time and financial capital input to the technology that will

produce a georeferenced output. Common points of greatest return are time and capital savings in

the decision-making process, through a more precise identification and solution methodology.

Often the return on investment follows the pattern of a logarithmic curve in that data tends to gain

value the more it is integrated into the overarching system and modified to accomplish desired

outcomes. This happens over time, with the greatest gains occurring sometime after the

investment. In short, the longer geospatial capabilities are used and the more integrated they

become, the greater the return will be when compared to the upfront cost.

Listed below are possible projects Essex County has specifically mentioned that have a geospatial

component. These projects demonstrate where savings can be found if geospatial technology and

thought were applied. Within each project specific points of return are noted and discussed.

4.1.1 PARCEL AND TAX UPDATES

Geospatial capabilities provide for increased speed in modifying data as it applies to parcel data for

taxes. In the greater scheme of geospatial technology and through the ability to readily access

accurate and timely data provides for increased efficacy in data processes and an increased


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decision advantage. In the context of parcel data, the information often concerns property values.

Timely and accurate information in this regard provides not only an important decision capability

for the county, but also individuals. This is the rationale for analyzing both the current capability of

the data, and also where the data can be in the future. Of all the data categories this is the one

where most individuals will find value.

Essex County’s current geospatial technology and data platform simply displays parcels, property

lines, building structures, neighborhoods, roads, addresses, zoning, resource protection areas,

trails, and parks through a vendor. An in-house geospatial capability would allow this data to be

easily manipulated, queried, displayed, and converted into standardized forms at a stakeholder’s

request which would allow it to gain value upon the completion of projects. An enhanced system

would enable the Commissioner and Treasurer to spatially analyze the information linked to their

parcel and tax databases for future tax revenue estimates, parcel information updates, and provide

a capability for citizens to respond to zoning, planning, preservation, and public safety initiatives.

Additionally it allows for the evaluation of areas that are difficult to accurately survey. The

continued investment to hire a Geospatial Program Coordinator and improve upon the geospatial

web services is directly in line with the Essex County Board of Supervisor’s Strategic initiatives one

through three. The web services provide information to the county and a collaboration capability

for county employees. The savings returned to the county from consistent data input, using the

public to identify priority initiatives, and collaboration between county departments are greater

than the investment costs.

4.1.2 SOIL VALUE INTEGRATION

In 1971, the Virginia General Assembly adopted legislation to allow jurisdictions to utilize use-value

taxation for properties within the Commonwealth. This legislation allows land to be assessed based

on its potential use value vs. fair market value.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) produces and maintains a nation-wide soil

survey dataset for 95% of the counties in the United States. This dataset, in combination with

parcel vector data, will allow the county to be able to categorize parcels by soil type(s), evaluate

soil quality and associate a more accurate monetary value for a specific tract of property. The most

immediate benefit the Commissioner of Revenue would gain through this dataset, would be the

additional tax revenue it would allow the county to generate.

Additionally, the NRCS soils dataset aligns with the county’s agriculture and forestry strategic plan

by allowing it to be utilized for land use planning, monitoring agricultural/silvicultural practices, and

economic development assessments. Because agriculture and forestry are major industries within

the county, incorporating the NRCS soils layer into the county’s geospatial toolbox is essential.

4.1.3 FLOOD ZONE DATA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides geospatial data services to analyze,

produce and disseminate information to federal, state and local authorities. This data aligns with

Essex County’s Emergency Operations and Hazard Mitigation Plans. One responsibility for FEMA is

managing the National Flood Hazard Layers, which targets the impact of flooding events at the

state and local level. Utilizing the various geospatial datasets, available from FEMA, will allow the


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county emergency, zoning and building officials to have the ability to perform additional analyses

to help plan, prepare and mitigate potential flooding events caused by storm surge and other

natural hazards. It will also benefit citizens by allowing them to work with county officials in

developing customized maps when preparing insurance claims, working tidal erosion and zoning

issues, and corresponding with state and federal authorities. With the county’s entire north border

delineated by the Rappahannock River and its tributaries, this data can only provide benefit for

future planning and preparedness of environmental events.

4.1.4 EMS-E911

When disaster strikes first responders are essential. Unfortunately, these services are not always

technically up-to-date, which can be crucial in emergency situations. With an Enhanced 9-1-1

system, those responders, whether they be dispatch, fire/rescue, EMS, etc., are more accessible

and efficient. Time to and from a location can be tracked and recorded to make more effective

response zones within the county. Pre-planned routes and GPS systems can help emergency

services quickly and accurately locate the source of any local problem. Additionally, the mapping of

resources, such as fire hydrants and landing zones, will allow for a more efficient management of

those resources. For analytical purposes, information about local crimes can be recorded in order

to cut back on future loss or harm and storm surge information can be used to produce a more

accurate evaluation of the risk associated with rising water. Planning required for events such as

shutting down roads or creating detours can be more accurately mapped and recorded, therefore

reducing the manpower and resources required.

4.1.5 ZONING ATTRIBUTION

Zoning attribution data gains value through similar channels as other consolidated data resources.

As the data is first consolidated then organized and edited to allow for faster data manipulation, it

gains on the initial value proportional to how easy the data can be maneuvered and understood.

The first time data gains value is through the organization process when random or disjointed data

is consolidated into a useable format. The second time the data gains value is when individuals use

and add to the data pool. This step often correlates with project completion and the integration of

the data into the organization as a whole. This represents a second jump in value. A final jump in

value occurs when the data is opened up to the individuals and organizations that did not have an

initial use for the data in its non-geospatial non-organized form. This third jump represents the

largest increase in value the data will experience.

Specific to zoning data, value is often gained by the increased decision making ability associated

with tax information, building project development and agriculture. It should be noted that often

once the data becomes available other entities often find uses for the data. This is part of the third

and final jump in value that the data experiences. Generally the value gained in this step is outside

of the initial project bounds of collecting the data, so it is outside of a traditional cost-benefit

analysis making it more difficult to track. However the gain in value is still there and should be

calculated through the decision making advantage gained to the outside players.

4.1.6 CONSERVATION EASEMENT DATA


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With 66 conservation easements, and over 24,700 acres under easement, it is important that

Essex County has continuous access to conservation easement data. By using this data

geospatially, tax/parcel information can easily be integrated with conservation easements. This

integration would allow for analysis of current easements, aid in determining zoning/taxation, and

help planning for future conservation within the county.

The conservation easement data would allow for a greater ROI for Essex County. The main ways in

which this will be seen are through consolidation of data, as well as a large reduction in the time

needed to be spent when dealing with the data. Because all conservation information will be

contained in one place, it will be very easy to link this data to other data sources (such as

parcel/tax information, soil data, zoning, river access, etc.). When conducting future analyses, this

consolidation is vital to time management and the creation of reports in the most effective and

efficient manner.

Conservation data will also help the Tax Assessor to be able to quickly look-up information

(organized within the database) about certain easements. This element of organization that the

easement information (as well as all other geospatial data) will create is vital in gaining a “true”

ROI. Organized information aids in creating the most effective and efficient ways in which to

problem-solve and analyze; which then cuts costs and time spent on projects—subsequently

creating a greater ROI.

4.1.7 PARKS AND RECREATION

A geospatial program will help to create solutions for the Parks and Recreation department

including river access, park locations, and other recreational service activities will also benefit once

inside a geospatial application. Currently, Parks and Recreation is looking for an area that is

suitable for public river access, but a few issues are making it difficult. Some of these issues can be

seen in land cover (i.e. marsh, flood zone), waterfront property value. The use of some

foundational projects such as parcel and tax updates, flood zone data and conservation easements

would aid the Parks and Recreation department in better decision-making and planning for

potential river access. Another project that could be addressed is trail locations (i.e., John Smith

Trail) and launch points (kayaks, canoes etc.) within the county. Another possibility that could be

achieved is the mapping of mountain bike locations, so that they can be utilized by sports

enthusiasts. Outdoor activities in general could be recorded and used to produce maps for the

Parks and Recreation Department. The production of these maps would benefit the county by

giving residents and tourists access to information about available resources that already exist, but

are currently less known/unknown to the public.

4.1.8 RURAL HISTORIC DISTRICT DATA

Essex County’s implementation of geospatial technology into the mapping of its rural historic

districts has many positive outcomes both culturally and financially for the county. Geospatial

technology can be used to map rural historic districts for nomination into the National Register of

Historic Places, a national list of historically significant buildings, sites, and districts. Benefits of

being on this list include: national historic recognition, the insured preservation of the site, and the

possibility of federal money to aid in the preservation of these historic places. Other programs such


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as the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Main Street program and the National Trust's Barn

Again! Programs provide potential benefits for the county’s rural historic sites and districts.

By using geospatial technologies to delineate historic districts for National Register nomination,

Essex County will have the ability to produce hardcopy maps that can be included in marketing

materials to promote tourism of these historic sites. Other benefits include increased property

value (additional tax revenue) for homes within historic districts and potential funding provided by

the federal government for national register site upkeep. Preserving the past of Essex County, by

use of geospatial technology, can have an incredibly positive effect on future development,

attractions, and growth within the county.

4.2 ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO INTEGRATE

The opportunity to gain value using geospatial capabilities comes in two key areas: the

organization and modification of existing data and the increased decision advantage gained from

that organization and modification. Both of these gains have monetary and time value assigned to

them, however as the capabilities gradually evolve to incorporate more operations within the

county, these gains will happen outside of the initial geospatial program. Tracking those gains will

become difficult to do in a traditional cost-benefit sense. However if the other systems are included

within the geospatial system, including the EMS geospatial platform in with the zoning geospatial

platform, the over-all program will gain value in a logarithmic pattern. This structure becomes

important when attempting to include geospatial technology in non-traditional or derivative

applications.

The first step in how the data gains value, the organization and modification of existing data,

follows a three step system. In the initial step, existing data is organized and manipulated to create

a stream lined repository. The second gain happens when that new data is added to the existing

data. New patterns emerge and new projects are created. The final stage happens when the data

exists within the repository in an accurate state for an extended period of time. The greatest area

of value for geospatial technology is change detection. The more accurate that change can be

measured, the more value it gains.

In a separate category, but related to how accurate the overarching data repository is, is the

decision advantage gained through the application of technology. Listed in the previous sections

are examples of how geospatial technology and thought allow for a more precise understanding of

problems which then leads to more accurate solutions. Examples of this include allowing EMS and

911 services accurate knowledge of existing fire hydrants.

Additional opportunities to integrate geospatial technology into Essex County will happen over time

and will follow that pattern above. These projects tend to be more individual driven and will require

a baseline geospatial capability, described in previous sections. Incorporating all aspects of

governmental agencies as well as individuals interested in geospatial technology increases the odds

these projects occurring. An example would be allowing the public to create hiking trails on an

online program specific to Essex County. As shown above these projects do gain value and should

be encouraged and will accrue if the proper data and infrastructure are in place.


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5.0 OPTIONS FOR OBTAINING SOFTWARE AND COSTS

Earlier we discussed COTS vs Open Source as options to obtain geospatial software and noted the

benefits of each. While Esri software comes with a financial cost, it has excellent support and more

critically, it is used by the State, surrounding counties who have a geospatial program, and it is

used by all State agencies. In contrast, open source typically has no direct support options.

Support options can be obtained through private channels via contracts with software developers.

Based on the support options available from Open Source software, we recommend the county

consider the Esri solution.

There are two option open to the county to acquire software. These options can act independently

or can be combined:

1. Purchase of a license(s) directly from Esri

2. Financial support from government funded grants

5.1 ESRI SOFTWARE LICENSING

All local governments in the state have the ability to apply the Virginia State Contract to their

license. This Contract offers discounted prices to the license option chosen by the government. An

Advanced License can costs as much as $16,000 without it, however this is reduced to $8,910 with

the Contract applied. Starting with the second year of license-use there is an annual fee of $3,000

that covers technical support and maintenance. This is a necessary fee. The advanced license can

be registered as concurrent use, which allows for software on as many computers as necessary,

but allows for only one person to be able to use the software at a time.

When Essex County is ready to purchase software, they will need to contact Michelle Lin (ESRI

Sales Representative for Virginia). She can be reached at (909) 793-2853 ext. 2352 or emailed at

[email protected]. Through Michelle the Virginia State Contract can be applied to the Advanced

License purchase.

5.2 GRANT FUNDING

Essex County has many options available when considering government funded grants. Not all of

the grants are directly catered to a geospatial funding opportunity, but instead some of them

highlight the ways in which potential or current county projects could be enhanced with the

presence of technological advancements (such as geospatial capabilities). Another way in which

funding through grants can be found is through environmental related topics. Due to the close

proximity of Essex County to the Rappahannock River and the Chesapeake Bay, funding can be

gained for projects that work to better these water bodies through the use of geospatial

technology.

Currently Esri does not offer grants directly for local governments. They do however provide an

array of background information regarding grants that can be applied to local governments and

where to find them. This information can be located through the following websites:

Esri Special Programs

http://www.esri.com/esri-special-programs

http://www.esri.com/esri-special-programs


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Esri-sponsored grants

https://www.esri.com/grants/find-resources/funding_resources

Government-funded grants

http://www.grants.gov/

5.2.1 POSSIBLE GRANT: 2016 PTT GRANTS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY—NATIONAL

PARK SERVICE

The National Park Service has $40,000 they hope to award to eligible applicants. County

governments are considered to be eligible. This grant provides funding for innovative research that

develops new technologies to preserve cultural resources. Essex County has at least 14 sites on the

National Register of Historic Places, and much of the county will soon be part of a nationally

recognized historic district.

Due to the need that Essex County has for geospatial capabilities, this grant could be applied on

the basis of this need. By finding ways in which the use of geospatial capabilities within the county

could help preserve places of cultural and historic significance, as well as aid in the undertaking of

future research, Essex County has the potential to find funding through this or a similar grant.

Link to information: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=278791

5.2.2 POSSIBLE GRANT: WATERSHED FUNDING—ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

AGENCY (EPA)

The EPA has multiple funding opportunities for local governments in order to help them reach the

goals of the Clean Water Act. Meeting the goals of the Clean Water Act is often expensive and

time-consuming. Because of this, the funding is intended to create some relief for local

governments that serve to protect watersheds and improve our nation’s water quality.

If Essex County were to highlight and explain the ways that funding towards geospatial capabilities

could enhance their commitment to the Rappahannock River and Chesapeake Bay watersheds, it is

possible they could receive resources from the EPA. A geospatial infrastructure would allow Essex

County to more readily address current watershed-related issues. Some ways in which geospatial

capabilities could work towards water quality goals are through analyses of land-use and watershed

factors, as well as using collected data to assess Essex County’s impact on surrounding water

bodies.

Link to information: http://water.epa.gov/aboutow/owow/funding.cfm

6.0 FUTURE IMPLEMENTATION OPTIONS

As the architecture of the geospatial database progresses, capabilities for the future

implementation of the data within this database will evolve based upon the development of specific

datasets. These will serve to complement the everyday workings of the stakeholder departments

https://www.esri.com/grants/find-resources/funding_resources

http://www.grants.gov/

http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=278791

http://water.epa.gov/aboutow/owow/funding.cfm


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that are attempting to utilize the geospatial capabilities. Implementation options will exist on both

the web and mobile platforms, on which geospatial data can be deployed and could potentially

service applications (or ‘apps’, as they are commonly referred to). Counties can design these

geospatial applications to meet very specific needs of both county government departments as well

as citizens. For Essex County, future implementation options could include mobile applications that

allow for the collection and analysis of geospatial data in the field, or even web applications that

allow for custom map requests with multiple layers to be utilized by different departments within

the county government. More specifically, a geospatial database could serve as a repository of

geospatial information from which an E-911 system, or a number of other systems, could retrieve

data.

With a geospatial-centric E-911 system, Essex County will be able to have complete quality control

over the geospatial data that powers their E-911 system, including street centerlines, address

points, and road network information, which could serve to enhance the existing E911 system.

Most importantly, geospatial capabilities provide users within the county the ability to edit and

maintain address data effectively, which could prove to provide a more efficient E-911 system. If

address information is maintained and updated on a regular basis, this will ensure that citizens will

be serviced in a timely manner in the case of an emergency.

7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS AND FIRST STEPS FORWARD

A geospatial program, will promote increased efficiency of data management and data analysis

within the county. The use of geospatial technologies will help in many aspects, including quality of

information, better information access, ease of use, information integration, enhanced return on

investment, better decision making, and access to the digital dominion. All of these aspects will

create stability, better performance and organization of data. In summary there are two criteria

that must be met in sequence to implement a geospatial program. Once these criteria have been

met, the county can begin to identify situations and projects that would benefit with the addition of

geospatial capabilities.

First, the proposed geospatial program will require a Geospatial Program Coordinator who will lead

the initiative and begin to develop the foundation of the program and its future development. The

next steps forward will be obtaining the software best suited to the county’s needs. The software is

an important aspect of the program that creates a starting point for the county to create their in-

house geospatial program. While building this groundwork for the geospatial program in Essex

County it is important to still utilize Timmons. Staying with Timmons initially will allow for a greater

focus on the core requirements that the program will need in order to move forward effectively and

create a strong foundation.

Secondly, as the technical infrastructure develops, and the hardware and software that are

necessary to possess geospatial functionality become available, so too will the capability to begin

building a geospatial database. An investment in Esri software will allow Essex County to build

within a geographically aware database such as Esri’s geodatabase or, “File Geodatabase”, which is

a database structure that allows for the establishment of organizational and relational capability for

geospatial data. With multiple departments within the county government utilizing the geospatial


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capability, along with citizens within the county who will have specific custom data and map

requests, comes the need to organize the database around what is known as the, “Local

Government Information Model”, which is an organizational structure that is designed to organize

local government File Geodatabases into meaningful categories that exist within these

geodatabases. These categories take the form of what are known as, “Feature Datasets”.

Categories include but are not limited to, ‘Address’, ‘Administrative Area’, ‘Cadastral’,

‘Demography’, ‘Parcel Editing’, and ‘Law Enforcement Operations’. Within these datasets, one also

has the ability to build complex spatial relationships, and to build and edit a ‘Parcel Fabric’. Finally,

the Local Government Information Model includes quality standards that can be applied to

geospatial data during editing processes, which take the form of what are known as ‘Domains’ and

‘Subtypes’.

After the two criteria mention above have been met, the county can begin to identify uses for their

geospatial capabilities. For the county to get the best ROI the projects they deem as most

important should be the starting point for their program. These initial projects will create a

framework for future projects within the county. The projects discussed in the ROI section give an

idea of the benefits these projects will provide for the county. With the creation of a strong basis

for in-house geospatial capabilities, the county can begin to develop a program that will produce

positive results by allowing for better utilization of the geospatial data.


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APPENDIX A – GEOSPATIAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR JOB POSTING

Job Title: Geospatial Program Coordinator

Status: Full time

Salary: $45,000 – $50,000 (Suggestion)

Job Summary:

This position directs and manages the efforts related to the coordination, development,

implementation, and maintenance of the county’s geospatial program which have a heavy

emphasis on Geographic Information System (GIS), Enhanced 911 Systems, and Public Safety

Communications projects. The Coordinator will be working closely with IT and program managers.

For more information please contact the Essex County Administrative Services Manager, Pam

Smith, at 804-443-8155 or click on the link below for a full job description. To be considered, a

completed Essex County employment application is required and may be obtained at the link at the

bottom of this page. Completed applications should be submitted to Pam Smith, Administrative

Services Manager, P.O. Box 1079, Tappahannock, VA 22560. Open until filled.

Related Duties:

● Allocates, monitors and evaluates the progress and accuracy of assigned work to the

geospatial program

● Coordinate geospatial needs for other county departments

● Uses geospatial applications and tools to develop, analyze, update, and maintain countywide

geospatial data

● Prepares reports and plans for cost effective development of department growth

● Analyze the county’s infrastructure, environmental, economic, and transportation needs

● Working directly with members of the county to solve problems and coordinate effort

● Responsible for performing quality assurance and quality control procedures on geospatial

data and attribute information

Education and Experience:

● Bachelor's Degree or higher in Geography and/or geospatial related field

● Experience with Geographic Information System applications, tools and databases

● Experience managing several projects simultaneously and be able to effectively prioritize

work based on time deadlines and budget

● 2-3 years of experience with geospatial software and systems management

● Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or Geospatial Analysis preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

● Esri ArcGIS software

● Understanding Esri Geodatabase management and creation


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● Microsoft Office

● Scripting within the Esri Environment

● GPS and data collection

● Excellent communication and outreach abilities

● Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

● CAD

● Local government knowledge

● Metadata experience

● Web map development

● Grant application

Essex County Development Plan for Geospatial...

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