Right-of-Way Information

Based on our discussion on Right-of-Way access at our July meeting I approached our Engineering department here in Airdrie. Here is what they had to say:

Utility companies are required to apply for line assignments within City rights of way (i.e.: roads, parks, etc.) They are granted an alignment at which time they typically state on the plans the depth they are going (typically 1 meter deep). I do not receive as-builts from these companies. Most companies do not provide as-built depths because they are reluctant to say they are 3 feet deep when someone may have changed the grades and they are actually only 1.5 feet deep.

Free Data from the City of Vancouver

Greetings Everyone,

You might find this interesting. The City of Vancouver has begun making some of their data available for free. Check it out:

http://data.vancouver.ca/

You can also provide your suggestions for additional data if you want.

New Hydrological Data from AGS

Hi everyone;

As discussed at our last meeting, I am posting a link to the Alberta Geological Survey's free downloadable data holdings:

http://www.ags.gov.ab.ca/publications/pubs.aspx?series=dig

The catalog is searchable, and there are a lot of potentially useful data available - lots related to geology (predictably), but also some good resources for hydrological data, which is something that seems to be lacking for many regions of our province.

Have a terrific day,
greg

Free ESRI Tools

Some of you might find these free ArcGIS tools useful:

http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/extensions/arcsketch/index.html

http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/extensions/gdbt/index.html

Free VB Editor

Here is a link to a free VB script editor from Microsoft

www.microsoft.com/express/vb/default.aspx

CAD - GIS Integration

Hope you're all enjoying the summer.

Some of you might find this article interesting.

http://www.esri.com/news/arcwatch/0809/surprise-arizona.html

Cheers,

Stefan

Government Data

I came across this blog from Jason Birch of the City of Naniamo, BC talking about Government data and acccess. Since some of our discussions surround this topic, perhaps some of you might find his perspective thought provoking?

http://www.jasonbirch.com/nodes/2009/08/03/312/do-you-see-spiders-making-government-data-truly-open/

Cheers,

Stefan

Google Bring Water Data to Life

Some of you might find this interesting.

http://www.circleofblue.org/waternews/2009/world/google-brings-water-data-to-life/

Cheers,

Stefan

E-Government Services

Hello Members,

In the spirit of sharing and keeping the blog alive, I've come across a couple of interesting articles about E-Gov Services that you might find interesting.

Because I can't attach them here, if you're intrested send me a quick e-mail and I'll forward them to you.

Hope you're all enjoying the summer.

Cheers,

Stefan

ESRI User Conference Experience

Sitting at the ESRI User Conference on monday the presentation on ArcGIS 9.4 was truely amazing. Jack Dangermond and the ESRI Inc staff did an excellent job of impressing my and exceeding my expectations the moment I entered the session. Imagine 10,000 delegates in one room!!

The functionality that they are beginning to make possible in this next version will enable a transition for GIS from desktop editing to web enabled editing. There were so many principles that will make this next version one to leverage for government business and citizen engagement.

There are so many presentations that really amazed me and will drive the way forward for the City of Airdrie such as strategic planning for GIS, Automatic addressing updates, and demonstrating ROI for GIS. From technical and paper presentations, this conference is one that I feel has provided me the most value to date and I highly recommend attending. The great thing to consider is that the sessions are structured for the lay person all the way up to the hardcore programmers. Everyone is open to discuss their experiences and learn from each other.

The scale of this event is one that is difficult to explain without you actually being here!

I hope to bring a couple of the presentations that I feel will be of most value to the CRP meeting in September.

Cheers from San Diego!

Corey