SCAG Scenario Planning Model

Posted on April 29, 2013 by socalgovgis - Michael Carson

As a companion tool to assist in 2016 RTP/SCS local input and scenario planning, SCAG is developing a Scenario Planning Model (SPM) based on the UrbanFootprint software platform developed by Calthorpe Associates. We believe that SCAG SPM can significantly contribute to the regional and local planning process by expanding land use scenario planning and analysis capacities while maintaining consistency across the region. SCAG plans to rollout SPM and data around October, 2013. More information can be found at: http://www.scag.ca.gov/modeling/scenarioplanning.htm.

For the model to be most useful to local jurisdictions, we would like to form a SPM working group consisting of one (or more) designated staff from selected jurisdictions. The role of the SPM working group is to provide guidance in developing a more efficient model that better serves the needs of end users such as local and regional planners. We envision that the SPM working group will be a forum for sharing ideas and expectations about the model’s functions and operations through collaborative interaction. It is also an opportunity for members to gain first-hand experience with SPM tools and data.

We are reaching out to your jurisdiction based on past participation in the SCAG 2012 RTP/SCS local input process and GIS services program as well as the status of the General Plan land use element update. Participation in the SPM working group may require approximately 10-15 staff working hours per month and 20-25 hours per month if your jurisdiction would like to participate in pilot testing (which is anticipated to begin July, 2013). We anticipate the majority of SPM working group activities to occur between May, 2013 and August, 2013.

If you are interested in joining the SPM working group, please respond by May 3, 2013 – we would greatly appreciate your participation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Amy Volz at volz@scag.ca.gov or (213) 236-1919 or Guoxiong Huang at huang@scag.ca.gov or (213) 236-1948. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Guoxiong Huang
Manager, Modeling & Forecasting

NACIS Student Mapping Competitions

Posted on April 17, 2013 by socalgovgis - Michael Carson

From the NACIS Board of Directors:

The North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS) recognizes the important contributions students make to our field. To recognize some of their hard work and achievements, we offer two fantastic student competitions each year at our annual conference (this year October 9–11 in Greenville, SC). All students currently enrolled in a certificate program, undergraduate, or graduate/post-graduate program are eligible to enter, as long as they have not previously won top prize in either competition.

Student Dynamic Map Competition: The North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS) recognizes the importance of dynamic mapping in cartography. We are sponsoring the 15th Annual Student Dynamic Map Competition to promote cartographic excellence and innovation in this versatile medium. A first prize of $500 will be awarded in each category. Deadline for submissions is September 13th. To view the rules and prizes, please visit http://nacis.org/index.cfm?x=4

Student Map and Poster Competition: Students who would like to display their works at NACIS 2013 should register for the Student Map and Poster Competition. We encourage all students to submit their maps and technical/research posters for a chance at a prize of $500! There is no entry fee. All entrants will be displayed in the Exhibits Gallery, and the winner will be selected by a ballot of all meeting attendees. The deadline to register is September 13th, 2013. For more information, please visit http://nacis.org/index.cfm?x=18

Please take a moment to encourage your students to enter either of the above competitions. We look forward to seeing the diverse range of entries in Greenville!

Travel Grants and Memberships: As an organization (and as former students ourselves), we’re aware that student budgets don’t often allow for extras like conference attendance or organizational memberships. Each year, NACIS offers up to 10 free memberships to undergraduate students, as well as offering a number of travel grants to students wishing to attend the annual conference. To find out more, please visit http://nacis.org/index.cfm?x=27

Thank you, and we hope to see you in Greenville in October!

Martha Bostwick
NACIS Board of Directors
Chair – Awards and Travel Grants Committee
mlbostwick@mac.com

TopoView – Gateway to the USGS Historical Topographic Map

Posted on April 15, 2013 by socalgovgis - Michael Carson

Check out the new TopoView site. TopoView is intended to serve the immediate need for the older, conventionally printed topographic maps to become easily searched, viewed, and downloaded. The approximately 163,000 maps available through this interface were scanned by the USGS Historical Topographic Mapping Collection (HTMC) project.

AppMyCity! Prize

Posted on April 8, 2013 by socalgovgis - Michael Carson

Do you have a great mobile app that you developed for your city? Then enter it in the AppMyCity! Prize. See http://appmycity.org/about/ for more info. The deadline is April 26, 2013, so you better hurry!

New California GeoPortal

Posted on April 1, 2013 by socalgovgis - Michael Carson

The State of California has a new GeoPortal web site for access to geospatial data resources. Check it out at http://portal.gis.ca.gov .

California Geological Survey Information Warehouse

Posted on March 28, 2013 by socalgovgis - Michael Carson

The California Geological Survey (CGS) has developed a new online tool that allows you to search all of CGS’s Regulatory Maps, Landslide Maps, and Tsunami Maps. Also included are related reports and GIS data.

Regulatory Maps include:

Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone Maps
Alquist-Priolo Fault Zones – GIS data
Fault Evaluation Reports
Seismic Hazard Zone Maps
Seismic Hazard Zone Reports
Seismic Hazard Zones – GIS data

Landslide Maps include:

Landslide Inventory Maps
Landslide maps (digital scans) from CGS Open-File Reports, Special Reports
Watershed Mapping Series Maps
Landslide Corridor Maps
And more soon

Tsunami Maps include:

Tsunami Inundation Zone Maps
Links to local resources for preparedness activities

CGS will be adding more product to the warehouse. Visit their site at http://www.quake.ca.gov/gmaps/WH/index.htm .

First Look Image from the Landsat Data Continuity Mission

Posted on March 22, 2013 by socalgovgis - Michael Carson

The USGS announced the first look image from the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM). The image captures both the host institution of the NC CSC, Colorado State University, as well as the Galena fire scar just west of CSU. The NC CSC is a member node of the NASA Applied Sciences DEVELOP program and the director, Jeff Morisette, worked at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for 10 year prior to joining the USGS. The center is integrating climate observations and models with remote sensing observation to help meet its mission of bringing the best available earth science to help land managers within the Department of Interior. See the full press release for more info.