Viewpoint

Aliceann Wolhbruck, Executive Director, NADO Research Foundation

“The application of GIS is limited only by the imagination of those who use it.” - Jack Dangermond, President, ESRI.

Regional development organizations are learning that Dangermond is right - they are using geographic information systems (GIS) to accomplish much of the work they do to stimulate regional economies. A 2000 NADO Research Foundation survey of 464 regional development organizations, including all economic development districts, found that almost half use GIS.

Economic Development Administration (EDA) planning and transportation planning were among the three most frequently administered federal programs by all respondents. Over 80 percent of respondents who have GIS use it for transportation planning; 75 percent for land use planning; and 69 percent for economic development.

The potential uses of GIS are unlimited. Emergency response routes and enhanced 911 services; flood plain mapping; infrastructure inventory; planning; zoning; brownfields and superfund identification; site selection; school bus routes; special needs transportation for senior citizens and handicapped; natural resource management; tourism development; and housing are some areas in which districts use GIS.

Many districts with GIS do not have adequate capacity (staff and financial resources) to fully use the technology. Districts that use GIS for transportation or disaster mitigation planning might not be using it for economic development planning. There is a need to help districts increase their GIS capacities whether they are new to the field, or have experience.

To help districts increase their GIS capacity, the NADO Research Foundation, in partnership with EDA and the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), announces the Regional GIS Advancement Scholarship Program for EDA planning grantees. In 2003, up to 70 scholarships will be awarded under a three-tier program designed for introductory, intermediate and advanced GIS users.

The program will provide GIS software, training, and support. The introductory level is targeted to help EDA planning grantees get started with GIS. The intermediate package is aimed at advancing the activities of planning grantees with existing GIS technology. The advanced level is structured for planning grantees that fully grasp GIS technology and are ready to incorporate their GIS capacities with the Internet.

Details about the application and selection process will be sent to all EDA planning grantees; information about the program will be available on NADO’s Web site (www.nado.org).

The Regional GIS Advancement Scholarship Program will not only help districts build their GIS capacities. It will also help them let their imaginations put the skills and technology to good use.

November 2002 Index | Previous Page