Indiana Geological Survey Receives GIS Achievement Award

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Indiana Geological Survey Receives GIS Achievement Award

Photo showing IGS, BLA, and INDOT personnel involved with the GIS Atlas for Indiana.

Representatives from the Indiana Geological Survey (IGS), the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), and Bernardin – Lochmueller & Associates, Inc. (BLA) at the 2004 GIS Conference. Front row (left to right): David Isley (BLA), Mike Wood (INDOT), Neal Schroeder (BLA). Second row: Denver Harper (IGS), Kia Gillette (BLA). Third row: Chris Walls (IGS), Chris Dintaman (IGS). Fourth row: John Steinmetz (IGS).
Photo by John Day.

The Indiana Geological Survey (IGS) was presented the 2004 Award for Achievement in GIS in the Educational or Not-For-Profit category on February 27 at the annual meeting of the Indiana GIS Initiative (INGISI). The award, which is sponsored by the Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC) and recognizes creative and practical applications of a Geographic Information System, was for A GIS Atlas for Indiana, a collaborative effort of the IGS, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), and Bernardin – Lochmueller & Associates, Inc. (BLA). The INGISI meeting was held during the annual Statewide GIS Conference at the Indianapolis Sheraton Hotel and Suites.

Denver Harper, Chris Walls, and Chris Dintaman of the IGS developed the Atlas and were nominated for the award by personnel of Indiana University's University Information Technology Services. The nomination stated:

"The nominees have greatly improved the availability of statewide GIS data through their development of A GIS Atlas for Indiana. Their online, interactive maps, coupled with downloadable datasets and detailed, FGDC-compliant metadata provide an invaluable resource for GIS users within Indiana and beyond.

"Because the GIS Atlas for Indiana Web site is open to the public, it has benefited a wide range of people. The project has positively impacted local, state, and federal government agencies as well as university researchers and the general public. Specific benefits include providing efficient access to interactive maps on the Web; promoting the creation of consistent metadata; and facilitating effective sharing of GIS data via interactive maps, downloadable datasets, and accessible Web map services.

"In recent years, the Indiana Geological Survey (IGS) has distinguished itself as a statewide leader in the development of GIS applications, the free distribution of GIS data, and the adoption of high standards for quality GIS data and metadata… Their efforts to develop A Statewide Atlas for Indiana undoubtedly help to lay the groundwork for increased awareness of GIS among the citizens (and legislators) of this state. This benefits everyone, and in particular, GIS professionals, whose value in the marketplace are dependent on the continued and increasing demand for their knowledge and services."

Many additional personnel of IGS have been involved in reviewing metadata and maintaining the Web site. Also, many map layers that are included in the Atlas were contributed by BLA, and personnel of BLA and INDOT have participated in data review.