Alabama Geographic Information Council

Table of Contents

Introduction....................................................................................................................... 

Alabama Geographic Information Council.......................................................................... 

Membership and Mandate................................................................................................. 

Activities..................................................................................................................... 

Technical Subcommittee........................................................................................ 

State Agency Uses and Needs Reports.................................................................. 

Geographic Data Survey........................................................................................ 

GIS Symposium.................................................................................................... 

Recommendations and Requests........................................................................................ 

Conclusion........................................................................................................................ 

Executive Summary

Recognizing the potential benefits to be gained through cooperative and coordinated development of the GIS technology in Alabama, Executive Order No. 68 was issued on March 21, 2002, establishing the Alabama Geographic Information Council (AGIC).  The members of AGIC represent various agencies of the State of Alabama, regional and local government, the education community at all levels, State boards of professional licensure, and the private sector. This report provides a summary of the activities and recommendations developed by AGIC over the six-month period authorized for Council activities by Executive Order 68 (March 21-September 21, 2002).

AGIC held its initial meeting in the Old Archives Room in the State Capitol on May 1, 2002 and subsequently has met at least monthly, for a total of seven meetings. The majority of meetings consisted of a report from the Technical Subcommittee on important issues and items for Council action; Council action, as appropriate, on these and other issues; and general discussion.

Executive Order Number 68 required AGIC to establish a Technical Subcommittee to identify the most important GIS issues facing the State and make recommendations to the council regarding the issues. The Technical Subcommittee identified four major areas of activity that became the focus of subcommittee work to support the efforts of AGIC and fulfill the mandate of the Executive Order. These were a statewide geographic data survey, a statewide GIS symposium, assistance to State agencies in developing their individual GIS needs and uses reports, and a compilation of GIS activities and programs in other states.

Results of the geographic data survey can be summarized as follows: GIS is widely used in Alabama by numerous entities and for various applications. Progressive and substantive increase in use and needs for accurate, current data should be expected over the next few years (42% of respondents currently use GIS data; of the remaining 58%, 68% plan to use GIS data over the next 3 to 5 years). There is wide-ranging interest in, and need for, all of the framework data themes (defined below) covered by the AGIC data survey (56% of respondents currently work with framework data, as defined, in some capacity; of the remaining 44%, 70% plan to in the next 3 to 5 years).The section on each of the eight themes included in the survey concludes with the following question: Would your organization benefit from state-level coordination and cooperation relative to the development, maintenance, and update of this framework data layer? The response was over 75% positive (i.e., yes) for all data themes surveyed.

Executive Order Number 68 requires “a need assessment by each state agency represented on AGIC regarding GIS technology.” In general, state agencies report that for most identified data themes (framework themes and selected others), more accurate, precise, and/or current data would be beneficial to the organization and its stakeholders. All agencies responding indicated that they stand to gain benefit from the activities of the AGIC and that they would support the continuation of AGIC or a similar body. All responding agencies also indicated that they would benefit from statewide coordination and cooperation, especially among state agencies, in the development, acquisition, maintenance, and distribution of current, accurate, commonly needed geographic data sets for use in GIS and other applications.

The “Governor’s 1^st Annual Alabama GIS Symposium—Mapping Alabama’s Future” was held in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, at the Bryant Conference Center, August 13-15, 2002. The Symposium, which featured a teleconference with Governor Siegelman, a metadata development workshop, over 20 presentations, and a variety of social activities, was a well-attended, overwhelming success, with capacity participation. Participants represented an exceptionally wide-range of stakeholder groups and governmental officials and served to illustrate the interest in GIS and related technologies and the breadth of GIS activities underway in Alabama.

AGIC respectfully makes the following recommendations and requests relative to Alabama’s future activities and planning for GIS data and related issues and policy:

1)We respectfully request that the Governor maintain the existence of the AGIC through the continuance and amendment of the Governor’s Executive Order Number 68.

2)We respectfully request that the Governor task AGIC, or an officially appointed task force, to address specific issues, outlined below, related to GIS and geographic information in Alabama and to assist in drafting legislation that will:

a)Establish AGIC, or a similar representative body, in the Code of Alabama. 

b)Authorize the establishment of a state GIS coordinating entity, such as an “Office of GIS,” preferably with a GIS Coordinator, in Alabama State Government.

c)Define the roles and responsibilities of each of the above.

3)We respectfully recommend the following for the Governor’s consideration as identified potential responsibilities for AGIC, or the representative body that replaces it, and the GIS coordinating office or entity.

Responsibilities for AGIC (“the council”)

a)Executive level guidance and oversight for the development and implementation of GIS technology for the best value and benefit of the citizens of Alabama. Liaison, communication, and cooperation with the Executive and Legislature branches of State government relative to activities, needs, and policy for geographic information and related issues.

b)Recommendations relative to public policy for GIS and geographic data that emphasize cooperation and coordination among state agencies, federal agencies, environmental agencies, regional planning agencies, municipalities, counties, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, utilities, private companies, individuals, and other states in order to maximize the cost efficiency.

c)Development of a clear and concise strategic plan and business case for development of Alabama’s geographic information infrastructure.

d)Formalization of rules and procedures for electing leadership and conducting council business. This should include a democratic conflict resolution process for issues and concerns relative to the development and implementation of Alabama’s GIS infrastructure and a procedure for modification of the membership structure of the council.

e)Establishment of appropriate committees and subcommittees, including a standing technical committee, to address specific areas of interest, need, or responsibility.

f)Development of policy for the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, particularly state agencies and other governmental entities, in Alabama’s GIS infrastructure and a mechanism for formalization of these roles and responsibilities (MOUs, MOAs, Cooperative Agreements, etc).

g)Development of a mechanism to elect formal representation for Alabama to the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC).

h)Development of policy relative to data indemnity issues, disclaimers, and other legal issues and concerns, including Freedom of Information issues.

i)Development of policy, using accepted and formalized Federal guidelines and standards where possible and appropriate, for data standards and issues of interoperability. Policy should include metadata (documentation) standards and standards for acquisition parameters, accuracy and precision, scale, resolution, and other similar issues, as appropriate.

j)Development of policies and guidelines for incorporation of GIS into statewide, regional, and local planning initiatives.

Responsibilities for GIS coordinating office or entity (“the office”)

a)Implements policies and procedures mandated by the Governor, the Legislature, and the council.

b)Functions as the coordinating and implementation entity for activities and initiatives of the council and for development of the Alabama geographic information infrastructure (data themes or layers).

c)Seeks out, develops, and coordinates sources and mechanisms for funding of data development, acquisition, maintenance, and update with emphasis on collaboration, cooperation, efficiency, wise stewardship of revenues and resources, and avoidance of duplication of effort, particularly among State agencies.

d)Provides technical resources, expertise, training opportunities, and assistance to the stakeholder community relative to GIS and related technologies. Implements activities and initiatives for stakeholder involvement and input (in addition to AGIC membership) including establishment of regional user groups and other venues to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

e)Directs the establishment and maintenance of a metadata-based geographic information clearinghouse for search, discovery, and retrieval of geographic information and data.

f)Organizes and administers an annual GIS symposium for the State of Alabama (Governor’s Annual GIS Symposium).

g)Advocates the development of appropriate GIS classifications within the State Personnel System.

Introduction

Recognizing the potential benefits to be gained by through cooperative and coordinated development of the GIS technology in Alabama, Executive Order No. 68 was issued on March 21, 2002, establishing the Alabama Geographic Information Council (AGIC).  The members of AGIC represent various agencies of the State of Alabama, regional and local government, the education community at all levels, State boards of professional licensure, and the private sector. This report provides a summary of the activities and recommendations developed by AGIC over the six-month period authorized for Council activities by Executive Order 68 (March 21-September 21, 2002).

Alabama Geographic Information Council

AGIC was established on March 21, 2002 through Executive Order Number 68 (Appendix 1) of Governor Don Siegelman. In this order, AGIC was given its directive from the Governor and the membership of the Council was provided for. Membership consists of the Directors, or their designees, from specified agencies and entities of Alabama State government, and members representing various areas and interest groups appointed by Governor Siegelman. Executive Order 68 states that “AGIC shall have only one officer, appointed by the Governor, who will possess the title of Chairperson. It shall be the duty of this presiding officer to call, organize, and conduct meetings of the AGIC; to oversee AGIC’s procedural organization; and to establish and organize any subcommittees. Mr. W. Peter Conroy, of Jacksonville State University, was named as Chairman of AGIC. Council membership and the groups represented by the membership are shown in Table 1.

Table 1.—AGIC Membership.
 

W. Peter Conroy, Chair Director, Jacksonville State University Environmental Policy and Information Center	The Honorable Don McClellan Mayor, City of Alexander City
Ms. Kay M. Argo Director, Administrative Services, Governor’s Office	Ms. Alice McKinney Director, Department of Industrial Relations Ms. Tonya Lee, Designee
Mr. Douglas Behm The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa	Mr. James P. Nolan Governor’s Office
The Honorable Charles Bishop Commissioner, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries	Dr. Donald F. Oltz State Geologist and Oil and Gas Supervisior  Geological Survey of Alabama Dr. Berry H. “Nick” Tew, Designee
Mr. Timothy C. Boyce State Forester, Alabama Forestry Commission	Ms. Anne A. Payne Director, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Mr. Trey Glenn, Designee
Mr. Paul Bowlin Director, Alabama Department of Transportation	Mr. Vincent J. Petix Alabama Power Company, Birmingham, Alabama
Dr. Edwin Clifford Bridges State of Alabama Department of Archives and History Tracey Berezansky, Designee	The Honorable Riley Boykin Smith Commissioner, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Ms. Jo Ashfield Lewis, Designee
Mr. Veston W. Bush, Jr. Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors	Dr. Mark G. Steltenpohl Alabama Board ofLicensure for Professional Geologists
Mr. Larry J. Childers Alabama Department of Economic and Community Services	Mr. Todd R. Strange Director, Alabama Development Office
Mr. Kenneth Curry Malcolm Pirnie, Birmingham, Alabama	Brigadier General Michael Hart Sumrall Adjutant General, State Military Department
Dr. James E. Hairston Alabama Cooperative Extension System Auburn University	Ms. Cynthia Underwood Commissioner, Department of Revenue Mr. Bill Bass, Designee
Mr. Lee Helms Alabama Emergency Management Agency Mr. Jerry McRay, Designee	Mr. James W. Warr Director, Alabama Department of Environmental Management Ms. Marilyn Elliott, Designee
Dr. Randall C. Johnson Director, Alabama Surface Mining Commission	Mr. Larry Watts Regional Planning Council of Greater Birmingham
Mr. William F. Joseph, Jr. Montgomery County Commission	Mr. Brunson White Energen, Birmingham, Alabama
Dr. Michal LeVasseur Executive Director, National Council for Geographic Education Jacksonville State University	Dr. Donald E. Williamson State Health Officer, Department of Public Health Mr. William "Pres" Allinder, Designee
Dr. Henry C. Mabry, III Director, State Finance Department	Mr. David Yeager Mobile Bay National Estuary Program
Mr. Jyles Machen Action Associates, Huntsville, Alabama	Mr. Clifton Ogden USInfrastructure, Inc., Birmingham, AL
Dr. Melinda Maddox Office of Technology Initiatives Alabama Department of Education

The duties and mandates of AGIC as established in Executive Order 68 include the following: 

·Recommend goals, objectives, and a strategic management plan to guide the development and implementation of GIS technology for the best value and benefit of the citizens of Alabama.

·Assess all current geographic information available for the State of Alabama and make recommendations to reduce inefficiency and redundancy in geographic information collection. 

·Recommend policies and strategies which emphasize cooperation and coordination among state agencies, federal agencies, environmental agencies, regional planning agencies, municipalities, counties, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, utilities, private companies, individuals, and other states in order to maximize the cost efficiency. 

·Recommend a strategy for funding and development of an accurate, current digital basemap for the state that includes commonly needed geographic information themes, including the seven framework data layers as defined by the Federal Geographic Data Committee-- roads, streams, orthorectified digital aerial photography, elevation, political boundaries, cadastre (parcel ownership), and geodetic control.

·Meet at least monthly until submission of this report on or about September 21, 2002. 

·Prepare this report, to include the following:

a) a need assessment by each state agency represented on AGIC regarding GIS technology;

b) recommendations with respect to the future organizational structure of the AGIC; and

c) recommendations for implementing a comprehensive GIS strategy.

Activities

AGIC held its initial meeting in the Old Archives Room in the State Capitol on May 1, 2002 and subsequently has met at least monthly, for a total of seven meetings. Table 2 provides information on meetings dates and locations. A quorum (simple majority of membership) was present at all meetings, thus AGIC was empowered to conduct business at each. The majority of meetings consisted of a report from the Technical Subcommittee on important issues and items for Council action; Council action, as appropriate, on these and other issues; and general discussion. On occasion, speakers were invited to give keynote addresses relative to specific areas of interest.

Table 2.—AGIC Meetings.
 

Meeting	Speaker
May 1, 2002 - Alabama State Capitol Archives Room, Montgomery, Alabama
May 15, 2002 - Plant Mitchell, Alabama Power Company, Clanton, Alabama	Mr. John Moeller Staff Director, Federal Geographic Data Committee
June 5, 2002- Alabama EMA Operations Center, Clanton, Alabama
July 10, 2002-Energen Plaza Conference Room, Birmingham, Alabama	Ms. Susan Carson Lambert, USGS National Map Liaison
August 7, 2002 - Alabama League of Municipalities Building  Montgomery, Alabama
August 15, 2002 – Bryant Conference Center, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
September 11, 2002 - Alabama State Capitol Archives Room Montgomery, Alabama

Executive Order 68 requires that AGIC “establish a Technical Advisory Subcommittee that is the technical arm of AGIC. This subcommittee shall identify the most important GIS issues and make recommendations.” Chairman W. Peter Conroy appointed Dr. Berry H. “Nick” Tew as Chairman of the Technical Subcommittee and named its members. Membership of the Subcommittee includes AGIC members and designees, as well as other technical experts from the Alabama GIS community at large. Membership of the Technical Subcommittee is given in Table 3. 

Table 3.-AGIC Technical Subcommittee.
 

Dr. Nick Tew, Chairman	Geological Survey of AL/State Oil and Gas Board
Mr. Douglas Behm	University of Alabama
Mr. Toby Bennington	AL Association of Regional Councils
Mr. Allen Elrod	AL Department of Revenue
Ms. Janet Lassitter	AL Department of Environmental Management
Ms. Jo Lewis	AL Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Mr. Tom Littlepage	ADECA Office of Water Resources
Mr. Steve McKinney	Storm Water Management Authority
Mr. Jim Nolan	Governor’s Office
Dr. Diana Sturm	Mobile Bay National Estuary Program
Mr. Jerry McRay	AL Emergency Management Agency
Mr. Vince Petix	AL Power Company

The Subcommittee has met routinely since its formation in May 2002 and meetings dates and locations are provided in Table 4.

Table 4.-AGIC Technical Subcommittee Meetings.
 

May 29, 2002 -Storm Water Management Authority, Birmingham, Alabama

June 18, 2002 - Storm Water Management Authority, Birmingham, Alabama

July 9, 2002 - Alabama Power Company,  Birmingham, Alabama

July 24, 2002 - Alabama Power Company,  Birmingham, Alabama

August 27, 2002 - Storm Water Management Authority, Birmingham, Alabama

September 10, 2002 - Alabama Power Company,  Birmingham, Alabama

September 17, 2002 - Alabama Power Company,  Birmingham, Alabama

The Technical Subcommittee identified four major areas of activity that became the focus of subcommittee work to support the efforts of AGIC and fulfill the mandate of the Executive Order. These were a statewide geographic data survey, a statewide GIS symposium, assistance to State agencies in developing their individual GIS needs and uses reports, and a compilation of GIS activities and programs in other states. All of these are discussed in detail below. In addition, the Subcommittee assisted AGIC in drafting this report and the recommendations and requests that follow below.

As stated above, the Technical Subcommittee presented an oral report on its activities at each AGIC meeting and, as appropriate, brought forward issues and recommendations for AGIC action, approval, and/or discussion.

Executive Order Number 68 requires “a need assessment by each state agency represented on AGIC regarding GIS technology.” To assist state agencies in developing these reports and to assure some consistency as to content and presentation format, AGIC tasked the Technical Subcommittee to develop a questionnaire template for agency use. An example of this template is provided in Appendix 2, as are the agency responses to the questionnaire and a summary compilation of these responses. In general, state agencies report that for most identified data themes (framework themes and selected others), more accurate, precise, and/or current data would be beneficial to the organization and its stakeholders. Further, the majority of agencies currently use GIS and most desire expanded GIS capability in the future. All agencies responding indicated that they stand to gain benefit from the activities of the AGIC and that they would support the continuation of AGIC or a similar body. All responding agencies also indicated that they would benefit from statewide coordination and cooperation, especially among state agencies, in the development, acquisition, maintenance, and distribution of current, accurate commonly needed geographic data sets for use in GIS and other applications.

AGIC conducted an Alabama GIS Data Survey, seeking answers to a variety of questions regarding digital geographic data used in, or needed by, various organizations in the State of Alabama. This survey addressed data only and was not intended to gather information on functional GIS needs or practices of particular organizations, except in a very general way to help understand the data needs and existing data assets in Alabama. Functional needs assessments (hardware, software, system and data integration, implementation, etc.) are within the purview of individual organizations and are related to their unique business drivers and practices. Thus, assessment of functional needs and practices were not within the scope of overall goals and objectives of AGIC, in that the council was focused on addressing common data needs for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders in the development of an Alabama Spatial Data Infrastructure (ASDI), as part of the National Spatial Data Infrastucture (NSDI). The AGIC GIS Data Survey asked specific questions regarding framework data sets as defined at the national level by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (transportation, hydrography, elevation, digital orthoimagery, cadastre, geodetic control, government unit boundaries), as well as other commonly needed geographic data layers that were identified by the Technical Subcommittee of AGIC. The AGIC Data Survey was adapted, with permission, from the National Framework Data Survey, which was conducted by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) and the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC). The AGIC Survey was developed as a world-wide-web-based survey instrument to allow easy assess to the stakeholder community and to provide for automated digital capture of survey results and subsequent analysis.

The AGIC Data Survey received the first results on July 23, 2002.Data were evaluated from this initial date through September 9, 2002.Identified target organizations and entities were notified about the survey by mail. First, a letter from Governor Siegelman alerting organizations about the survey and urging participation was sent. This was followed by a letter from AGIC Chairman Conroy providing specific instructions for survey participation. Information was targeted to agencies of the State of Alabama, local government at all levels, and selected private sector entities.

The survey approach was based on a general assessment of the current use of geographic data in the entities being polled, followed by more detailed questioning relative to the seven framework data layers as defined by the FGDC.The framework layers were divided into eight primary data themes due to the Cadastral Reference System layer being subdivided.Detailed results of the survey are presented in Appendix 3. As of September 9, 2002, survey response was 27% (260 of 946), representing all targeted areas. Response was particularly strong from state(59%) and regional (62%) governmental entities.

Results of the survey can be summarized as follows: GIS is widely used in Alabama by numerous entities and for various applications. Progressive and substantive increasein use and needs for accurate, current data should be expected over the next few years (42% of respondents currently use GIS data; of the remaining 58%, 68% plan to use GIS data over the next 3 to 5 years). There is wide-ranging interest in, and need for, all of the framework data themes covered by the AGIC data survey (56% of respondents currently work with framework data, as defined, in some capacity; of the remaining 44%, 70% plan to in the next 3 to 5 years).The section on each of the eight themes included in the survey concludes with the following question: Would your organization benefit from state-level coordination and cooperation relative to the development, maintenance, and update of this framework data layer? Figure 1 presents the results of answers to this question for each of eight data themes. These responses clearly indicate the desire from the stakeholder community for state-level coordination in development, maintenance, and update for framework data themes.

Owing to the importance of wide stakeholder participation in the AGIC process, it was decided, in consultation with the Governor’s Office, to convene the “Governor’s 1^st Annual Alabama GIS Symposium—Mapping Alabama’s Future.” This symposium, which was organized by a subcommittee of the Technical Subcommittee, was held in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, at the Bryant Conference Center, August 13-15, 2002. The Symposium, which featured a teleconference with Governor Siegelman, a metadata development workshop, over 20 presentations, and a variety of social activities, was an overwhelming success. Interest in participation exceeded the capacity of the facilities and it is estimated that over 200 individuals participated in some aspect of the event.Participants represented an exceptionally wide-range of stakeholder groups and governmental officials and served to illustrate the interest in GIS and related technologies and the breadth of GIS activities underway in Alabama. Details on the symposium, including an agenda and financial information, are included in Appendix 4.

AGIC respectfully makes the following recommendations and requests relative to Alabama’s future activities and planning for GIS data and related issues and policy:

1)We respectfully recommend and request that the Governor maintain the existence of the AGIC through the continuance and amendment of the Governor’s Executive Order Number 68.

2)We respectfully recommend and request that the Governor task AGIC, or an officially appointed task force, to address specific issues, outlined below, related to GIS and geographic information in Alabama, and to assist in drafting legislation that will:

a.Establish AGIC, or a similar representative body, in the Code of Alabama. 

b.Authorize the establishment of a state GIS coordinating entity, such as an “Office of GIS,” preferable with a GIS Coordinator, in Alabama State Government.

c.Define the roles and responsibilities of each of the above.

3)We respectfully recommend the following for the Governor’s consideration as identified potential responsibilities for AGIC, or the representative body that replaces it, and the GIS coordinating office or entity.

Responsibilities for AGIC (“the council”):

a)Executive level guidance and oversight for the development and implementation of GIS technology for the best value and benefit of the citizens of Alabama. Liaison, communication, and cooperation with the Executive and Legislature branches of State government relative to activities, needs, and policy for geographic information and related issues.

b)Recommendations relative to public policy for GIS and geographic data that emphasize cooperation and coordination among state agencies, federal agencies, environmental agencies, regional planning agencies, municipalities, counties, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, utilities, private companies, individuals, and other states in order to maximize the cost efficiency.

c)Development of a clear and concise strategic plan and business case for development of Alabama’s geographic information infrastructure.

d)Formalization of rules and procedures for electing leadership and conducting council business. This should include a democratic conflict resolution process for issues and concerns relative to the development and implementation of Alabama’s GIS infrastructure and a procedure for modification of the membership structure of the council.

e)Establishment of appropriate committees and subcommittees, including a standing technical committee, to address specific areas of interest, need, or responsibility.

f)Development of policy for the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, particularly state agencies and other governmental entities, in Alabama’s GIS infrastructure and a mechanism for formalization of these roles and responsibilities (MOUs, MOAs, Cooperative Agreements, etc).

g)Development of a mechanism to elect formal representation for Alabama to the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC).

h)Development of policy relative to data indemnity issues, disclaimers, and other legal issues and concerns, including Freedom of Information issues.

i)Development of policy, using accepted and formalized Federal guidelines and standards where possible and appropriate, for data standards and issues of interoperability. Policy should include metadata (documentation) standards and standards for acquisition parameters, accuracy and precision, scale, resolution, and other similar issues, as appropriate.

j)Development of policies and guidelines for incorporation of GIS into statewide, regional, and local planning initiatives.

Responsibilities for GIS coordinating office or entity (“the office”):

a)Implements policies and procedures mandated by the Governor, the Legislature, and the council.

b)Serves as the coordinating and implementation entity for activities and initiatives of the council and for development of the Alabama geographic information infrastructure (data themes or layers).

c)Seeks out, develops, and coordinates sources and mechanisms for funding of data development, acquisition, maintenance, and update with emphasis on collaboration, cooperation, efficiency, wise stewardship of revenues and resources, and avoidance of duplication of effort, particularly among State agencies.

d)Provides technical resources, expertise, training opportunities, and assistance to the stakeholder community relative to GIS and related technologies. Implements activities and initiatives for stakeholder involvement and input (in addition to AGIC membership) including establishment of regional user groups and other venues to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

e)Directs the establishment and maintenance of a metadata-based geographic information clearinghouse for search, discovery, and retrieval of geographic information and data.

f)Organizes and administers an annual GIS symposium for the State of Alabama (“Governor’s Annual GIS Symposium”).

g)Advocates the development of appropriate GIS classifications within the State Personnel System.

The Alabama Geographic Information Council, established by Executive Order Number 68, has successfully completed its work and activities, as reported here. Activities have included seven meetings of the full council, seven additional meetings by the Technical Subcommittee, compilation of GIS needs and uses reports for state agencies, a GIS data survey of the identified stakeholder community, and the “Governor’s 1^st Annual GIS Symposium-Mapping Alabama’s Future.” All data collected as part of the AGIC process indicates a need and desire for a permanent executive level policy organization such as AGIC, as well as a state government sanctioned operational entity (“office of GIS”). It was concluded that establishment of these entities on a permanent basis can result in significant benefit to the State of Alabama as we move forward. The recommendations and requests provided in this report address these areas for potential action by the Governor and Legislature.

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Last updated: December 19, 2003