Template - Priority Action High Level Plan

Priority Action High Level Plan

FOR THE TOPOGRAPHY FRAMEWORK

(Draft 10/27/99)

October, 1999

_____________________________________________________________

Objective 1: FRAMEWORK DATA DEVELOPMENT

Produce multi-use geographic data through partnership efforts between government and private organizations.

Priority Action:

Complete a digital Framework for Washington including the cadastral (property ownership), hydrography (surface waters), transportation, ortho-imagery (corrected aerial photographs), and topography (elevation) data sets.

Facilitator: Carrie Wolfe

Description of the Topography Framework Project:

Many organizations, at all levels of government and private industry, need the same basic geographic information system (GIS) data for their business functions. One of the themes of data that is commonly needed is topography (elevation). The popularity of digital topography data has increased tremendously, and many organizations now use and develop this information. Unfortunately, many resources are spent duplicating the same types of data sets. In other cases, organizations need this information but cannot afford the data collection costs. This environment of individual data development and use is redundant and inequitable. In addition, it creates data sharing problems. Data sets are often incompatible making cross-jurisdictional and cross-organizational analysis and decision making very difficult.

These issues will be addressed within the Washington State Topography Framework Project. Over the past several years, there have been several cooperative projects between federal and state agencies to collect 30 meter and 10 meter digital elevation model (DEM) data. These established partnerships will be built upon in the Topography Framework Project. Participation from local government, tribal, and private organizations will be sought in addition to federal and state organizations. A key goal of the Topography Framework Project will be to reduce the duplication of effort in topography data collection and maintenance and to increase data sharing capabilities by producing consistent and sharable data and documentation. Mechanisms will be developed for improving and updating the Topography Framework data over time through long term partnerships. The topography data will be made widely available for improved information access and decision making.

Potential Benefits:

Provide consistent data analysis capabilities across jurisdictions and organizations.

Spread data collection/maintenance costs across many organizations.

Increase opportunity for start-up GIS in resource-poor organizations (e.g. rural counties) by providing database templates, core data, and standard protocols for data sharing partnerships.
Improve access to data for public and private sectors.
Reduce time spent building databases allowing resources for applications development and other vital needs.
Provide better data for decision making and planning functions.
Share information among a network of GIS users through long term business partnerships.

Project Objectives:

Take advantage of concepts and procedures already established within the realm of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI).

Identify data providers and users of Washington Framework and incorporate their needs.

Make Framework data accessible to the public over the Internet for the least possible cost.

Ensure vertical integration between Framework data themes.
Collect and utilize the best available data for the Framework.
Provide a sustainable Framework data system that will endure and evolve over time.
Develop mechanisms to update and improve the Framework data as better information becomes available.
Ensure outreach to potential Framework partners and the general public.
Address and incorporate the business needs identified in the Strategic Plan.

Project Tasks and Estimated Effort: Major tasks that need to be completed to accomplish objectives and a high-level estimate of required effort.

Tasks	Estimated Effort Existing Resources
Task 1 Recruit Framework Theme Partners and develop a Project Charter
Task 2 Identify project funding sources for development and ongoing support	Note: Discussed taking Task 2 out and reflecting it in the Priority Action: Identify management strategies and funding for Framework data development, maintenance, and distribution.
Task 3 Define appropriate business process requirements
Task 4 Define minimum, common data and metadata requirements per theme Task 5 Address appropriate legal issues including data privacy issues
Task 6 Determine available partner data and implement appropriate data integration
Task 7 Define data distribution process including instructions, metadata, and cost support
Task 8 Identify and develop vertical integration (i.e. between framework data themes) methods
Task 9 Develop a long term business plan for Framework data theme sustainability

Potential Project Team Leader and Members:

Topography

Lead - USGS, WSDOT, WADNR, USFS
Members- County organizations (representatives), private organizations, tribal organizations, ASPRS, LSAW - GIS committee

Session Participants:

Shirley Lewis WA State Library

Larry Pearson Benton County

Steven Rush Hanford

Julie Krackstedt CTED

Dave Steele WADNR

Jim Hinthorne CWU

Kim Gleason Klickitat County

Gene Thorley USGS
George Spencer WSDOT

Joe Bowles WW Co. Engineers

Connie Krueger WW Co.