2015 URISA Exemplary Systems in Government Award Recipients Announced

URISA Is pleased to announce the recipients of 2015 Exemplary Systems in Government (ESIG) Awards. Since 1980, URISA's ESIG Awards have recognized extraordinary achievements in the use of geospatial information technology that have improved the delivery and quality of government services. The award competition is open to all public agencies at the federal, state/provincial, regional and local levels. Applications were submitted within Enterprise and Single Process System categories.

ENTERPRISE SYSTEM CATEGORY - Systems in this category are outstanding and working examples of using information systems technology in a multi-department environment as part of an integrated process. These systems exemplify effective use of technology yielding widespread improvements in the process(es) and/or service(s) involved and/or cost savings to the organization.

The 2015 Enterprise System Category Winner is “Boldly Know: York Region’s Enterprise GIS” submitted by John Houweling, Director, Geographic Information Services Branch, Corporate Services Department of the Regional Municipality of York, Ontario Canada

Summary: The Regional Municipality of York’s enterprise GIS system delivers a platform bringing together elements of corporate and regional priorities to support citizens and staff access to information in a timely manner.  This access not only supports corporate decision-making, it also supports public inquiries making the Region more engaged and connected with its community.  The system itself is a complex orchestration of technologies which deliver multiple end point solutions consisting of data from 650 spatial and business data sources and integrates with critical asset and work management systems. The system was made possible due to the hard work of a passionate and committed team whose success was dependent on building and maintaining collaborative relationships with municipalities, local businesses and other agencies within the Region.  Because the Regional Municipality of York Boldly Knows how to deliver GIS and government services in a manner that builds and engages the community, it is deserving of the 2015 Enterprise Exemplary Systems in Government Award!

Distinguished Systems recognized in the Enterprise System Category include:

• Transportation Information Mapping System (TIMS)
  Submitted by:  Ian Kidner, GISP, GIMS Systems Administrator, Ohio Department of Transportation

• NPMap Builder
  Submitted by: Nate Irwin, Web Mapping Coordinator, US National Park Service

SINGLE PROCESS SYSTEM CATEGORY - Systems in this category are outstanding and working examples of applying information system technology to automate a specific SINGLE process or operation involving one department or sub-unit of an agency. The system application results in extended and/or improved government services that are more efficient and/or save money.

The 2015 Single System Category Winner is “Next Generation Permitting System",  submitted by Dennis Hanberg, Planning and Land Services Director, Pierce County, Tacoma, Washington.

Summary: In support of a growing economy dependent on the construction industry, Pierce County recognized the need to process building permits in a more efficient manner while upholding building standards to ensure public safety.  Additional drivers for this initiative include the implementation of fiscal restraints and customer demands and expectations.  The result is a project that revolutionized the permitting process in Pierce County whereby traditionally paper-based processes were replaced by online and mobile tools enabling ease of application, inquiry and inspection. The impact is a system which has reduced customer inquiries by 20% while also reducing the average customer consultation requirements by nearly 80%. Because of the corporate, community and economic impact of Pierce County’s efforts, its Next Generation Permitting System is deserving of the 2015 Single Process Exemplary Systems in Government Award.

Distinguished Systems recognized in the Single Process System Category include:

• Calgary Automated Survey Plan Verification and Reporting (CASPER)
  Submitted by: Arne Svedahl, Leader, Cadastral GeoSpatial Asset Management, City of Calgary , Alberta Canada

• Mobile Voter Line Wait Application
  Submitted by:Tim Nolan, GISP, Senior Applications Manager, Collin County, Texas

The accomplishments will be recognized during the Awards Ceremony at GIS-Pro & NWGIS 2015 in Spokane, Washington, October 18-22, 2015. The recognized systems in each category will be discussed in featured sessions during the conference.. In addition, each system will be highlighted in an upcoming URISA webinar series.

To review the winning submissions for this year’s ESIG Awards, visit http://www.urisa.org/awards/exemplary-systems-in-government/. For details about GIS-Pro 2015, visit www.gis-pro.org.