Participation from GIS Community needed to develop plan

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM); together with a consortium of state, local, federal, academic, and private partners, has begun a strategic planning process to foster statewide coordination of geographic information systems (GIS) activities in Florida, and is seeking the input of the GIS community over the next several months.

“This is a ‘casting call’ for expertise and input,” said DEM Director Craig Fugate. “GIS technology is a dynamic resource that impacts and benefits all Floridians, and this is an excellent opportunity for the user community to help shape a plan for the future.”

Several opportunities will be made available for GIS stakeholder involvement in the development of the strategic plan. A survey designed to collect information on organizational needs and experiences with geospatial program coordination can be completed by visiting the project web site at www.floridadisaster.org/gis/capgrant and following the link for the survey. The survey will be available until December 7, 2007.

“We’re actively reaching out to our colleagues across the state to give us input on this vital project,” said Richard Butgereit, DEM GIS Administrator, and project director. “We want to craft a strategic plan that clearly defines the criteria, characteristics, and activities required for sustainable GIS coordination in Florida.”

Regional workshops will also be held throughout the state In December to provide additional opportunities to influence the strategic plan. Agendas for these workshops as well as directions will be available on the project web site: Email Contact  

The workshops are scheduled as follows:

North Florida - December 4, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
R.A. Gray Building, Department of State
500 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, FL 32301

South Florida – December 10, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Volunteer Park Community Center, City of Plantation
12050 W Sunrise Blvd Plantation, FL 33317

Central Florida – December 11, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Orlando Urban Office, FDOT District 5
133 South Semoran Boulevard Orlando, Florida 32807

To participate in any of the regional meetings please RSVP to: Email Contact  

This project is in support of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure and in cooperation with the USGS National Geospatial Program Office, Federal Geographic Data Committee, and the National States Geographic Information Council. The strategic plan is slated for completion in March 2008. For information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management go to: www.FloridaDisaster.org  


Contacts:

Mike Stone
Lead Public Information Officer
Florida Division of Emergency Management
State Emergency Response Team
Tel: (850) 413-9883

Richard Butgereit
GIS Administrator, Florida DEM
Tel: 850-413-9907
Email Contact
www.floridadisaster.org/gis