MAPPING PROJECT WINS INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

The Delaware Data Mapping and Integration Laboratory (DataMIL), developed by computer specialists and geologists at the UD, recently was chosen from more than 100,000 organizations and honored for its innovative use of geographic information system (GIS) technology by the Environmental Systems Research Institute Inc. (ESRI). ESRI, the world leader in GIS software, recognizes organizations that provide benefits to society through their use of GIS technology.

The Special Achievement in GIS award ceremony took place on July 11 at the 22nd annual ESRI International User Conference in San Diego.

Delaware DataMIL, developed by UD, the Delaware Geological Survey, the Delaware Office of State Planning Coordination and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), is an online collaboration laboratory developed to facilitate collection, integration, maintenance, distribution and mapping of Delaware's geographic data. It is being considered as a prototype for The National Map, a national internet-based service being developed by the U.S. Geological Survey.

 

It is the only national map pilot having statewide coverage and complete, functioning web-based implementation, William S. (Sandy) Schenck, a scientist with the Delaware Geological Survey and chairperson of the Delaware State Mapping Advisory Committee, said. "At present, it is viewed within the USGS as the potential template for their vision of the national, internet-based service termed The National Map," he said.

The UD team developing the system was led by Richard S. (Dick) Sacher, manager of research and data management in IT/User Services, who was technical lead for the discussion forums portion of the project; John Callahan, an information resource consultant in IT/User Services, who was technical lead for the project; Christina (Tina) Callahan, graphic designer for the project; and Schenck.

DataMIL will ensure the creation of procedures and mechanisms for maintaining a continuously updated distributed database for users to use the most current spatial information. The Delaware Spatial Data Framework
is deployed in one centrally distributed application, giving users the most efficient and specific information they require.

JEANINE MCGANN