As a member of the GIS Policy Advisory Committee (GIS-PAC), ISS plays a key role in supporting GIS activities in Palm Beach County. From administrative to technical, our organization is positioned to facilitate the use and growth of Geographic Information technology both within the County government structure and extending outward to other local governments in the area.
To implement an Enterprise GIS most effectively, the system is dependent upon having a centrally managed repository of geographic data. While maintenance of the data is decentralized, access to various agency geographic data is centrally managed. This means that a sophisticated system of databases, servers, high-speed networks and web technology must be available and continuously enhanced and maintained. The GIS Operations include:
Countywide GIS Coordination
Countywide GIS Coordination is housed in the ISS Department due to the service nature of the organization. GIS is a section of the Applications Services Division. Countywide GIS Coordination is responsible for:
- Developing Partnerships
- End User Coordination
- Intergovernmental Coordination
- Contract Administration
- Implementation Planning
- GIS Education
- Public Relations
- Managing the GIS Service Bureau
Currently there are two employees handling this function:
- Kelly Ratchinsky, Countywide GIS Coordinator
- Penny Anderson, Senior Coordinator, VPT Project Manager
Geographic Information Service Bureau
Palm Beach County established the GIS Service Bureau in ISS as part of their application services division.
GeoNav
In April 2001, the GeoNav browser program was introduced to allow everyone on the County's wide area network the ability to easily navigate and access maps and geographic information from their office workstations.
Strategic Direction
GIS technicians, managers and directors from the various BCC departments and constitutional offices met in August 2001 for a GIS Visioning Retreat. The strategic direction set forth was to focus on cost-effective delivery of mandated services while maintaining a high standard of quality and customer satisfaction in meeting changing demands. This session was very successful in identifying priorities and projects for advancing GIS uses in Palm Beach County government. Next steps include focusing on the update of digital ortho photography, completing tasks identified in the Addressing Workplan, assessing opportunities for process improvement between departments, enhancement of the street centerlines, and the publication of additional layers of operational data with the associated metadata.
IT Operations
