GIS in the Region of Peel, Speech Example

My name is Ernest Arsenault; my presentation “Region of Peel and the Use of Geographic Information System” is in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology.  My report looks at the Geographical Information System (GIS) setup in Peel and methods that are underway to improve the efficiency of the system.  Additionally, there are areas of emphases that will improve the efficiency of these areas in Peel.

Introductory Definitions

GIS is a technological system which represents and analyzes data on geographic landscapes.  It looks at the surface of the Earth and non-spatial data in an attempt to make use of geographically-related information, in the case of decision-making processes of management of land use, resources, oceans, transportation, and other issues in which the geographic surrounding is particularly relevant.  The long history of GIS provides many unique insights into its use which are out of the scope of this presentation.

There are two groups that handle the Information Services Section of the Public Works Department in the Peel Region.  The first group is the GIS Data Group, which handles the information-related aspect of geographical information in the Public Works and in the Region of Peel.  The GIS Customer Service Group handles inquiries from a number of different parties, where the Group provides solutions in the GIS environment.

The transference of maps into digital format over the past seven to eight years has been seen in the Region of Peel.  Currently the maps and tabulated information is 95% accurate and up to date, according to Region of Peel officials.  The asset inventory management system (AIMS) group that oversees these issues sees the biggest challenge in keeping the data up to date and maintaining the integrity of the system.

Project Management Approach

Project management is important in order to apply the right set of tools, skills, and knowledge to the activities of the project to meet the project requirement.  As projects are expensive and can build or reduce the value in which government provides, the importance of project management can be clearly seen.  Project management centers on delivering value to Peel citizens, as projects are the vehicles of strategic, tactical, or operational change.  Project management focuses on excellence and continuous improvement and ensures delivery of Strategic Plan and Service Strategy Business Plan priorities as well.  Clearly project management is undeniably important for the Region of Peel in its projects.

Project management is handled by the Corporate Project Management Initiative (CPMI) who will ensure the overall project performance and strategic alignment.  The methodology is based on the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOD), which is the standard practice of project management in the Peel Region.  These methodologies are considered crucial to the success of the project.

One important factor in the Region of Peel for GIS is the Service Delivery Enhancement Program (SDEP).  Its underlying principles are found in the threefold standards of avoiding duplication of services, leveraging existing investments, and capitalizing on emerging trends.  Endorsed by our EMT in Fall of 2007, it has a three to five year vision for GIS in the Peel Region.

The SDEP has a number of important objectives in which it operates in the Region of Peel for GIS.  Overall it seeks to develop a strategy and implementation plan to undertake initiatives to improve GIS service delivery at the Region.  It will identify gaps in GIS technology and information, identify changes to business processes and GIS governance to ensure corporate support, and reduce duplication of GIS between the Region, the area municipalities, and other regions.

There are quite a number of projects to ensure the GIS-related services in the Region of Peel.  The GIS Service Delivery Enhancement Program for the Region of Peel is at the forefront of these efforts, overseeing 10 projects that span 3 years.  There has been $1.5 million assigned to information and technology services, operating, and capital budget for GIS.

For officials, there are no gaps in the GIS technology for the Peel Region.  GIS duplication has been avoided in the latest software in which the data is found in a single central repository.  The vision plan for the Region of Peel is 5 years long and a GIS review is performed every 3 years.  The latter ensures the latest business processes and corporate mandates are followed.

Currently there are two projects of worth that are currently involved in the Public Works.  The water and wastewater infrastructure is ongoing and has a budget of $200,000.  There is also a transportation infrastructure project, which has a budget of around $150,000 for the roads with ongoing technical supply.

Conclusion

The Region of Peel has studied GIS technologies considerably.  It has seen the development of GIS rise enormously and mixes with science and technology to resemble its advancements as currently seen.  GIS has remained truly effective in utilizing data and landscape for the graphical representation in the form of geographical maps.  Truly over the years, and certainly in respect to the Region of Peel, GIS-related technologies have come a long way and are extremely important.

GIS in the Region of Peel is incredible important to the area.  In mapping, monitoring, modeling, and maintenance, GIS has utilized applications in these functions in water in wastewater management, as one of the particularly useful features of GIS, specific to the Region of Peel.  GPS coordinates of the Region’s water lines and sewer lines are now tabulated into the GIS and contain up to date information about the defects, which now allows the work crew to be well-prepared in terms of equipment and man force.  Currently under development, transportation management, or road data, is another important project that can benefit the Region of Peel.

Recommendations

In the recommendations for GIS in the Region of Peel, it is most important that the data is kept up to date.  Data is certainly the most important section of the GIS.  In the Region of Peel, GIS can only be successful in displaying up to date information on the generated maps.  Therefore, it is essential for the data in use to be up to date, to ensure a proper and successful functioning of the GIS System.

The latest information that is tabulated in the database and displayed to users must undertake specific measures in ensuring these elements.  While up to date information is ensured, the data that is being mapped must be true and accurate.  If this does not occur, discontent may occur among the users in the case of inaccurate data.  Overall, the GIS systems in the advancements of technology will be able to develop further with increasing utility in various other areas in the future.