AGI Cymru 2013 - Perspectives from Above - Getmapping PLC
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Tackling Local Environmental Issues using Web Mapping C Mewse AGI Showcase – December 2013
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Use of web mapping tools to tackle local environmental issues This paper describes some of the recent uses of modern digital mapping tools by local action groups, Parish Councils and independent organisations to visualise environmental issues in order to aid decision making. Over the past 3-6 years, digital map data has become easier to transmit over the Web due to better standards and improvements in the speed and reliability of the Internet. The way in which we view the Web has also changed dramatically with a wide range of internet-enabled devices and this has lead to high profile companies advocating the use of digital mapping, such as Apple, Google and Microsoft, and as a result making it an everyday part of our lives. Professional mapping software and map data has long been an essential aid in decision making processes. However, until recently gaining access to the necessary tools and data was particularly difficult for smaller local organisations due to cost, licencing and available skills. The introduction of the Public Sector Mapping Agreement (PSMA) and the release of Ordnance Survey OpenData played a part in changing this. Once this data was available, companies like Getmapping have been able to build lightweight web-based GIS tools to cater for this sector’s needs. Combining these tools and map layers with Getmapping’s aerial imagery and elevation datasets, national address datasets and other publically-available data such as Natural England layers makes GIS easy to grasp and immediately usable by non-GIS users. Uses of Getmapping’s GIS include assessing the recent flooding in the South West of England by Town and Parish Councils, plotting efficient and environmentally-conscious routes for broadband fibre in Somerset, and visualising the state of the Mendip Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). There are, of course, many other potential uses of this GIS system to tackle topical, local issues and some of these will be highlighted.
Transcript of AGI Cymru 2013 - Perspectives from Above - Getmapping PLC
Tackling Local Environmental Issues using Web Mapping
C Mewse
AGI Showcase – December 2013
Introduction
We’ve seen an increasing number of local groups, Parish Councils and charities adopt Web GIS recently.
All have sought the mapping and GIS as an easy step up to tackle issues in their area that are important to them.
Experience in mapping and GIS varies, but is usually low. However the driver is being able to analyse/plot
information, not the product itself.
Barriers to Mapping
Managing map data is easy for GISprofessionals
IT / GIS skills aren’t necessarily available withintheir organisation
Large map datasets are typically out of theprice range of small organisations
However it’s these small organisation that deal with local environmental issues the most
Barriers to GIS
Desktop GIS may be free but it’s difficultto learn
Mountain of terminology
Full of gotchas (data accuracy, currency,licencing etc)
Only useful to the person who’s learnt it
Availability of Web GIS
Web GIS tools are now cost effective
Easy to use
Automatically maintained
Easy to understand
Accessible to all within an organisation
Availability of Mapping
Unlimited Aerial Photography
Maintained Ordnance Survey mapping
Detailed Height Data
Definitive mapping from Local Authorities, Natural England, CCW (Natual Resources Wales) etc
“I couldn’t care less what a Shapefile is…
…but I have a problem that I think I can solve it using maps.”
Arbitrary Venn Diagram
Problem to Solve
Map DataWeb GIS
Attraction to Web GIS
Definitive mapping
Low cost
Barely any setup
Simple terms
Just getting the job done
Action!
Flood gates opened and we saw hundreds of people signing up to the low-cost mapping tool.
Initially all were Town, Parish and Community Councils and then local groups, community projects, Wildlife Trusts, AONBs
etc started using our Web GIS
All had a reason to sign up rather than general interest and usually their reason revolved around planning, heritage,
tourism, protecting environmental assets
Example 1: Wansdyke Broadband
Problem 1
Rural parishes to the South and West of Bath are on the wrong side of the digital divide
Example 1: Wansdyke Broadband
Problem 2
The region is littered with unsightly (and increasingly redundant) telegraph poles and overhead lines
Example 1: Wansdyke Broadband
Problem 3
Replacing infrastructure with underground fibre is a disruptive process
Example 1: Wansdyke Broadband
Action
Overhead lines and BT cabinets are plotted into a Web GIS
Environmentally-conscious route options are measured accurately
Route options take into account features on the ground using aerial photography
Options are reviewed interactively by the group by logging into the Web GIS
Example 1: Wansdyke Broadband
Benefits
Time saved by using map data insteadof ground survey
Cost-effective routes found for thefibre
Character of the area improves
Long-term benefits by attracting small businesses to the area
Example 2: Flood Meetings
Problem 1
With flood events increasingly common, the ability to communicate flood risk issues is vital
Example 2: Flood Meetings
Action
Use visualisations of elevation data alongside Environment Agency data to display at community meetings
Example 2: Flood Meetings
Benefits
Pre-rendered mapping and pre-configured 3rd party datasets allows maps to be produced quickly and easily
Ideas and issues are communicated to the public easily without getting bogged down in GIS
Public participation can increase with effective delivery of maps
Local Resilience Maps can be more effectively drawn up
Example 3: Placemaking in B&NES
The Project
Placemaking scheme is designed to prompt Town and Parish Councils to build plans that can;
- protect environmentally sensitive assets
- reduce pollution
- protect biodiversity
- improve quality of life
Example 3: Placemaking in B&NES
Consistency Across the Project
Access to definitive mapping. B&NES share their live GIS datasets to Parish Councils through their own Web GIS to Parish Online.
Housing Development Boundaries, Green Belt, Highways, SSSIs, AONBs etc
Structure of mapping. Parish Online being upgraded based on project requirements. Creation of Map Layers with defined styling and attribute structure.
Example 3: Placemaking in B&NES
Benefits
Increased understanding of a Parish area
A clear direction for the Town/Village taking into account wider issues
‘smart’ parishes with a wealth of understanding that not normally easily accessible/usable
Summary
These are just a few examples of work we’ve been doing
Collaboration with Local Authorities and Universities has increased public engagement
Shows benefit of inclusive mapping tools and managed data
Gives me something to talk about!
gis.getmapping.com
@GetmappingPLC
LinkedIn.com/getmapping
YouTube.com/getmapping09
