WaTech is requesting increased investment in statewide mapping and location services to help agencies make informed decisions about critical issues such as sea level rise, wildfire management, controlling invasive plants and animals, and ensuring state services are accessible and equitable for all residents. This investment will centralize geographic data through integration with Databricks, modernize technology by transitioning to a cloud-based environment, and enhance the state’s ability to coordinate with local and Tribal governments.
To meet this vision, the GIS Expansion Initiative focuses on the following three- to five-year goals:
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Develop Geoportal 3.0: Expand the Geoportal into a fully functioning system for efficiently sharing geospatial data among Tribal, regional, and local geospatial data partners. This will create a unified platform for diverse stakeholders to access, contribute, and analyze geographic information.
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Enhance integration capabilities: Simplify and document the integration process to make it easy for agencies, with comprehensive support. Leverage cloud technologies and centralized processing, especially for large GIS data, to streamline connections with systems like Health and Human Services and facilities management. This will reduce barriers to data sharing and improve collaboration across state agencies.
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Strengthen statewide coordination: Increase the state’s capacity to work alongside local and Tribal governments on geospatial initiatives, facilitating better data sharing and collaborative decision-making.
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Advancing the GIS workforce: To address the complexities and impact of the GIS domain, the GPO will further review GIS-specific job functions and coordination with the IT classification system. The review will provide recommendations to enhance workforce development, recognize specialized GIS skills, and strengthen our ability to attract and retain top talent in this critical field.
By investing in these areas, WaTech aims to provide agencies with robust mapping and location services that support complex decision-making processes. Whether it’s determining how to best prepare for natural disasters or making sure that transportation services are distributed fairly across communities, improved geospatial capabilities will help Washington state agencies deliver effective, data-driven solutions to the people of Washington.
Progress to date
The Washington State Geospatial Program Office (GPO) has made significant strides in enhancing geospatial data sharing, modernizing infrastructure, and advancing strategic initiatives that support agencies in making informed decisions. Key accomplishments include:
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Completion of the Geoportal 2.0 Natural Hazard Mitigation Project
The GPO successfully launched Geoportal 2.0, establishing the first system in Washington state for agencies to securely and efficiently share Category 2 and 3 geospatial data. This project improves data accessibility, enhancing the state’s ability to plan and respond to natural hazards. -
Modernizing GIS hosting environments
The GPO has modernized GIS hosting environments at WaTech, integrating Azure Active Directory (AD) and exploring the use of third-party infrastructure to increase flexibility, scalability, and security. -
Piloting Geoportal 3.0
The GPO is piloting an expansion of the Geoportal to include Geoportal 3.0, which will enable the efficient sharing of geospatial data among state, local, and regional partners. This platform will support sharing of vital information, such as local zoning data, enhancing interagency collaboration and decision-making. -
Guidance for agency integration
The GPO is providing comprehensive guidance to agencies on integrating authoritative geographic information into existing or new systems, such as OneWA, to ensure that statewide planning and operational systems benefit from high-quality, reliable geographic data. -
Stabilizing funding for high-resolution imagery
The GPO is working to stabilize funding for high-resolution imagery products through group purchasing agreements. This approach aims to make critical geospatial products more affordable and accessible for state, Tribal, and local government entities, in alignment with recommendations from the current legislative study. -
Promoting geographic integration in state decision-making
The GPO is championing the use of geography to connect services to residents, advocating for a vision where geographic information plays a central role in state decision-making. By emphasizing the value of geospatial data, the GPO is ensuring that agencies have the tools and information necessary to address complex issues affecting communities across Washington state.