State Geospatial Program Office

The Washington State Geospatial Program Office (GPO) provides open data leadership, guidance, policy direction, and oversight across Washington state government. We collaborate closely with GIS departments throughout Washington to ensure that agencies have the geographic information and tools they need to make informed business decisions.

What is GIS?

Geographic Information Systems, or GIS, are sophisticated digital maps that can display various types of information as individual layers. Imagine a map on your computer that shows all the libraries in your town. Now, imagine adding another layer to show areas prone to flooding during heavy rains, and another layer that shows the distribution of parks across different neighborhoods.

GIS enables you to view all these layers on a single map, allowing you to combine them in multiple ways to explore questions like, “Which areas need more emergency shelters for big storms?” or “Where is the nearest food bank?” GIS helps us visualize geographic relationships and assess the impact of various factors within a specific area. It’s like using a map to solve complex puzzles, revealing insights that aren’t apparent with isolated data.

Why GIS matters

To build these maps and better understand our communities, agencies gather data on diverse topics like imagery, salmon habitats, broadband access, and school bus routes. By centralizing this data at WaTech, we avoid duplicating efforts across individual agencies and ensure that decision-making is based on unified, comprehensive information. This approach embodies connected and effective governance—one that not only improves efficiency but also enhances the quality of services for Washington residents.

Our services

Striving to Harness the Power of Where, the GPO offers a range of services and support:

• Access point for the Washington Geospatial Open Data Portal
  Geo.wa.gov provides public access to a variety of geospatial data. This portal is designed to empower agencies, businesses, and citizens by making high-quality geographic information readily available.

• Support for statewide geospatial initiatives
  The GPO coordinates efforts like the Statewide Aerial Imagery Consortium, bringing together agencies to share resources and collectively invest in crucial geographic data.

• Guidance and support for agency collaboration
  We provide guidance and resources to help state agencies work together, breaking down silos to ensure that all entities have access to the information they need to serve Washington residents effectively.

• Statewide spatial governance, policy, and planning
  Through the joint efforts of the Geographic Information Technology (GIT) Committee, the GPO establishes statewide geospatial policies, governance structures, and strategic plans to guide Washington’s use of GIS technology.

Learn more about the "power of where"

Between Two Nerds: Joanne Markert on the Power of Where

In this episode, Nick discusses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its role in connecting government with Joanne Markert, Senior Geospatial Program Officer for the State of Washington.