| Hot Topic: Wisconsin Geographic Information Coordination Council (WIGICC) |
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| By Howard Veregin |
About "Hot Topics"A "Hot Topic" is an issue we judge to be of considerable importance to geospatial professionals in Wisconsin. Our goal is to make this space a quick place to go when you want to know the latest on these major issues. Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it your ideas for Hot Topics! WIGICC (the Wisconsin Geographic Information Coordination Council) has recently formed working groups around three areas: A Permanence Working Group was formed in May, 2011, to identify a pathway for the council to obtain permanency. One goal is to develop a legislation proposal brief that outlines the proposed structure and authority of WIGICC, including questions of composition, funding, activities, and operations. A second goal is to identify and outreach to legislative champions who will help guide WIGICC through the process. This working group is chaired by Jon Schwichtenberg, who is Chair of WIGICC (and President-elect of WLIA). An Elevation Data Working Group was created in April, 2011, with the following goals: develop an inventory of elevation data in the state; provide access to elevation data; create standards for RFP language for data acquisition projects; create a project management team to help manage grants; provide education and outreach; and develop a set of quality control standards for elevation data. Additional documents and details can be found on the group's WIGICC page. The group is chaired by Amanda Schwoegler of the Wisconsin DNR.  An Economic Development Working Group was created in May, 2011, to develop a blueprint for the state to become a leader in the application of GIS for economic development. This includes GIS for site selection and business attraction/retention, but extends into more demanding applications such as economic gardening. A core team consisting of Janet Ady, Matt Kures, Eric Compas, Alvin Rentsch and Howard Veregin has begun to define the goals of the group. Janet Ady is WIGICC's at-large economic development representative and a Board member of WEDA (Wisconsin Economic Development Association). Eric Compas and Alvin Rentsch direct UW-Whitewater's new GIS Center, which has an economic development focus. Matt Kures is GIS Specialist for UW-Extension's Center for Community and Economic Development. More information on these and other WIGICC initiatives can be found on the WIGICC website . |
| Last Updated on September 12, 2011 |
