Geographic Information Systems Services

Local Government GIS Services (mapping, analysis, data management)

Interwest offers contract GIS staffing services to carry out important basic GIS functions such as GIS data management, map/data creation, and spatial analysis. As your GIS needs mature and expectations of functionality and services increase, GIS skill sets can be matched to accomplish important complex tasks.

Utilizing contract GIS services allow agencies to spend less time and money searching for and retaining quality GIS staff. Contract GIS staffing levels can also be quickly tailored to fit ever changing budget situations.

Enterprise Web GIS Tools

Getting real-time spatial information into the hands of agency decision makers is an important objective of GIS efforts. The challenge is to create a web based tool or "GIS portal" for the entire organization. One that is sufficiently easy to use by all levels of staff yet offers adequate functionality and data integration.

Interwest can evaluate the quality of your map layers and information sources to be used in a "portal" setting. During the second phase we will develop and implement a "portal" using the best software solution for your organization. Finally, we will train all your staff on the tools and capabilities of the "portal."

GIS Project Management

Interwest offers GIS project management services for specific larger projects such as CAD data conversions, GIS data integration with enterprise business systems, GIS application development, and fostering of regional GIS cooperatives.

Work may include requirements documentation, vendor evaluation, design documentation, testing, and implementation. Project managers will draw on years of experience within the GIS discipline to mitigate any challenges that might arise.

GIS Integration with Enterprise Systems (permitting, asset management, etc.)

To effectively use an enterprise system requires spatial understanding of its data content and its relationship to surrounding map layers. Most tabular data stored within permitting, asset management, and other enterprise business systems have spatial characteristics that allow the information to be displayed on a map. However, most of the functional pieces of an enterprise system only present the user with a tabular view of the data.

The Interwest GIS team can integrate GIS technology to map-enable the tabular data stored within your enterprise system. We will document all the requirements and then recommend whether to use existing software integration tools or design customized software solutions.

GIS Assessment and Startup

Most local jurisdictions across the nation have implemented GIS technology to support a variety of business functions. The challenge is to leverage a GIS throughout the whole organization in order to maximize benefit to all departments. Without this approach, GIS is often only used for special projects and needs.

Interwest will work closely with the various units throughout an organization and perform in depth research to form a GIS Assessment and Recommendation Plan. The process of creating the plan should be viewed as valuable as the completed plan itself. The process will uncover strategic relationships and expose needs for GIS technology throughout the organization.

Land Records/Development with GIS

The ability to track, collect, integrate, and disseminate development related data has long been a challenge of local governments. It is common for inefficient business processes to generate information that might be months behind the actual development cycle. Not only is information old, but in many cases the information may contain inaccurate data.

Interwest can develop and implement solutions that will improve these processes and ultimately allow for accurate and timely GIS datasets including parcels, streets, addresses, and utilities infrastructure. Solutions may come in the form of specific software, database design/implementation, process changes, digital submission requirements, realignment of staff resources, and increased knowledge and awareness.

GIS Integration with Public Safety Computer Aided Dispatch

Most Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems utilize address databases to locate incoming emergency calls. After successfully locating the caller, a call-taker will identify the correct emergency vehicle to dispatch based on the caller's geographical location. The challenge is that sometimes the address data are not accurate.

The creation and maintenance of a GIS master address database can provide a quality source of address information to a CAD. In addition, a quality street centerline layer with corresponding street names and address ranges is fundamental for successful CAD systems.

Interwest will work with you to develop a well designed process which incorporates the address based GIS layers into the CAD system. This will increases the success of managing incoming emergency calls, thereby increasing public safety.

Automation of Routine GIS Data Tasks

Data tasks such as maintenance, conversions, and overlays are primary functions of a GIS. Traditionally, these have been labor and time intensive manual tasks with a certain amount of inaccuracy due to clerical and human errors.

Interwest can create an automated GIS. First, we inventory existing manual tasks which produce or maintain data. Next we study and select the tasks that are appropriate for automation. Finally, we automate the tasks using available software tools and will ensure that the results are meeting your requirements.

Mobile Data Collection

Information such as street lights, street signs, trees, sidewalk failures, sidewalk ramps (ADA compliance), etc… are some examples of local jurisdiction assets that can be tracked within a GIS. Collecting and storing this type of GIS data is best performed with field devices and a well thought out process that integrates with an asset/maintenance management system.

Interwest will research, recommend, implement, and train your staff to perform GIS field collection that allows your agency to feel confident in the location and condition of its important assets.

Revenue Database Streamline / Audits

Local agencies generate revenue through various tax and fee districts. The revenue is collected through property taxes and fees associated with development. Tracking properties that fall within a district's boundaries has become quite a challenge for most agencies, thereby putting an important revenue source at risk.

Using GIS technology, Interwest can quickly collect and analyze development related information, district boundary information, and parcel information. Additionally any missing parcels can be discovered and added to the corresponding tax levy districts. The data collected can be posted into the appropriate business systems such as the County Assessor Tax Roll or the local agency Permitting System. Easy to read maps can also be produced to allow for a comprehensive understanding of the geography of the districts.

Route Analysis for Integrated Waste

Waste hauling providers have struggled with the increased pace of residential development. Driver routes and daily volume become unbalanced, which causes slower service and increased costs.

Interwest uses GIS technology to analyze existing routes and customer locations and recommend modifications to existing route structures. These modifications result in more efficient driver routes thereby reducing delays caused by unnecessary trips to the land fill and prevent unnecessary overtime paid to drivers. Less time spent on routes will also reduce fuel consumption, providing significant savings.

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