Elevation Data Task Force: Status Report D. David Moyer Wisconsin Land Information Association February 12, 2003

2003 WLIA2 Task Force Members David Moyer, U.S. National Geodetic Survey (NGS), Chair Harold Charlier, Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors (WSLS) Michael Czechanski, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) Phillip Evenson, Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) Douglas Fuller, Aero-metric, Inc. Robert Gurda, State Cartographer ’ s Office (SCO) Fred Halfen, Ayres Associates David Hart, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Sea Grant Institute and Land Information and Computer Graphics Facility (LICGF) Fred Iausly, Dane County Land Information Office Ted Koch, State Cartographer ’ s Office (SCO) Ed Harvey, Sheboygan County and Wisconsin County Surveyors Association (WCSA)

2003 WLIA3 Task Force Members (cont.) Al Lulloff, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Kent Pena, U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Jerry Sullivan, Wisconsin Department of Administration, Office of Land Information Services (OLIS) Mark Teuteberg, Oconto County Thomas Tym, Ruekert & Mielke, Inc. Michael Bohn, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Paul Hartzheim, Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Darin Henkel, Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Dennis Kanten, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Tanace Matthiesen, Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT)

2003 WLIA4 Affiliation of Task Force Members State Agencies – 9 – DNR, DOT, GNHS, DOA, SCO, UW Federal Agencies - 3 – USGS, USFS, NRCS, NGS Private Sector - 3 – Ayres, Aerometric, Ruekert & Mielke RPCs – 2 – SEWRPC, Bay Lakes Counties – 2 – Dane, Oconto Professional Societies –2 – WSLS, County Surveyors

2003 WLIA5 Issues EDTF Needed to Address Existing elevation data not adequate to meet needs: – Elevation data needed for a large number of activities across the state – These data need to be detailed and accurate – Currently many geographic areas do not have accurate and timely elevation data available

2003 WLIA6 EDTF Objectives Inventory current Wisconsin elevation data Identify current and unmet applications for elevation data Review options for obtaining elevation data Develop cost estimates for improving elevation data and supporting unmet needs Make recommendations to WLIB for meeting elevation data needs

2003 WLIA7 EDTF Activities Appointed in Spring of 2001 Met approximately once a month (15 meetings held) Typically 3 hour meetings Working meetings -- reviewed materials prepared since last meeting and laid out an action plan for the next month – (of 21 members, about 10 have attended most of meetings)

2003 WLIA8 Status of Work Final Report has been drafted Waiting for Office of Land Information to finalize text and graphics for printing and distribution

2003 WLIA9 Report Contents A review of the types of elevation data An inventory of elevation data in the state, as of April, 2002 An overview of user applications and benefits Alternatives for acquiring elevation data Costs (which depend on technology used, accuracy needed, etc.) Findings and Recommendations

2003 WLIA10 General Conclusions We believe there are several actions that need to be taken to improve elevation data in the State We will therefore recommend a variety of actions that can be taken by: – WLIB – State Cartographer’s Office – WiDNR – WisDOT

2003 WLIA11 Findings and Conclusions - I A common, documented elevation database is needed Elevation data is a critical infrastructure element that should be funded by government Digital analysis and viewing tools require compatible digital data formats Evolving technology is providing opportunity for the development of vastly improved elevation data

2003 WLIA12 Findings and Conclusions - II “One size fits all” may not be the answer Elevation data is a public good resource that requires a broad fiscal approach – For example, current resources for floodplain mapping could be spent more effectively – Current documentation of floodplain products produced needs to be improved

2003 WLIA13 Findings and Conclusions - III Maintenance of elevation data is critical WLIB’s EDTF is first attempt to address issue on a statewide basis State agencies should pursue cost-share opportunities with federal agencies In-state firms should be used wherever feasible, to support Wisconsin’s workforce and economy

2003 WLIA14 Recommendations to WLIB The Elevation Data Task Force Final Report includes a number of specific recommendations, directed to several agencies and boards. Ted Koch will be discussing the specifics of these recommendations later in this session.

2003 WLIA15 Questions/Comments?

2003 WLIA16

2003 WLIA17 Elevation Data Task Force: - Recommendations - Ted Koch WLIB Elevation Data Task Force February 12, 2003

2003 WLIA18 Recommendations for WLIB: I Take lead in educating officials of needs and opportunities for elevation data Support WiDNR floodplain mapping efforts Encourage participation of local governments in planning/partnership efforts with state and federal agencies Develop DEM specifications

2003 WLIA19 Recommendations for WLIB: II Establish a Geodetic Standards and Specifications Work Group Adopt hydro enforcing or similar mechanism to maximize DEM benefits Determine procedures and hosting agency for distribution of DEM data Encourage active county support of WI-HMP Encourage use of Wisconsin firms

2003 WLIA20 Recommendations: SCO Maintain and make available elevation metadata free of charge – Include footprint of DEM and floodplain mapping project when available – Integrate similar program for tracking orthophoto and aerial photography projects

2003 WLIA21 Recommendations: WiDNR - I Continue to seek State legislature cost-share funding and lead floodplain improvement effort Be designated as lead agency for I-Team Plan for DEMs and FPM Seek Cooperating Technical Partner (CTP) relationship with FEMA

2003 WLIA22 Recommendations: WiDNR - II Take lead on Memorandum of Agreement for CTP to facilitate participation of counties, cities, villages, and towns in floodplain mapping efforts Make web accessible digital FPM, DTMs, and related elevation data for which WiDNR is custodian Explore with WisDOT, sharing bridge and culvert data needed to support floodplain mapping

2003 WLIA23 Recommendations: WisDOT - I Continue and accelerate the Wisconsin Height Modernization Program (WI-HMP) Explore, with WiDNR, sharing bridge and culvert data needed to support floodplain mapping Continue to pursue earmark funds to support the WI-HMP

2003 WLIA24 Recommendations: WisDOT - II Compile and make available letters of support for the WI-HMP Encourage and facilitate county support of the WI-HMP Encourage the use of Wisconsin firms that are technically qualified and economically competitive

2003 WLIA25 Questions/Comments?