1. WHO ARE WE? The Alabama Association of Regional Councils (AARC) is composed of twelve regions. Each regional planning council is a public organization and encompasses multi-jurisdictional community. Regional councils are a "service arm" of local governments. Their activities are directed in response to local needs. All 67 counties are supported by AARC.

2. Each Regional Planning Commission (RPC) serves their local governments with planning and community development needs through the assistance of highly skilled and experienced Planners and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Professionals. Function

3. – Local Planning Assistance and Grant Writing. – Regional Planning Studies. – Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). –Transportation Planning in Designated Metropolitan and Rural Areas. – Revolving Loan Fund. – Geographic Information Systems to Support Mapping and Local Needs. List of services

4. A majority of GIS data used by the RPCs are reference data. The source of GIS data used depend on their availability and need; Federal, State and Local. US Census Tiger Line Data US Geological Survey-GNIS USDA-National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP)- Orthoimagery AEMA - Critical Infrastructure County Office - County Parcels, etc Each RPC creates, maintains, and updates a variety of in-house data for planning and economic development. RPC’s Geospatial Data

5. Some Common Geospatial Data AARC Creates And Maintains: Municipal Limits Roads Parcel Owner Data Water Systems Data Land Use Zoning Police and Planning Jurisdiction, etc

9. The AARC GIS Taskforce chose to consolidate best available data as identified by the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) Framework approach. Key aspects of NSDI Framework approach are; –seven themes of digital geographic data that are commonly used; –Procedures, technology, and guidelines that provide for integration, sharing, and use of these data; and –Institutional relationships and business practices that encourage the maintenance and use of data. AARC’s Initiatives

10. GEODETIC CONTROL --NATIONAL GEODETIC SURVEY CADASTRAL --BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT ORTHOIMAGERY --U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY ELEVATION --U.S GEOLOGICAL SURVEY HYDROGRAPHY --U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS --U.S. CENSUS BUREAU TRANSPORTATION --DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NSDI Identified Common Data Themes

11. AARC is consolidating Town and Municipal Limits geospatial data statewide. Future efforts may include: –Statewide Water Systems data consolidation –Statewide Street Centerlines data consolidation

12. Statewide Town and Municipal Limits Geospatial data are being consolidated. Best available data from various sources are being combined: –In-house data creation –Locally created town and municipal limits –Census Tiger Line Data Once the data is received at a central location the data will be integrated, checked for inaccuracies, and given FGDC metadata standards. The integration process will be carried out on a yearly basis. Town And Municipal Limits Update

13. What Good are Updated Municipal Limits Data? Availability of basic data for use in applications. Used to delineate other jurisdictional boundaries. –Police, Fire and Planning Jurisdiction lines can be mapped for emergency preparedness and community planning purposes. –A city-wide land use and zoning map can be accurately developed.

14. ADECA is considering a grant opportunity to update and consolidate the water systems data statewide. The project will have a four year implementation period. Seamless statewide datasets include: –water service areas, water sources, pipes lines, valves, hydrants, etc. A pilot project developed by West Alabama Regional Commission will be used as a model for generating the remaining systems. AARC’s Water Systems Update Project

15. A potential statewide project will be to consolidate the road centerline data. Known datasets in use are ALDOT, E911, County Departments, Regional Councils, etc. AARC will be looking for funding and partnerships to further develop the scope of the project. Road Centerline Data Consolidation

16. The completed Town and Municipal Limits data are being sent to TechniGraphicS (TGS) via FTP by the individual RPCs. TGS will integrate FGDC metadata standards into the data. The data will be made available for emergency preparedness purposes. The standardized and complete data will be sent back to the State. AARC’s participation in the HSIP program has been endorsed by ALGO and AEMA, and ALDHS are working on the endorsement letters. Supporting National Geospatial Intelligence Agency’s (NGA) Homeland Security Infrastructure Program (HSIP)

17. AARC will continue to integrating common geospatial data in the RPC’s at a statewide level. The value of any geospatial data lies in sharing the data. AARC will continue its effort in improving the local, regional and state geospatial program. Conclusion

18. ABI DHAKAL CENTRAL ALABAMA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (CARPDC) GIS COORDINATOR, AARC GIS TASKFORCE LIASON 125 WASHINGTON AVENUE, SUITE 320 MONTGOMERY, AL 36104 Email: abhijaya@hotmail.com PHONE: 334-262-4300 FAX: 334-262-6976 www.alarc.org