Project Spotlight

State of North Dakota GISTC Road Centerline Study

In November 2006, GeoComm was hired by the state of North Dakota GIS Technical Committee to conduct a study of the status of Street Centerline GIS data in the state of North Dakota. The main goals of the project were to document the status of current centerlines in the state and to plan for the eventual development of a statewide centerline dataset. Another important goal for the GISTC was to be as inclusive as possible in the development of the statewide centerline requirements. While this was a public safety project, the GISTC wanted to create standards that would accommodate as many GIS user groups as possible. The goals, as outlined by the GISTC were:

• Identify best available centerline GIS data
• Recommend GIS centerline standards
  • Ability to plot E9-1-1 calls
  • Standardization across the state
• Identify existing address ranging specifications
• Determine centerline development costs
• Determine centerline maintenance options
• Identify funding mechanisms for centerline development

All of the data required for conducting the study was collected through an online survey and telephone calls. The survey was conducted via a GeoComm Web portal. Follow-up calls were made in cases of incomplete Web surveys or non-response to the Web survey. The purpose of the survey was to evaluate the GIS data inventory in the state of North Dakota . Along with collecting information related to current maintenance processes. The survey data along with recommendations on centerline data development were documented in a final report that was delivered to the GISTC in April 2007.

The North Dakota GISTC was created by legislation in 1995. The GISTC is made up of representatives from nine separate state agencies in the state of North Dakota . It represents the interests of state agencies, and through the agencies, the public.

There were six main deliverables for the centerline project. These deliverables included:

• Centerline Survey
• GIS Standards Document
  • Spatial Standards
  • Attribute Standards
• Sample Data Development (Two Adjacent Townships)
• Data Development Options
• Pricing Options
• Data Maintenance Plan

These deliverables were presented in a final report and final presentation to the GISTC Committee. Working with the state GIS coordinator Bob Nutsch, the survey was developed and submitted to 90 people covering nearly 60 entities.

In addition to the deliverables, weekly status reports were sent to the GISTC. The status reports were followed up by regular conference calls. Issues with the survey response and adherence to the project timeline were discussed. These deliverables were presented in a final report and final presentation to the GISTC Committee. The report detailed the status of GIS at each political entity and included the data development, data maintenance, and cost estimates for the plans.

The project team was presented with several challenges. These challenges were related to agency resistance, expectation of technology, and local and state politics. GeoComm worked closely with the GISTC to ensure the deliverables of this project were successful in the midst of these challenges. 

The final report included not only survey findings but also recommendations for the creation of a statewide centerline dataset. Based on the state’s input, survey results, and GeoComm’s experience, a detailed plan was submitted to Bob Nutsch and the GISTC in April 2007. GeoComm’s report and plan met all of the goals set forth at the beginning of the project, which included the ability to plot    9-1-1 calls, standardized accuracy across the state, and seamless topology across the data set.

The State GISTC is currently reviewing the planning document and will be creating a planning committee to determine the direction that should be taken for the realization of the centerline goal. The main issue confronting the GISTC is funding. Funding is one of the major factors that will determine whether or not this project moves in any direction.