GIS Inventory (powered by Ramona) version 2.0

The nationwide GIS inventory tool formerly known as Ramona has seen a release of version 2.0.  This version was released back on October the 14th and has seen several improvements and modifications.

The latest version of NSGIC 's GIS inventory tool includes a few upgrades and improvements, including faster and more dependable web-hosting, enhanced tools for both the users and the state-level administrators, and improved integration with the federal government's Geospatial One-Stop (GOS).  There are a few cosmetic issues addressed as well, including a new design and color scheme.



Ramona is produced by the National States' Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) as a tool for states and their partners. Its primary purpose is to track the status of GIS in US state and local government to aid the planning and building of Spatial Data Infrastructures. Ramona is designed to work in concert with Geospatial One-Stop, and was prepared by NSGIC under award NA04NOS4730011 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.


For those of you here in Iowa who haven't visited the Iowa node (http://ia.gisinventory.net ) in some time, feel free to take this opportunity to check back in and learn more about the inventory tools available.  For new users, an account is free and simple to setup.  Here in Iowa we had an initial rush of users sign-up but that number has stagnated a bit over the last year or so.  Either way, if you need some assistance with the site or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Brad Cutler for assistance.

Additional information about RAMONA is available online: About RAMONA 

Eastern Iowa GIS Day 2008

Eastern Iowa GIS Day 2008 was held on October 6 - 7, 2008 at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (GBPAC)) on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa.

This year's Conference kicked off on October 6th with a  LiDAR workshop attended by 25 people.  Attendees were treated to a full day of learning the "ins" and "outs" of LiDAR with specific focus directed at the Iowa LiDAR Project.  Also highlighted was the recently developed "GeoLite" ArcGIS extension developed by the GeoTREE Center.  This extension allows the user to process and analyze LiDAR data.  For further details on GeoLITE:  http://www.geotree.uni.edu/GeoLITE.aspx

Full Eastern Iowa GIS Day festivities kicked off on Tuesday, October 7th at the GBPAC.  Over 175 attended the Conference that placed a spotlight on "Geospatial technologies for natural disaster management."  Before breaking out for presentations, the attendees were treated to three keynote/invited speakers that spoke to their experiences in dealing with geospatial technologies in hazard response.

A total of 18 breakout presentations were offered to pick and choose from.  The range of topics were primarily focused on usage of GIS technologies in response to flooding, tornado, and natural hazard related issues in keeping with the conference theme.  Presentations and video of many of the presentations will be posted shortly after the conference on the GeoTREE website:  http://www.geotree.uni.edu/gisday2008/default.aspx

Make your plans for 2009.  Next year's Eastern Iowa GIS Day does not have a date scheduled as of yet but plans are to shift the conference location to the south in 2009.  Keep an eye on your email inbox for further details as they become available.