Des Moines Register Editorial Praises GIS and Use/Collection of LiDAR in Iowa

The Des Moines Register Editorial section on Monday, September 7, 2008, praised the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for having the initiative and foresight to invest $6 million in the collection of LiDAR. They highlighted the need for this type of elevation data to allow accurate updates to Iowa's flood plain maps. It was a great way to highlight the importance of this type of data.

Ensure maps of Iowa's flood plains are updated - editorial

Next to that editorial was another one highlighting the use of LiDAR technology in flood prevention in Iowa. David Croll, GIS Coordinator for the City of Johnston, was interviewed regarding his use of LiDAR in protecting a residential area in Johnston during the June 2008 flooding.

How technology can help prevent flooding in Iowa - editorial

What a wonderful way to start a Monday morning - postive feedback on GIS and related technology!

With Liberty & Free Data for All?

Happy 4th of July!

Recently I saw information on what is happening in California with regard to their policies on GIS data. They had similar rules about charging no more than the cost of duplication, as here in Iowa, but some counties were not adhering to that policy. That has now been tested in court and upheld - that they can only charge the cost of creating that copy of the GIS data.

This seems to tie in somewhat with IGIC's endeavor to start building the IGI, or Iowa's contribution to the National Spatial Data Infrastructure.

For more information, please visit these links:
The entire court decision - http://www.cfac.org/content/cfac_v_santaclara.PDF
The 2005 Attorney General opinion - (http://ag.ca.gov/opinions/yearly_index.php?year=2005 , Look for 04-1105).

Johnson County makes the APB

In case you missed it, the All Points Blog picked up a news item out of the Daily Iowan that covered county discussions on charging for data.

http://www.allpointsblog.com/archives/2355-NAVTEQ-600-offer-for-an-Iowa-Countys-Data.html

Thoughts or comments on charging for data in Iowa? Policies that you want to share?