The Electronic Atlas of Central Indiana

A Cooperative Program for the Conversion of Spatially-Referenced Data
for a Geographic Information System Archive

A Proposal Submitted to the IUPUI University Libraries

David G. Jewett, Bob E. Hall, and Lenore P. Tedesco

Center for Earth and Environmental Science,
IUPUI Department of Geology

Introduction:

The use of geographic information systems (GIS) for acquiring, analyzing, storing, and displaying spatially-referenced data is quickly becoming common place in society. These spatially-referenced data, whether environmental or socio-economic, are the underlying component of GIS. The availability of these data sets will have a major impact on the future of business, industry, research, and education. The IUPUI University Library's current goals to develop a GIS archive and to provide students, researchers, and the general public with access to GIS hardware and software will necessitate the availability of usable data. In accordance with these goals, the Center for Earth and Environmental Science (CEES) proposes to enter into a cooperative agreement with the University Library to assist in the production and conversion of spatially-referenced data sets and in the maintenance of a GIS data archive.
CEES was established on 1 July 1996 to promote interdisciplinary environmental education, research, and service. CEES currently is generating and providing access to a spatially-referenced environmental database for students and local professionals. A cooperative agreement between CEES and the IUPUI University Library will increase the availability of a wide variety of spatial information, provide exciting opportunities in the use of GIS for students and the local community, and insure the success of this essential GIS-oriented effort.

Objectives:

To facilitate the University Library's efforts in getting its GIS archive online, CEES will provide the following services:

· Collect, convert, and organize existing USGS digital line graph (DLG) files for Marion County, Indiana, and the surrounding eight counties. DLG files will be extracted from the Library's CD ROM collection and converted to useable ArcInfo ™ coverages.

· Collect, convert, and organize other spatial data sets, as appropriate for the nine county area, for example: National Wetlands Inventory maps, digital elevation models (DEMs), surficial geology, bedrock geology and soils maps.

· Acquire and unify existing databases from other University sources such as the Schools of Public and Environmental Affairs, Science (Department of Geology), and Liberal Arts (Department of Geography).

· Purchase, scan, index, and mosaic the Indiana aerial photography.

· Develop a system to distribute data contained in the GIS archive via the Internet.

· Participate in developing proposals aimed at obtaining external funding to support this partnership in its efforts to expand the coverage of the GIS archive.

While the objectives of this proposal concentrate on collecting and converting spatial data for Marion and the surrounding eight counties in the Indianapolis-central Indiana region, future cooperative agreements should focus on expanding the archive to include statewide and regional data and building a GIS-clearinghouse for the State.

Methods and Plans:

The objectives of this cooperative program will be carried out during a nine month period beginning 1 October 1996 and ending 30 June 1997. Project personnel will include one graduate student and one or two undergraduate assistants. The graduate student will be in-charge of identifying, collecting, and organizing spatially-referenced data in a GIS database which will be of value to both the University and local communities. The undergraduate student(s) will assist with data input and conversion. Geology Department faculty, Drs. David Jewett and Lenore Tedesco, will supervise the project. Recent faculty/staff additions to the Geology Department, Drs. Douglas Clark and Carol Treadwell, both have GIS experience and will provide valuable advice and assistance.
CEES is an ideal partner for this program because of its ongoing efforts to increase the availability of spatial data of environmental importance. Currently, CEES is involved with the following GIS/data conversion projects:

1. Identifying and verifying water well locations in the state and preparing digital location maps; project funded by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water.

2. Evaluating historical land use in the Crooked Creek watershed, northwest Indianapolis, Indiana, through aerial photograph interpretation.

3. Developing an environmental database (soils, bedrock geology, watershed delineation, aerial photography, etc.) for Marion County, Indiana.

A minimum of four project meetings between both CEES and University Library staff will be scheduled (in October 1996, and January, April and June 1997) in order to identify project priorities, monitor progress and accomplishments, and direct future activities. These meetings will promote communication between project partners and insure the success of the project. CEES also will assist University Library staff in preparing and conducting informational seminars for students, faculty, and the general public, promoting the use of the Library's GIS facilities and archive.
The CEES/University Library partnership also can explore opportunities for obtaining external funding and develop proposals aimed at continuing this cooperative data collection and conversion effort. Potential sources for outside funding include the Federal Geographic Data Committee and the National Spatial Data Infrastructure Framework Demonstration Projects Program. Additionally, CEES would apply for USGS funds to supplement the production of digital ortho-photography for Indiana, as well as establish local agreements for the production and distribution of spatially-referenced data.