The SF Commons Geo Initiative

The SF Commons Geo Initiative aims to foster a functioning local and regional environmental data sharing community with an initial core focus on geospatial data. Our strategy is two-fold: to develop the tools needed to share, find, view, and use geospatial information for regional purposes, and to provide for the training, assistance, and communications that will encourage data exchange and maximize the use of the knowledge of the community.

Technical tools for data sharing and access envisioned are a multi-source data access website, online community discussion tools, map viewers and web mapping services. These will be developed with the continual input of the community and their use encouraged through a suite of services including in-person meetings, metadata training, and software training to improve the quality and quantity of available geospatial data, the usability of that data, and the ability of small and medium sized organizations to use such data.

One of our goals is to bridge the range of technical ability among environmental organizations, from those with existing skilled GIS departments to those just beginning to build capacity for using and creating geospatial data. A robust and ongoing program of training and help will enable all of these organizations to put environmental knowledge to work toward their missions, and will open doors for mutual assistance and collaboration.

Scope of project

•    Three year project
•    North San Francisco Bay regional focus
•    Collaborate with non-profits, local & state governments, selected businesses
•    Incorporate organizations as data users, contributors, advisors, endorsers, funders

Shared Data and Metadata

•    Geospatial Data is the core focus
•    Other environmental data (documents, images, databases, etc) also welcomed
•    Quality metadata emphasized and supported, used for indexing
•    Data can be stored at geoportal site
o    Repository service for organizations not wanting to host their own
o    Backup or mirroring of existing online data
o    Format conversion for higher usability
o    Performance enhancement for map generation
•    Data can be referenced at other online locations (local metadata only)

Online Services

•    Data repository, upload and download spatial and non-spatial data
•    Searchable metadata to find appropriate data
•    Web based mapping for previewing  individual collected geodata
•    Web based map creation using custom combinations of geodata
•    Google Earth / Arc Explorer support
•    Web services support for use by desktop and web based client software
o    OGC formats: WCS, WFS, WMS etc
•    GPS data upload and download

Data Sources

•    GIS data contributed by collaborating organizations
•    From existing government sources
o    Use in place if possible
o    Local copy if format conversion or performance needed
•    Group purchase from commercial sources
•    GPS based geodata collection support

Tools

•    Geoportal host: ArcGIS Server
•    Website: Content Management System, Discussion Forum System, Online File System (to be selected)
•    Web mapping: Google maps, Yahoo Maps, Open Layers…
•    3D mapping: Google Earth, ArcExplorer…
•    Desktop: ArcGis Desktop, open source tools
•    Field: Handheld PDAs, Handheld GPS units, Digital Cameras, Voice Recorders


Community and skill building

•    Collaborate with other organizations in various roles
o    Initial interviews for assessing community resources and needs in detail
o    Ongoing advisory committee
o    Data contributors and users
•    Host periodic open meetings
•    Presentations at relevant conferences and meetings
•    Training sessions: GIS tools, Metadata
•    Host online discussion forums