GIS in Action 2019: Developing Models and Workflows in Colla...

Welcome to the 27th annual GIS in Action Conference!

GIS technology and professionals are at work around the clock to support our basic needs and our livelihoods. From directing emergency responders to the scene of an accident, to synchronizing trading on Wall Street, to building 5G networks that support self-driving cars, geospatial data and technology helps us understand our environment and improves the quality of our lives.

Whether you are a LiDAR analyst working on risk mitigation, a wildlife biologist conducting habitat assessment, or an economic policy advisor modeling for financial stability, the geospatial approach provides a lens to illuminate and advance our diverse interests and goals.

We are excited to have you join us at this year’s GIS In Action conference. For our keynote, Sisinnio Concas, Ph.D., Program Director for the Center for Urban Transportation Research, will share his insights into autonomous and connected vehicles and how new data sources are critical to developing smarter cars and smarter roads. Through the conference’s diverse sessions, workshops, and socials, you will have opportunities to learn and share with your colleagues and make new professional connections.

GIS in Action is a collaborative effort between the Oregon and Southwest Washington chapter of URISA and the Columbia River Region chapter of the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS). The value of the geospatial industry grows greater every year, and every year GIS In Action brings together talented, creative people to share what they’re working on. Let’s share our collective IQ, learn from one another, and build a stronger, more vibrant community. We look forward to meeting you!

Camille Westlake, President, ASPRS Columbia River Region
Molly Vogt, President, Oregon & SW Washington URISA

The conference takes place Monday, April 22nd and Tuesday, April 23rd in the 3rd floor ballroom at Smith Memorial Student Union on the Portland State University campus (1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201 ).

Developing Models and Workflows in Collaboration

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Models, Scripts and Consultants: Guidance for Ensuring Successful Geoprocessing Outcomes
David Howes, David Howes, LLC
Anthony Falkner, First American Title
When using the ArcGIS desktop products to support geoprocessing requirements, an analyst will typically consider either, or a combination of, (1) building their own models, (2) writing their own Python code, or (3) hiring a consultant to help them. This collaborative professional development session will focus on a range of matters pertinent to these possibilities with a view to providing guidance for GIS analysts from both a technical perspective and a soft skills perspective. With respect to the former, topics will include the relative value and applicability of different approaches, how to transition from one approach to another, and the related challenges and opportunities. With respect to the latter, topics will include the benefits of seeking external support, the nature of the client-consultant relationship, and the range of reasonable expectations useful for ensuring successful outcomes. The presenters will establish a basis for collaboration using examples drawn from their current work for First American Title in Portland, which pertains to the development of tools and processes for tax lot information management. Attendees will be encouraged to build on this basis and, thus, enhance the discussion by contributing their own, examples, ideas, and responses. (1 hour)

Elevating the Cause: Strategies for Community Collaboration Workflows
Tim Hitchins, Portland Community College / Mapping Action Collective
Community-based GIS projects have the potential to elevate the spatial narratives and missions of many grassroots, non-profit, and frontline communities working toward social and environmental justice. But how exactly can GIS be leveraged to achieve this? Drawing on lessons learned from collaborative partnerships between Mapping Action Collective several local groups, this talk will explore specific examples of how custom scripting and database solutions can increase the capacity and advance the goals of social movements and organizations. (30 minutes)

Moderators

Andrew Neuman

Principal GIS Analyst, City of Portland

Andrew Neuman is a Principal GIS Analyst for the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services with 20+ years of Professional GIS experience. He largely works on integrating non-spatial business systems with GIS, GIS database administration and has recently begun developing... Read More →

Speakers

David Howes

Geospatial Information Scientist, David Howes, LLC

David Howes is a geospatial information scientist and the sole owner at David Howes, LLC (dhowes.com) in Seattle, WA, specializing in the development of GIS tools, processes, and supporting infrastructure for a variety of clients from small operations to multinational corporations. With 28 years of academic and private sector experience in both the United Kingdom and the United... Read More →

Anthony Falkner

GIS Specialist & Geospatial Data Administrator, First American Title - Portland, Oregon

Anthony Falkner has been with First American for 15 years, starting out in Customer Service and working his way into the GIS department. His main focus is on data management and development and automating processes using Python. He has a General A.A. Degree and a Certificate in GIS... Read More →