The second Manitoba GIS Users Group’s (MGUG) all-day conference was last week on Tuesday September 25, 2012. Now that it is over, it’s time for a review.
The conference was a fabulous success and the organizers deserve all of the congratulations we can give them. MGUG made their goal of 500 conference attendees. The Victoria Inn was an improved venue over last year and had more of a “conference” feel to it. Last year in my post conference review, I suggested that there was too much separation between the exhibitor floor and the food and refreshments. Problem solved! This year, they were within the same room.
Following up on last year’s success, the exhibitor’s floor was once more an amazing assortment of booths and exhibits. My recommendation for next year: Allow for poster papers. With MGUG’s ongoing support of education, the poster paper section could include an educational poster paper section with award for a winner, in addition to any poster papers that business wanted to display.
The conference got off to a great start with an excellent keynote from Ed Parsons of Google. Ed was a superb speaker with an interesting message about where Google was and where it was going. He entertained and dazzled the crowd. As a Sci-Fi fan, I enjoyed his many subtle or not too subtle Sci-Fi references in his presentation. Who is next? Ed Parsons is a tough act to follow, but MGUG has accepted the challenge of continuously improving.
The Presentations were once again well done and diverse. Fred Meier (Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship) reported the many positive accomplishments from GeoManitoba. It was good to hear about GeoManitoba, because one of the criticisms of GeoManitoba is its lack of communication. More than one person commented to me that they have looked up GeoManitoba on the Government web-site and found nothing. MGUG abandoned the lightning presentations this conference.
The quality of the Panel Discussion at the end of the day was not a surprise to me. Knowing Greg Carlson, Rob Gerry and David Enns as I do, I expected strong thoughtful responses to each question. Perhaps the only disappointment was the lack of controversy, with everyone agreeing on everything.
Congratulations once again MGUG. How will you top this year’s conference?
Monday 1 October 2012
Wednesday 5 September 2012
MGUG Conference 2012
The big MGUG Conference is scheduled for September 25, 2012. This is the second full one-day conference that MGUG has organized. Last year, the conference headliner was Microsoft and the conference was held at Celebrations Dinner Theatre. This was a breakthrough event for MGUG, with attendance in the 350 range.
This year the conference headliner is Google, with Ed Parsons giving the keynote. The attendance is already near 350 with three weeks to go before the event, so it looks like success is nearly guaranteed.
In addition to Google, there are some local heavy hitters speaking including the President and CEO of Manitoba Hydro and the Deputy Minister of Conservation. Dr. Mohamed Abousalem the CEO of TECTERRA is also on the agenda, and he is always worth listening to.
The Geomatics panel discussion at the end of the day has potential to be extremely interesting. Representatives from all walks of Geomatics will be together with representatives from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, GeoManitoba, Manitoba Hydro, the City of Winnipeg, the University of Winnipeg and private industry. David Enns and Rob Gerry are long-time colleagues of mine and both are former MGUG board members - I can vouch for their extensive knowledge of the industry.
Once again, we are looking forward to a great GIS conference. For more information go to the MGUG web site www.mgug.ca
This year the conference headliner is Google, with Ed Parsons giving the keynote. The attendance is already near 350 with three weeks to go before the event, so it looks like success is nearly guaranteed.
In addition to Google, there are some local heavy hitters speaking including the President and CEO of Manitoba Hydro and the Deputy Minister of Conservation. Dr. Mohamed Abousalem the CEO of TECTERRA is also on the agenda, and he is always worth listening to.
The Geomatics panel discussion at the end of the day has potential to be extremely interesting. Representatives from all walks of Geomatics will be together with representatives from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, GeoManitoba, Manitoba Hydro, the City of Winnipeg, the University of Winnipeg and private industry. David Enns and Rob Gerry are long-time colleagues of mine and both are former MGUG board members - I can vouch for their extensive knowledge of the industry.
Once again, we are looking forward to a great GIS conference. For more information go to the MGUG web site www.mgug.ca
Thursday 26 July 2012
Manitoba Road Network
One of the most fundamental datasets in any province or state is a road network. This key feature is used for reference, navigation and routing.
Currently no single organization in Manitoba has overall responsibility for managing and maintaining the complete digital version of a Manitoba Road Network (MRN). Various components are maintained in a piecemeal fashion and some components are not maintained at all. Natural Resources Canada, the creators of the National Road Network, produced the Manitoba portion of the National Road Network (NRN). NRCan does not have a mandate to maintain this network and unfortunately the geometry of the NRN is already becoming dated. Other organizations, such as Manitoba Hydro and the Medical Transportation Coordination Centre are maintaining road networks for their internal operational needs.
In recognition of the need for this important dataset GeoManitoba and Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation have begun a project to establish a Manitoba Road Network. The purpose of the MRN project is to establish a program to develop and maintain a representation of a continuous, accurate, and spatially-referenced centerline for all non-restricted roads in Manitoba.
The objectives of the project include consulting with stakeholders and defining the MRN requirements and establishing partnerships. Development of the MRN will include establishing a governance, ownership and oversight model to ensure the network’s ongoing upkeep.
A successful MRN project will have the following benefits:
- Overall ownership and responsibility as well as ownership and responsibility for individual pieces will be clearly established and documented
- Manitoba will have a road network that is complete and current with a maintenance plan to keep it current going forward
- Public Safety will be enhanced by improved 911 emergency vehicle dispatch
- Improved management of emergencies by Emergency Measures Organizations such as EMO, Manitoba Health, Manitoba Agriculture and Food Initiatives, etc.
- Partnerships will be established with Federal and Provincial government agencies, crown corporations and private industry which will decrease the burden on any one organization and will pave the way for improved data sharing.
- Creation of the MRN will reduce the duplication of effort and cost that is currently expended by various organizations to independently obtain or create a road network for their own needs.
- Improved dispatch of gas, transmission line and emergency service by utility organizations such as Manitoba Hydro.
Monday 28 May 2012
2012 Esri Canada User Conference
For GIS people, the Place to be this Wednesday, May 30, 2012 is the Fort Garry Hotel for the annual Esri Canada User Conference. This conference is an annual event in Winnipeg for the last 15 years (or so).
The conference follows the same formula, year after year, starting with corporate news and new product information and demos from Esri Canada President Alex Miller and Esri technical experts. Hearing what is new and what is coming always creates a buzz at the coffee and lunch breaks. This is a great opportunity to see Esri’s latest technology and their vision for the future. Even if you are not an Esri GIS user, the conference provides wonderful insight into the future and trends of GIS from the market leader.
Following Alex are the Award of Excellence, Education shout out and user presentations. This year the user presentations from Rob Gerry, Jim Boyd & Tony Viveiros and others look extremely interesting. Since there are two tracks, it may be tough picking which one to go see. Personally, I am looking forward to the ArcGIS for SharePoint Technical Session.
For me, the best part of the conference is the fabulous networking with other GISers. Every year the Esri User Conference is one of the best gathering places for GIS people in Manitoba.
The 2012 Esri Canada User Conference should be an excellent program that is well worth the time and entrance fee.
For more information go to the Esri Canada User Conferences section on the Esri Canada web site.
The conference follows the same formula, year after year, starting with corporate news and new product information and demos from Esri Canada President Alex Miller and Esri technical experts. Hearing what is new and what is coming always creates a buzz at the coffee and lunch breaks. This is a great opportunity to see Esri’s latest technology and their vision for the future. Even if you are not an Esri GIS user, the conference provides wonderful insight into the future and trends of GIS from the market leader.
Following Alex are the Award of Excellence, Education shout out and user presentations. This year the user presentations from Rob Gerry, Jim Boyd & Tony Viveiros and others look extremely interesting. Since there are two tracks, it may be tough picking which one to go see. Personally, I am looking forward to the ArcGIS for SharePoint Technical Session.
For me, the best part of the conference is the fabulous networking with other GISers. Every year the Esri User Conference is one of the best gathering places for GIS people in Manitoba.
The 2012 Esri Canada User Conference should be an excellent program that is well worth the time and entrance fee.
For more information go to the Esri Canada User Conferences section on the Esri Canada web site.
Friday 4 May 2012
MGUG Announces its 2012 Keynote Speaker
Mark your calendars, it’s now official … Ed Parsons of Google™ is coming to Winnipeg as the Keynote Speaker for the Manitoba GIS Users Group (MGUG) 2012 Fall Conference & Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 25th at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre. Ed Parsons is Google's Geospatial Technologist. Based in London England, Mr. Parsons is responsible for Google's mission to organize the world's information using geospatial tools including: Google Earth, Google Maps and Google Maps for Mobile. As a geospatial evangelist, Mr. Parsons is on the leading edge reshaping how humanity views the earth and our place in it.
Mr. Parsons will present his perspective on new geomatics applications and concepts. He will address latest advancements in utilization of geospatial concepts in Google products. Mr. Parsons will discuss utilization of Google geo-spatial tools in your applications, and answer related questions.
Previous Conferences have attracted many geomatic professionals and students. Attendance last year topped 350 attendees. With an outstanding slate of geo-spatial presentations, excellent networking opportunities, new larger venue, and phenomenal exhibition trade show, attendance goals for the September 2012 Conference are set at 500 attendees. In preparation and anticipation of the “GeoDrive to 500” an online gauge has been created to track the number of conference registrations on the MGUG website.
This is a preliminary announcement. Additional Conference information will soon be available on the MGUG website.
We welcome any suggestions in helping to build our largest and most successful event to date and thank you for your involvement and interest as we look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, September 25th at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre.
Today's GeoBlog is brought to you by:
Richard Lebedynski, B.A., Adv. Dip. GIS, C.E.T.
MGUG President
Friday 2 March 2012
An SDI for Manitoba
Last week, GeoManitoba released a request for proposal (RFP) for a Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) to replace the Government of Manitoba’s aging MLI site. If you want to read the RFP it is available on MERX (http://www.merx.com/) until March 23, 2012.
What is an SDI?
An SDI comprises the technologies, policies and people necessary to enable the use of spatially referenced data through all levels of government, the private sector, non-profit organizations and academia. Manitoba requires the SDI to store, manage and disseminate its geospatial data across government and to the broader general public. The SDI infrastructure should be scalable to meet future needs and to easily integrate with corporate, local and national SDIs
Is this a good thing for Manitoba?
Let me assure you that a new SDI is a good thing for Manitoba. The existing MLI site has been around for more than 10 years. That’s 70 dog years and 100 internet years. The old site is difficult for the current staff to maintain.
“Anticipated SDI benefits include improved government collaboration, improved communication, and improvements to distribution of government information. These improvements will result in government departments sharing enterprise resources, leveraging efforts, reducing redundancy, enhancing productivity, improving data quality, improving decision-making, and addressing the public need for accurate information efficiently and effectively.”
Cost?
No cost or limit was specified in the RFP. It will be up to those who respond to the RFP to propose a price. This doesn’t mean that the budget is unlimited, but an open competition such as this ensures that taxpayers get the best deal.
Technology?
No technology was specified as mandatory in the RFP although those responding to the RFP are asked to leverage Manitoba’s existing infrastructure in their proposed design but also to be innovative. We are hoping that the result will be a solution that works for all of Manitoba’s spatial data users.
Timeline
The RFP is asking for a solution design by November 2012, with a phased development and implementation completed by summer of 2013.
Stay tuned! Exciting times ahead!
What is an SDI?
An SDI comprises the technologies, policies and people necessary to enable the use of spatially referenced data through all levels of government, the private sector, non-profit organizations and academia. Manitoba requires the SDI to store, manage and disseminate its geospatial data across government and to the broader general public. The SDI infrastructure should be scalable to meet future needs and to easily integrate with corporate, local and national SDIs
Is this a good thing for Manitoba?
Let me assure you that a new SDI is a good thing for Manitoba. The existing MLI site has been around for more than 10 years. That’s 70 dog years and 100 internet years. The old site is difficult for the current staff to maintain.
“Anticipated SDI benefits include improved government collaboration, improved communication, and improvements to distribution of government information. These improvements will result in government departments sharing enterprise resources, leveraging efforts, reducing redundancy, enhancing productivity, improving data quality, improving decision-making, and addressing the public need for accurate information efficiently and effectively.”
Cost?
No cost or limit was specified in the RFP. It will be up to those who respond to the RFP to propose a price. This doesn’t mean that the budget is unlimited, but an open competition such as this ensures that taxpayers get the best deal.
Technology?
No technology was specified as mandatory in the RFP although those responding to the RFP are asked to leverage Manitoba’s existing infrastructure in their proposed design but also to be innovative. We are hoping that the result will be a solution that works for all of Manitoba’s spatial data users.
Timeline
The RFP is asking for a solution design by November 2012, with a phased development and implementation completed by summer of 2013.
Stay tuned! Exciting times ahead!
Monday 6 February 2012
A Manitoba GIS Hall of Fame
The Manitoba GIS User Group (MGUG) has suggested that it may be time for the GIS community to consider recognition awards for GISers in Manitoba who have made a significant contribution. I fully support the idea and I can see how an organization, such as MGUG could institute one or more different awards.
Discussion of this topic is interesting as it fits with an idea I was mulling over since I wrote the Blog on The First GIS Conference. At the time, I pondered more substantial recognition than a reference in the GIS Blog and wrote the original draft of this column several months ago. What I came up with is detailed in idea #3 below.
The first type of recognition award could be along the lines of a “GIS Person of the Year”. This award could recognize someone who has made a significant and valuable contribution to the GIS community in the last year. The current president of MGUG, Richard Lebedynski, is someone I would nominate for this year’s award.
The second award type acknowledges a longer term contribution to the field of GIS. An award of this type helps us show our appreciation to those who have made significant contributions over many years. In addition, a national or international variation on this type of award could be offered to individuals outside of Manitoba, such as Jack Dangermond, in an effort to entice them into attending and speaking to the MGUG conference. This is similar to the International Awards that St. Boniface Hospital offers as part of its recognition and fund raising.
The third idea involves the establishment of a Manitoba GIS Hall of Fame! Why not create and maintain a permanent institution dedicated to those who were builders of the GIS community in Manitoba? By institution, I do not mean that we need to have a building with bronze busts of the inductees. The Hall of Fame can be virtual and could be a part of the MGUG web site. Or, perhaps in addition to the virtual Hall of Fame, GeoManitoba could donate wall space for pictures. I can recommend a few people who deserve this honour, starting with Dr. Marci Faurer.
This is no reason we cannot do any or all of the above and I would love to dedicate a blog to the deserving winner(s).
Discussion of this topic is interesting as it fits with an idea I was mulling over since I wrote the Blog on The First GIS Conference. At the time, I pondered more substantial recognition than a reference in the GIS Blog and wrote the original draft of this column several months ago. What I came up with is detailed in idea #3 below.
The first type of recognition award could be along the lines of a “GIS Person of the Year”. This award could recognize someone who has made a significant and valuable contribution to the GIS community in the last year. The current president of MGUG, Richard Lebedynski, is someone I would nominate for this year’s award.
The second award type acknowledges a longer term contribution to the field of GIS. An award of this type helps us show our appreciation to those who have made significant contributions over many years. In addition, a national or international variation on this type of award could be offered to individuals outside of Manitoba, such as Jack Dangermond, in an effort to entice them into attending and speaking to the MGUG conference. This is similar to the International Awards that St. Boniface Hospital offers as part of its recognition and fund raising.
The third idea involves the establishment of a Manitoba GIS Hall of Fame! Why not create and maintain a permanent institution dedicated to those who were builders of the GIS community in Manitoba? By institution, I do not mean that we need to have a building with bronze busts of the inductees. The Hall of Fame can be virtual and could be a part of the MGUG web site. Or, perhaps in addition to the virtual Hall of Fame, GeoManitoba could donate wall space for pictures. I can recommend a few people who deserve this honour, starting with Dr. Marci Faurer.
This is no reason we cannot do any or all of the above and I would love to dedicate a blog to the deserving winner(s).
Thursday 26 January 2012
GeoManitoba is Officially Announced
In case you missed it, the Government of Manitoba officially announced the creation of GeoManitoba on its website on GIS Day - November 16, 2011. (Click here to see announcement)
“GeoManitoba brings together all government mapping and data management services, making it easier for the public and organizations to access these services,” said Conservation Minister Dave Chomiak. “It will also guide the use of geographic information services across government, ensuring the highest possible standards and the best use of new and emerging technologies.”
To the casual person in the public there is little different on the outside – so far. The Government web-site does not yet reflect the new organization and the establishment of GeoManitoba. But GeoManitoba has begun to make its presence felt ...
Underneath the surface GeoManitoba is undergoing a transformation that is good for all of us in the Manitoba GIS community. There is a reorganization and a revitalization of an area that was somewhat neglected for the last ten years. GeoManitoba is currently marshalling the human and geospatial resources to actively participate, and in some cases guide or lead, geospatial evolution in Manitoba. Some of the initiatives will take a year, two or more to develop, but the direction is positive and the impact on the GIS community will be huge.
The head honcho of GeoManitoba is Greg Carlson.
“GeoManitoba brings together all government mapping and data management services, making it easier for the public and organizations to access these services,” said Conservation Minister Dave Chomiak. “It will also guide the use of geographic information services across government, ensuring the highest possible standards and the best use of new and emerging technologies.”
To the casual person in the public there is little different on the outside – so far. The Government web-site does not yet reflect the new organization and the establishment of GeoManitoba. But GeoManitoba has begun to make its presence felt ...
Underneath the surface GeoManitoba is undergoing a transformation that is good for all of us in the Manitoba GIS community. There is a reorganization and a revitalization of an area that was somewhat neglected for the last ten years. GeoManitoba is currently marshalling the human and geospatial resources to actively participate, and in some cases guide or lead, geospatial evolution in Manitoba. Some of the initiatives will take a year, two or more to develop, but the direction is positive and the impact on the GIS community will be huge.
The head honcho of GeoManitoba is Greg Carlson.
Thursday 5 January 2012
2012 New Year's Wishes
A momentous year for GIS in Manitoba has come to an end. Now it is time to look forward to the New Year and what we can hope for in Manitoba:
A New Spatial Data Warehouse
The MLI was state-of-the-art once and is still a fantastic resource for data but it is time for an update with all of the modern services.
Another Big GIS Conference
Yes we all wish for an annual GIS conference in Manitoba to rival or exceed the one that MGUG put on this fall at Celebrations Dinner Theatre. MGUG has given themselves a tough act to follow, but we have expectations now.
Orthophoto Refresh Program
The current orthophoto refresh project is a tremendous update to the old orthos from the 1990s and the organizers and partners need to be commended. The orthos look great. The current refresh has been running for 7 years and we all wonder what happens when the current round of refresh ends? Will there be another round? How long do we have to wait before it starts? Shouldn’t there be an ongoing refresh of old orthos? A Provincial Image strategy that includes the North needs to be developed.
Oh I am sure there is more, but then I wouldn’t have anything to wish for next year.
A New Spatial Data Warehouse
The MLI was state-of-the-art once and is still a fantastic resource for data but it is time for an update with all of the modern services.
Another Big GIS Conference
Yes we all wish for an annual GIS conference in Manitoba to rival or exceed the one that MGUG put on this fall at Celebrations Dinner Theatre. MGUG has given themselves a tough act to follow, but we have expectations now.
Orthophoto Refresh Program
The current orthophoto refresh project is a tremendous update to the old orthos from the 1990s and the organizers and partners need to be commended. The orthos look great. The current refresh has been running for 7 years and we all wonder what happens when the current round of refresh ends? Will there be another round? How long do we have to wait before it starts? Shouldn’t there be an ongoing refresh of old orthos? A Provincial Image strategy that includes the North needs to be developed.
Oh I am sure there is more, but then I wouldn’t have anything to wish for next year.
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