Geospatial Revolution / Episode Two

Summary

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Takeaways

• 😀 Geospatial technologies, such as GIS and real-time data, are transforming urban governance by making city planning more democratic and participatory.
• 😀 Portland invested in geospatial technologies to save money, improve services, and foster better relationships between the city government and citizens.
• 😀 Tools like Portland Maps provide citizens with easy access to crucial city data, such as crime stats, transportation information, and utilities.
• 😀 Real-time information, such as bus locations and transit schedules, is available to the public through applications like Transit Tracker and PDX Bus.
• 😀 The PDX Reporter app allows citizens to report issues, such as graffiti, with real-time GPS tagging, helping the city address problems more efficiently.
• 😀 GIS technology supports long-range urban planning by analyzing data on housing, economic development, and environmental issues.
• 😀 LIDAR technology is used to create 3D models of the city, enabling precise terrain mapping and detailed visualizations of proposed developments.
• 😀 Shadow and sightline analyses performed with GIS help assess the impact of new buildings on public spaces, such as parks and mountain views.
• 😀 The city is working to ensure 90% of Portland residents will live within walking distance of essential services by 2025, using GIS to identify gaps in neighborhoods.
• 😀 Geospatial technology not only improves service delivery but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and fuel consumption.
• 😀 GIS helps improve logistical efficiency in industries such as delivery services by optimizing routesandreducingunnecessarytravel,savingtime,fuel,andresources.

Q & A

How has Portland used geospatial technologies to improve city services?

Portland has implemented geospatial technologies to provide better city services by improving decision-making, saving money, enhancing relationships with citizens, and increasing transparency. Tools like Portland Maps and Transit Tracker have enabled the public to access real-time information on crime, transportation, property data, and utilities.

What is Portland Maps, and how does it benefit citizens?

Portland Maps is an online tool created by the city to provide citizens with easy access to various data such as crime statistics, transportation routes, utility locations, and property information. It empowers the public with the same data that the city uses, fostering transparency and engagement.

How does the Transit Tracker system work in Portland?

The Transit Tracker system in Portland uses GPS and onboard computers in buses to provide real-time location data. This information is accessible to the public via the internet and customer service departments, helping passengers make more informed travel decisions.

What role does geospatial data play in improving accessibility for disabled people in Portland?

Geospatial data helps improve accessibility for disabled people by providing critical information about public infrastructure such as crosswalks, curb cuts, and lighting. This data ensures that the city can plan and maintain spaces that are accessible for everyone.

What is the PDX Reporter app, and how does it improve city services?

The PDX Reporter app allows citizens to report issues such as graffiti, potholes, or other community concerns by submitting photos with GPS coordinates. This app enables the city to receive real-time feedback from the public, which is geographically coded and useful for follow-up actions.

How does Portland use 3D building models in urban planning?

Portland uses 3D building models, created from LIDAR data, to visualize the city's terrain and potential future developments. These models help assess the impact of new buildings on the environment, such as shadow analysis, and ensure that proposed structures do not block views or natural light.

What is LIDAR technology, and how does it contribute to urban planning in Portland?

LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology uses beams from satellites or aircraft to measure the terrain and create highly accurate 3D models of the environment. In Portland, LIDAR data allows for detailed terrain models and the visualization of proposed developments to assess their impact.

How do geospatial technologies help in reducing environmental impact in Portland?

Geospatial technologies help Portland reduce environmental impact by optimizing routes for drivers and delivery trucks. By reducing unnecessary mileage, the city cuts down on fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and wear and tear on vehicles, resulting in significant environmental benefits.

How does UPS use geospatial technologies to improve delivery efficiency?

UPS uses geospatial technologies to optimize delivery routes by using data and algorithms to create the most efficient paths for drivers. This helps UPS reduce fuel consumption, improve delivery speed, and ensure that drivers meet specific delivery windows.

What impact has GIS had on addressing food deserts in underserved neighborhoods?

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have been used by the Food Trust to map areas in need of supermarkets, overlaying data about poverty, health issues, and the availability of healthy food. These maps have helped policymakers focus on bringing supermarkets to underserved neighborhoods, improving access to fresh food.

How does the use of maps and geospatial data help policymakers in urban development?

Maps and geospatial data allow policymakers to make informed decisions by visually presenting areas of high need or opportunities for development. These tools help highlight issues such as lack of access to healthy food, inefficient infrastructure, or areas in need of redevelopment, leading to more effective solutions.