GIS Mapping to Increase Knowledge ( breakout presentation )
Background Pathways are multiple use facilities for all recreation users. In the past, use of multiple maps and data sources resulted in information that was disjointed, inconsistent and outdated. Calgary Parks is successfully implementing the GIS based field collection App which builds administration and public knowledge, to improve walkability. Missing pathway links, usage, road networks, conceptual designs, snow and ice removal, and more is overlaid to create public facing “Storybook Maps” which allow anyone to see pathway conditions in real time. Description of Program Asset Condition Rating: Annual inspections of pathways are disseminated immediately after completions, indicating which pathways require immediate remediation. With this knowledge, annual work plans and maintenance schedules are immediately generated; Pathway Development: GIS allows for integration of conceptual designs with existing infrastructure to identify potential issues. Maps indicate missing links to be addressed, and barriers to develop potential pathways; Pathway Conditions: Current condition assessments are used by staff to determine pathways needing attention, and by public to determine best walking routes. In winter, the system indicates, in real time to the public, which pathways have been cleared of snow and ice in the last 6, 12, and 24 hours, and locations of plows/sanders on the pathways. Snow removal contractors can also indicate points that are especially icy and require sanding. In summer months, pathway encroachment cutting is tracked and analyzed. Condition knowledge is invaluable in the case of an incident, or when tracking contractor accountability. Outcomes The GIS mapping system with field collection has greatly increased knowledge of needs and deficiencies in Calgary’s pathway system. Any municipality can use this system to build knowledge of their inventory and discover trends not previously apparent. Implications Other municipalities may be able to implement these field collection methods to their GIS systems. While initial costs may be expensive, low or no cost alternatives are available. Efficiencies resulting from the system, including budget tracking, has allowed Calgary Parks to adopt more assets with minimal additional funding. Just as important, the additional knowledge obtained by using this system allows for municipalities to excel at creating walkable communities.