11 Guiding Good Governance Good governance with GIS technology is fundamentally about using geographic data to enhance decision-making processes, ensuring that policies are effective. Many states exemplify this approach through adept use of GIS to address a variety of challenges. The strategy, known as results-based governing, involves the use of GIS to visualize complex data on maps, making policy analysis and communication more transparent. It’s a way to ensure that initiatives focus on achieving actionable results rather than just outputs. GIS extends beyond policy implementation. It’s a tool for uniting communities around shared goals, enhancing public engagement, and ensuring that government actions are aligned with the needs of the populace. The Key Bridge collapse response marked a significant change in how stakeholders shared data and coordinated activity across federal, state, and local agencies. A GIS-powered common operating picture was created, which facilitated rapid coordination and enabled the reopening of the Baltimore shipping channel much faster than anticipated. GIS tools such as real-time dashboards, 3D visualizations, and purpose-built apps were developed to manage the response and communicate progress to the public. These tools allowed for efficient data sharing and visualization, crucial for managing vessel traffic and coordinating salvage operations. In Saint Louis County, the integration of GIS technology has improved the accuracy of the voting process. The system uses iPhones in ballot boxes to track their movement toward the Board of Elections office. This technology, coupled with various web maps and mobile apps, ensures that election officials, candidates, and the public are well-informed throughout the election cycle. It helps visualize every step of the process, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of election administration. The US Forest Service spearheaded an effort to increase access to its trove of more than a petabyte of aerial imagery and raster datasets. This culminated in a cross-agency geospatial data sharing service that provides cost savings, increases capacity, and delivers more efficient data management of high-resolution aerial vimagery and raster data. The cloud-based approach is transforming interagency imagery data sharing by allowing the US Forest Service and other federal agencies to manage and share high-resolution aerial imagery and raster datasets. The Interdepartmental Imagery Publication Platform (IIPP) enables agencies to access a broader range of imagery while maintaining control over their data. This collaborative system not only cuts storage and labor costs but also promotes innovation by allowing agencies to use shared data and expertise to address significant challenges. By making geographic data more accessible and understandable, GIS fosters informed decision-making and effective public communication, building support for initiatives. It also unites communities, enhances public engagement, and ensures government actions align with public needs. Innovative applications, such as resilience mapping and efficient service delivery, further demonstrate the positive impact of GIS on governance and public engagement.
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