Esri Public Works Blog

Houston has successfully digitally transformed by using GIS for better infrastructure management and updating systems to make the city more resilient.

Key Takeaways

• Houston’s public works department has modernized infrastructure management using GIS technology, cloud services, mobile apps, and AI.
• Real-time data and tools aid public works first responders during extreme weather events.
• The city’s next-gen public works boosts operational efficiency and speeds assessment of infrastructure conditions.

https://www.esri.com/about/newsroom/blog/houston-resilient-public-works

Public works organizations have been innovators for decades. As game-changing technology has become more available and its cost has decreased, the number of next-generation public works organizations has multiplied. The future of public works is now, and it is driven by innovation and the application of advanced technologies powered by geographic information system (GIS) technology.

https://apwa.partica.online/reporter/may-2025/marketplace/looking-for-innovation-to-realize-next-gen...

High-performing public works organizations are increasingly embracing data-driven decisionmaking to enhance their operations and service delivery. As they strive to implement this approach, the need for the latest and highest-quality data becomes paramount. To meet this demand, organizations are investing in internet of things (IoT) sensor networks and live data feeds, which are revolutionizing the public works profession by providing elevated metrics and analytics.

https://apwa.partica.online/reporter/may-2025/features/advancing-public-works-with-real-time-gis

Whether you are interested in technology or not, you’re probably aware of artificial intelligence (AI). I call AI the Taylor Swift of technologies, as not a day goes by that I do not run across some mention of Taylor Swift or AI. Having been in the technology industry for over 30 years, I can say that AI will be one of the most impactful technologies in my lifetime, up there with the internet.

In response to the surge of interest in AI, in late 2024, APWA decided to deliver an event dedicated to AI for the public works community. The new APWA Technology Committee was responsible for the content. As a member of the Technology Committee, and someone who is aware of the value of AI to public works, I was excited to be a part of this new event. To schedule the AI Summit as quickly as possible, it was decided that it would be virtual. The summit goals were to: 

• Demystify AI for public works professionals and explore the current state and future of AI in the public works space.

• Prepare public works professionals for conversations around policy, staffing, and ethical considerations regarding AI.

• Provide an opportunity for public works professionals to share experiences and knowledge about the current use of AI and thoughts on future innovation in the fields.

The APWA AI Summit took place on January 29 and 30, and consisted of four sessions, plus a series of breakout rooms to provide question and answer time dedicated to each session’s topics. Below is a summary of the event.

https://apwa.partica.online/reporter/may-2025/features/public-works-meets-ai-takeaways-from-apwas-fi...

In the heart of Oak Hill, West Virginia, lies Needleseye Park, a 300-acre recreational paradise that has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the innovative use of geographic information system (GIS) technology. From its humble beginnings as a hidden gem among the rolling hills of West Virginia to its current status as a premier climbing destination, Needleseye Park's journey is a testament to the power of GIS in shaping outdoor recreational spaces.

https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/april-2025/index.php#/p/12

One thing all infrastructure has in common is location. The United States has long been one of the top global economies and has one of the highest levels of quality of life. Much of that historical success can be attributed to the health and continued expansion of American infrastructure. This infrastructure is so critical to our nation’s prosperity that it is important to monitor its status, plan its future, and fund it accordingly. Geographic information system (GIS) technology is an essential part of this process for maintaining and improving our infrastructure.

https://apwa.partica.online/reporter/july-2025/regulars/how-to-raise-the-grades-in-asces-infrastruct...

Road debris, potholes, clogged gutters, and other minor infrastructure problems may not be urgent, but they do cause residents disruption or delay. Most local governments have some kind of reporting system in place for nonemergency issues, but these systems vary widely in efficiency and effectiveness.

Enter the Citizen Problem Reporter solution by ArcGIS Solutions. Citizen Problem Reporter includes a series of preconfigured apps that help local governments streamline how nonemergency requests are submitted and managed.

https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/arcgis-solutions/local-government/citizen-problem-reporter...

Winter weather impacts roadway safety and increases the risk of traffic accidents. Governments spend over two billion dollars annually to plan, prepare, and execute winter weather operations. As the intensity of winter storms increase, it is crucial for agencies to incorporate real-time data in their response activities.

ArcGIS Solutions, Esri’s collection of industry-specific configurations of ArcGIS, offers a real-time mapping, technology-based Winter Weather Operations solution. This solution utilizes ArcGIS Velocity, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) Internet of Things (IoT) application that allows you to ingest, visualize, and analyze streaming data in real time to make informed operational decisions.

https://www.esri.com/en-us/c/product/winter-weather-operations 

From reducing traffic accidents to minimizing pollution, clean streets and gutters enhance the appearance of your community and play a crucial role in boosting safety and environmental health.

Esri’s Street Sweeping Operations solution helps you improve sweep schedule planning, track real-time progress, and share near real-time sweeping updates with the public. This solution uses ArcGIS Velocity, a software as a service (SaaS) Internet of Things (IoT) application that allows you to ingest, visualize, and analyze streaming data in real time to make informed operational decisions.

https://www.esri.com/en-us/c/product/street-sweeping-operations 

Over the past year, we have showcased previews of the next generation of ArcGIS Field Maps. The upcoming release is not only packed with new highly requested capabilities but also leverages the latest advancements in mobile software development. In support of the Q3 mobile release, you will begin to notice changes in Field Maps Designer with the ArcGIS Enterprise 11.5 update in May and the June release of ArcGIS Online. You can access this upcoming release through the Early Adopter Community.

https://www.esri.com/arcgis-blog/products/field-maps/field-mobility/get-ready-for-the-biggest-field-...