In Purcellville, Virginia, GIS (Geographic Information Systems) isn't just about maps—it's transforming the way our town operates, making things smoother for both residents and staff. As the person behind many of these GIS innovations, I’m excited to share how this technology is reshaping Purcellville and making it a more connected, efficient, and data-driven community! 🌍✨
One of the first things I tackled was project management. I set up a Jira SCRUM system to keep 47 different projects running smoothly across multiple departments, including GIS, Engineering, and Capital Projects. This tool helps everyone stay on the same page, ensuring that things don’t fall through the cracks. And it’s not just about software—it’s about creating a culture of transparency and accountability, where communication flows freely between everyone involved. :speaking_head:️:bar_chart:
Next up was a huge shift in how we handle our GIS data. I led the charge in moving six different agencies from the old ArcMap and ArcReader systems to ArcGIS Pro and AGOL (ArcGIS Online). This transition wasn’t just about upgrading software—it was about streamlining over 160GB of GIS data and making it more accessible and secure. By putting everything into one central geodatabase, we now have a much cleaner, more efficient system to work with. 🚀:floppy_disk:
But it’s not just about making things easier for our GIS team. I also took the time to organize AGOL in a way that makes it simple for users of all experience levels to navigate. With clear documentation and well-planned user roles, even beginners can jump in and use the system without a hitch. :key:💡
In addition to internal improvements, I’ve been hard at work creating tools that benefit the whole town. I developed several web experiences that give residents easy access to important town data. With over 10,000 people relying on these tools, the GIS department is helping make sure that all of Purcellville’s data is available, understandable, and useful. 🌐:cityscape:️
Taking GIS beyond the computer, I also led a project to improve field data collection. By installing a permanent GNSS base station, I was able to ensure real-time corrections for mobile data collection in the field. This means more accurate data for everything from infrastructure projects to environmental monitoring. 📡🗺️
Purcellville is also using drones to gather data, and I played a big part in shaping the town’s UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) policy. By ensuring that drone operations are safe and legal, we’re able to use aerial imagery and data to improve everything from urban planning to public works. :helicopter::camera_with_flash:
GIS also plays a key role in managing essential utilities like water, wastewater, and stormwater. By maintaining accurate GIS maps and data, we can quickly update and track infrastructure, ensuring everything runs smoothly. :droplet:⚡
Finally, creating an immersive online application to track Verizon FiOs installation. By converting old paper records into a searchable online database, residents and town officials can now track the progress of over 90 permits and view infrastructure details in real time. This makes the whole process more transparent and accessible for everyone. :bookmark_tabs:🔍
In short, GIS is helping Purcellville run more smoothly, whether it’s through smarter project management, better data management, or making important town info available to residents. We’re becoming a model for how smaller communities can use technology to improve efficiency and transparency, all while making life a little bit easier for everyone. Purcellville is proving that GIS is not just for big cities—it’s a game-changer for towns of any size! :cityscape_at_dusk:💡
With GIS in our toolkit, Purcellville is on the path to even greater things, making it a place where data and technology drive success.
