The activity related to the online GIS Atlas for Indiana has been amazing. In one year, the number of page views
on the website increased from 2,343,000 to 4,927,000 - that's 110%. The number of direct contacts by e-mail and
telephone have increased from 39 to 132.
Since the website began, a recurring request from users has been for a tutorial, something to guide
them in the use of the information on demographics, infrastructure, biology, hydrology, and geology contained in the Atlas.
To address this need, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) together with Bernardin, Lochmueller
& Associates, Inc. and the Indiana Geological Survey (IGS) developed and produced a tutorial to help users
understand and make the most of the GIS Atlas. Initially offered free to the public on CD, it is now available
online on the
IGS website.
The tutorial, which takes about an hour to complete, familiarizes users with the interface of the GIS Atlas for
Indiana, and explains standard GIS tools such as pan, zoom, and measure. Users also view layers, query
associated datasets, and develop customized maps.
First introduced on GIS Day on November 17, 2004, the tutorial was distributed to the State Assembly and other
State government officials, including the governor, his staff, and appointed commissioners and agency heads.
Results
Since its introduction, over 92% of people who used the tutorial found it helpful. The tool is helping
INDOT realize a GIS Atlas of Indiana that is useful not only for transportation organizations, but for
all agencies, companies, corporations, and individuals in Indiana and beyond.
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