Pitt Study Finds Distributed Data System Technology for Western Pennsylvania Governments and Civil Organizations Possible, Desirable

PITTSBURGH—An Integrated Regional Geographic System (IRGIS) is not only possible but also could be an important first step in ushering in a new era of intergovernmental cooperation among county and municipal governmental agencies, according to a study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA).

The IRGIS uses Internet technology to immediately access multiple sources of geographic information in a format that users determine. It greatly expands the usefulness of data gleaned from existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS), such as legal boundaries and addresses, watersheds, terrain representation, aerial photography, and municipal and transportation infrastructure.

According to David Miller, associate dean and professor in GSPIA and one of the study's principal investigators, "The need for regional cooperation has never been greater; IRGIS is a great opportunity for our governments and civil organizations to cultivate new ways of working together." Miller also is author of The Regional Governing of Metropolitan America (Westview, 2002).

The IRGIS employs a new type of technology, called a distributed data system, which allows users to economically customize and visualize geographic data from multiple sources across a region, right from a personal computer. The IRGIS eliminates the tedious manipulation usually involved in putting together large amounts of data from disparate sources.

"Owing to the remarkable groundwork that has already been laid, many of our region's governments have the necessary elements to contribute to this type of a distributed data system," said Miller. "For example, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission's Unified GIS project, a collaborative effort to improve GIS data and operations across the region, lays the foundation for a successful IRGIS implementation in our region."

"The IRGIS represents a progressive level of regional networking that builds upon our existing resources and technology, said Miller. "With IRGIS, our region can move further and faster and foster comprehensive urban planning, environmental and resource management, and economic development."

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2/25/04/tmw