Wednesday, October 24, 10:30 – 11:00AM, Li'l Tex

This presentation will discuss the availability of commercially available licensed digital ortho imagery as Content as a Service (CaaS). Topics will include the economic benefits of imagery offered as CaaS, the applicability of CaaS relating State, County and Municipal Agencies and program specifics that should be understood when purchasing commercially available data.

Presenter Bio:

Randy Mayden, Hexagon Geosystems

Randy Mayden has been in the geospatial industry for over thirty years beginning in the early “analog mapping” environment progressing through the various stages of current digital imaging technology. Throughout his career Mr. Mayden has worked in nearly all aspects of the photogrammetric industry including Business Development Management, project consultation, design and implementation. Mr. Mayden has participated in hundreds of orthoimagery programs throughout the U.S. ranging from single county and regional projects to statewide and national orthoimagery programs. Currently Mr. Mayden serves as the Business Development Manager-NAFTA, HxGN Content Program.

Wednesday, October 24, 11:00 – 11:30AM, Li'l Tex

Our recent research progress on establishing a county-scale real-time flood response system is presented. This system is designed to provide instructive intelligence on flood impact to support flood emergency response. Streamflow forecast provided by the National Water Model is used to understand future flow condition. A terrain analysis workflow named GeoFlood has been developed to process the lidar-derived high-resolution terrain data, convert the flow conditions into corresponding flood maps and estimate the inundation risk of each building. Overlapping the inundation layer with the address point system gives decision makers and first responders insights to better organize the emergency response activities.

Presenter

Dr. Xing Zheng, University of Texas at Austin Center of Water and Environment

Dr. Xing Zheng is a postdoctoral fellow who currently works at the Center of Water and the Environment of the University of Texas at Austin. During his PhD years as a member of Dr. David Maidment research group and Dr. Paola Passalacqua research group, he has been collaborated with National Weather Services and Texas Division of Emergency Management to develop large-scale GIS-based inundation mapping strategies and develop advanced terrain analysis methods to extract hydrological features from lidar datasets.

Wednesday, October 24, 11:30AM – 12:00PM, Li'l Tex

The incorporation of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in civil engineering projects has dramatically increased, resulting in a significant change on the progress of the industry. Adoption of these tools has amplified the need for 3D elevation modeling using methods like Structure from Motion (SfM) to create dense 3D point clouds; However, considerable limitations continue to exist to this approach, such as the inability to accurately map steep vertical terrain or small above ground features accurately such as powerlines, roof edges, curb and gutter, and above ground piping. Another common solution has been to utilize Light Detecting and Ranging (LiDAR) systems, and although accurate this process can be cost prohibitive in many cases. Through highly controlled testing and processing, we propose a third approach that integrates inexpensive UAS systems with stereographic compilation, a very old photogrammetric technique to extract 3D vector information with survey grade accuracy. Using both traditional photogrammetric workflows and principles, we are able to identify and correct variables affecting the error budget to consistently create an accurate mapping product faster than conventional survey at a cost-effective approach via drones. This presentation will discuss that research and approach as well as demonstrate some real-world examples of using this technique and accuracies using the ASPRS Positional Accuracy Standards.

Presenter

Christian Stallings, McKim & Creed

Christian Stallings oversees the unmanned aerial system and aerial LiDAR services as the research and development manager for McKim & Creed, Inc. Under his leadership, McKim & Creed has grown its UAS services to include 13 remote pilots and more than 1,000 flights throughout the southern and eastern U.S. Christian has been interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, ComputerWorld, Engineer Inc., POB and Commercial AV News, and was a featured guest on the NSPS Radio Hour. He has also been published in ArcNews and LiDAR magazine. His original research comparing UAS with conventional technologies for beach profile surveys won the ACEC/NC Grand Conceptor, the highest engineering award in North Carolina. Christian is a certified photogrammetrist and a FAA-certified Part 107 remote pilot. He has a graduate degree in geographic information from Northwestern University.

Wednesday, October 24, 2:00 – 2:30PM, Li'l Tex

Use of LiDAR to further develop and enhance City of Tyler utility data by: (1) Confirmation of asset location (2) reduction of accessibility issues (3) standardization of elevation data collection.

Presenters

Philip Burkhart, City of Tyler

Philip Burkhart is entering his third decade as a GIS professional. His experience spans the academic, government, and private sectors with GIS work in the fields of education, law enforcement, city government, engineering, medical/health sciences, environmental issues, and resource management. Mr. Burkhart’s GIS expertise ranges from data creation and management to spatial analysis, database administration, development, remote sensing, and cartographic production. He currently is with the City of Tyler, Texas as the GIS Database Administrator and Developer.

Lance Yarema, City of Tyler

Lance Yarema was first introduced to GIS in 2001 while studying for his undergraduate at Abilene Christian University where he interned at the GIS Department for the City of Abilene. He graduated in 2003 with an interdisciplinary in mathematics and geography. Lance continued his studies in GIS at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX in a yearlong certificate program. In 2005, Lance starting working for the City of Tyler and made a career there. Since that time, Lance received his Master of Public Administration from University of Texas at Tyler in 2010 applying GIS in local government.

Dan Allee, City of Tyler

Dan Allee has worked in the field of GIS since 1987 and has been working with ESRI products since 1990. Dan is currently the Director of Building Inspections and GIS for the City of Tyler. Dan’s past experience in the field has run the gamut from GIS Technician, Analyst, Developer to Coordinator. Dan considers GIS both a career and a hobby.

Wednesday, October 24, 2:30 – 3:00PM, Li'l Tex

In 2016, the City of Georgetown undertook an effort to study the solar suitability of every rooftop within the City’s electric service territory. Using 2015 LiDAR data, the area, shading, aspect, and slope of each rooftop was assessed in ArcGIS Pro, allowing the City to provide the average solar potential to electric customers in an ArcGIS Online application. Uncovering this data enabled the electric department to apply for an innovation grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies to test a new concept – the virtual power plant. Georgetown is already using 100% renewable energy via wind and solar power contracts. However, by 2021 the peak electric demand will outpace supply. Current contracts have fixed prices for the next 20-25 years, but there are cost and reliability concerns due to long-distance transmission. The virtual power plant involves installing batteries and solar panels on homes within the city. Power would be produced locally on residential rooftops. Ultimately, the vision is an electric grid that improves service, reduces the impact of outages, provides protection against emergency weather and national security events, and keeps costs steady.

Presenters

Jack Daly, City of Georgetown

Jack Daly began his career with the City of Georgetown in 2013 as an executive assistant to the assistant city manager. In 2015, he was promoted to assistant to the city manager. His responsibilities include overseeing the city’s communication department, managing city council and citizen correspondence, special projects related to city council goals, managing internal citywide communication, and a wealth of “other duties as assigned”. Jack was recognized as employee of the year for the City of Georgetown in 2015.

Jack is a graduate of the University of Texas and hold as master’s degree in public administration from the University of North Texas. He is active with the Texas City Management Association and Urban Management Assistants of Central Texas.

Christopher Foster, MPA, CGFO, City of Georgetown

Christopher Foster has served as the Manager of Resource Planning and Integration for the City of Georgetown since 2008. His primary role is to manage the City’s Municipally Owned Utility power supply. Previous work includes managing payroll for the Health and Human Services Commission and other jobs repairing computer equipment. Chris is a graduate of Georgetown High School, has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics/Finance from the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor, and a Master’s in Public Administration from Texas State. Chris is also a Certified Government Finance Officer through the Government Finance Officer's Association. Chris is best known for the successful transition project of Georgetown’s power supply from a single provider that was over 90% fossil fuel based, to being 100% wind and solar powered completed in 2017. Chris also serves as the City’s economist and lead contract negotiator for issues including water rights, garbage contracts, technological systems, development agreements, and more.

Wednesday, October 24, 3:00 – 3:30PM, Li'l Tex

It is vital to the operation of utility providers to know what assets they have, and where—especially if the lines are underground. Across the industry, public and private utility providers are making a transition from static paper or CAD based maps to interactive and up-to-date GIS systems. Technical journals are increasingly running articles singing the praises of GIS for delivering information to field crews and office-based decision makers, as well as tying into other business systems. But where does the data, the “lines on the map,” come from? All utilities must start somewhere. This presentation reviews the City of Rosenberg’s 3 year-long program to map its existing water, drainage, and sewer infrastructure in GIS. Although Rosenberg’s endeavor dealt specifically with utilities, the presentation will focus more generally on the following points: The benefits of deliberate, thoughtful, GIS project design. Best practices in, and the practical reality of, data collection and mapping. Finally, discussion of both general and utility-specific lessons learned from the project.

Presenter

Cory Vardaman, City of Rosenberg

For the past 4 years, Cory Vardaman has been a GIS Specialist for the City of Rosenberg. Within the City’s 2-person GIS department, Cory is in charge of supporting the GIS needs of the Public Services Division of the City (which includes the Public Works, Utilities, and Capital Projects Depts). He was the lead on a major project to create accurate infrastructure data in Geometric Networks. Prior to working for Rosenberg, Cory worked as a GIS Technician for the City of Pearland, and before that as a paid GIS Intern with the City of New Braunfels. In 2012, Cory graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas State University with a BA in History (minor in Geography) and a Certificate in GIS. Prior to college Cory served 6 years in the Army with two overseas deployments (to Kosovo and Iraq).

Wednesday, October 24, 4:00 – 5:30PM, L'il Tex

(1) TPWD offers a number of services to help private landowners achieve their land management goals. One of the most popular options is the Managed Lands Deer Program (MLDP), which in part provides landowners with a deer harvest recommendation created specifically for their property along with the state’s most flexible deer hunting season. In recent years, the success and growth of the MLD Program has challenged the department’s capacity to serve their customers. (2) Geospatial data and technology have allowed TPWD to scale up these services and engage with landowners and representatives more effectively and efficiently. (3) This project modernized a legacy application and workflow, allowing TPWD customers, managers, and scientists to share and interact with valuable spatially referenced data from any web-enabled, connected device in real-time.

Presenters

Jenn Sylvester, AppGeo

Jenn Sylvester Lash is a Project Manager with AppGeo, based here in Austin.

Chris Serny, TPWD

Wednesday, October 24, 4:30 – 5:00PM, Li'l Tex

The Edwards Aquifer of Central Texas is home to eight threatened and endangered species that are susceptible to pressures from extreme drought, flooding, and population growth. The Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan is a complex, multifaceted regional program that seeks to protect the vulnerable species of the aquifer to ensure their longevity during severe drought-of-record conditions. Since 2013, contractors have worked to restore and improve aquatic and terrestrial habitat in the Comal and San Marcos springs communities. Although the EAHCP annual report details the successes and challenges faced, there exists a need to reach a broader audience. ESRI’s Story Maps have proved a useful platform for documenting and sharing comprehensive habitat restoration information. The mobile-friendly, interactive features of this project help educate and increase awareness of past, present, and future restoration efforts for the endangered species of the Edwards Aquifer.

Presenter

Kristina Tolman, Edwards Aquifer Authority

Kristina Tolman currently works as a Habitat Conservation Plan Coordinator in the Threatened and Endangered Species Department of the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA). Prior to working at the EAA, she worked as a GIS Analyst at the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment for 7.5 years. She received her Bachelor degree and Master of Applied Geography from Texas State University in San Marcos.

Thursday, October 25, 10:30 – 11:00AM, Li'l Tex

ArcGIS can be used in conjunction with tools to provide essential information before, during, and after an emergency event. Using these tools provides much needed data to asses damage, to provide communities and stakeholders helpful information, and to prevent future occurrences.

Presenter

Laura Pittman Haverlah, Atkins

Laura Pittman Haverlah is a rare native Austinite. She stayed close to home after she received her bachelors in Geography from Texas State University eventually becoming a geographic information systems (GIS) analyst with Atkins' Austin Geospatial Services group. Laura has 8 years GIS experience working on various types of projects and over six years FEMA Floodplain mapping experience. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her 2-year-old daughter, her infant son, and her husband.

Thursday, October 25, 11:00 – 11:30AM, Li'l Tex

Since 2015, The City of Austin, Texas’ Austin Center for Events (ACE) has been using Geographic Information System (GIS) internet mapping applications to track festival-related incidents and the allocation of city resources during the South By South West (SXSW) Festival. 2018 marked the fifth SXSW Festival where the GIS applications were used. Examining the data collected from previous Spring Festival Seasons will assist future efforts in the downtown area during the South By Southwest Festival.

Presenter

Mat Peck, City of Austin

Mat Peck is the GIS Analyst for the City of Austin’s Office of Special Events. He has been involved in City government work for over 5 years, and specializes in geodatabases and web mapping. Mat joined the Special Events team in early 2017, and has created several custom web applications to serve real-time GIS data to the Austin Transportation Department. Mat is an avid cyclist and also assists with the Active Transportation group’s GIS needs, including the Austin Bike Map and citizen public input maps.

Thursday, October 25, 11:30AM – 12:30PM, Li'l Tex

During a Special Event Public Safety Organizations must provide for the safety of the individuals that are in attendance. I will show how Dallas Fire Rescue Provide for not only the safety of the participants but the rest of the city. We will show how we maintain our response times, coverage for the citizens and provide safety to our responders.

Presenter

Ronald J. Vaughn, Dallas Fire Rescue

Ronald J Vaughn Sr. is a Lieutenant with the Dallas Fire Rescue Department and he has been a Firefighter and Paramedic with the department for 23 years. Lieutenant Vaughn is currently assigned as the department’s Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Supervisor and has held the position for two and half years. His duties include providing Mapping Solutions for resource management, Pre-Incident Planning, Data Analysis and Statistical Information for Fire Department personnel. Lieutenant Vaughn is currently the North Texas Regional Representative for the South-Central GIS User Group. His duties included coordinating meetings and training for GIS Professionals in the Northern Half of the State of Texas. He has also received several departmental commendations and he has won the Dallas Fire Rescue Paramedic of the Year and The Staff Officer of the Year Awards. He has also received the Dori Miller Veterans of Foreign Wars Paramedic of the Year award and the Dori Miller Fire Fighter of the Year award. Lieutenant Vaughn has an AA from Trinity Valley College in Athens, Texas, and a BA from Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas.

Thursday, October 25, 2:00 – 2:30PM, Li'l Tex

1- A basic introduction to photogrammetry and the principles of Structure from Motion (SfM). 2 - Creating a point cloud and analyzing its structural characteristics to identify ground points. 3 - Using the reclassified point cloud for DTM creation and volume calculation.

Presenter

Kris Berglund, Blue Marble

Kris Berglund has been involved with the mapping industry for nearly twenty-five years and offers a diverse level of experience in cartography, geomatics, marketing, business development and technical sales. Kris leads the Sales Team at Blue Marble and manages strategic relationships with Enterprise customers through Professional Service projects and OEM partnerships. Prior to Blue Marble, Kris was a "four-color man" and created printed paper maps using copy-camera photography, CMYK stripping and traditional feature scribing techniques. A native of Massachusetts, Kris holds a BFA from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Thursday, October 25, 2:30 – 3:00PM, Li'l Tex

1. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and a geographic information system (GIS) can be used by members of the public to manage the sustainability, resiliency, and environmental impact of their property while reducing cost of operation and/or increase profits with a Creative Shared Value™. 2. A history of fire suppression and overgrazing in Texas have caused conditions favorable for Ashe Juniper (Juniperus ashei) to convert grassland to woodland and dominate previously open areas, thus decreasing the foraging value of the land. Many central Texas landowners now clear Ashe Juniper to preserve valuable open areas. 3. Our process will use UAS to identify encroaching Ashe Juniper saplings and automatically mark a waypoint within a personal GIS to aid in sapling removal. The project will result in a tool available to interested individuals who seek to manage their land for an affordable price and develop a GIS that can be transferred to future owners of the property.

Presenter

Andrew Vanderheiden, Texas A&M University

Andrew Vanderheiden is an undergraduate student studying Environmental Geosciences and GIST at Texas A&M University in College Station. Andrew is a MLEIP Intern at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for Summer 2018 and is a member of an undergraduate research team utilizing various GIS technologies to develop and improve upon hydrological models.

Katie Strain, University of Texas at Austin

Katie Strain is an undergraduate student studying Biological Environmental Science at the University of Texas at Austin. She is currently working as a field technician in a research lab that focuses on disturbance and invasive grasses. Katie's academic interests include: Plant community ecology, conservation biology, fire ecology, plant-pollinator interactions and species distribution modeling.

Thursday, October 25, 3:00 – 3:30PM, Li'l Tex

UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems, commonly referred as drones) technology is widely used for high resolution image collection. After photogrammetry analysis, high resolution 3d model of the land surface can be created. Digital 3D model has its advantages and dis-advantages. For public demonstration and education purposes, physical 3D models can be used. This research has investigated UAS data collection, GIS model creation, 3D model conversion, 3D model slicing, and 3D printing technology. 3D printing of large scale and small scale land surfaces has been tested and 3D models of mountains, watershed, reservoir, and buildings have been printed.

Presenter

Dr. Yanli Zhang, Stephen F. Austin State University

Dr. Yanli Zhang graduated from University of Massachusetts, Amherst, is a geospatial science faculty at Stephen F. Austin State University. Main interests include GIS programming, advanced GIS analysis, hydrological modeling, and UAS application.