This session will focus on updating participants on the progress of the newly developed CCAP Coordination & Tool Teams formed as a result of the February 2003 GIS County Forum. You will learn about the central repository of GIS templates being developed for use among counties and how to gain access to this site, as well as how the teams are providing input to important state GIS efforts through interaction with such important organizations such as PaMAGIC. An overview of two major GIS initiatives, the Pennsylvania Geospatial Data Sharing Standards (PGDSS) and a Strategic Plan for GIS Coordination in the Commonwealth, will be provided by PaMAGIC as well. This time will serve as a kickoff for the ‘GIS Town Meetings’ that PaMAGIC is planning for mid-November to gather input on both projects. Attendees will hear about the importance and benefits of these initiatives, as well as how they can assist in furthering improved GIS coordination and interoperability among all levels of GIS in Pennsylvania.
Rita Reynolds is the Director of Technology Services for the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. Before joining CCAP in 1998, she worked as an independent Fiscal/Computer Consultant for numerous Children and Youth Agencies within Pennsylvania. She has over 16 years of experience in county government technology needs and initiatives. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Messiah College in Business Administration, with an emphasis in political science. She is currently serving as a board member to the Pennsylvania Mapping and Geographic Information Consortium (PaMAGIC)
Chris Markel is the State College Regional Office Manager and a project manager with Advanced Technology Solutions, Inc. (ATS). He has 20 years of experience with GIS, and has worked with many of Pennsylvania’s counties in GIS projects. He has particular expertise in parcel management and transportation applications. He has a Bachelor’s degree from Penn State along with graduate studies in GIS and Operations Research. He is the President of the Pennsylvania Mapping and Geographic Information Consortium (PaMAGIC).