This article was reprinted from the 2002-2003 DAS Biennial Report.

OGRIP recognizes Best Practices
-- ITSD Ohio Geographically Referenced Information Program,
   July 2003

The Ohio Geographically Referenced Information Program (OGRIP) honored four government entities each of the past two years.

Each September OGRIP gives Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Best Practices Awards to organizations that developed enterprise-wide initiatives focused on multi-agency involvement and data sharing.

OGRIP distributed its 2002 awards to Lucas, Madison and Summit counties and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

ODNR won for its Geographic Information Management System. This robust system for viewing and downloading files is one of the larger data catalogs available to the public.

Lucas County has a very proactive outreach program, which includes training and data sharing. It exemplifies the state's enterprise-wide philosophy.

Madison County established a GIS program that has been integrated into departmental workflows to better serve the public.

Summit County's GIS program has consistently demonstrated how to effectively incorporate differing departmental data and GIS information to produce a product that benefits all involved.

The 2001 awardees were Clinton and Preble counties and the cities of Columbus and Westerville.

Clinton County was recognized for enlisting the participation and support of 11 agencies within the county to implement their GIS system, named Clinton Automated Topographic Aspatial Land Information System (CATALIS).

The City of Columbus Division of Sewage and Drainage implemented a construction drawing information management system that increased staff efficiency, improved space utilization and created a more secure system to protect records.

The strength of the Preble County GIS program is its multiple funding sources. Eight departments within the county participate in this integrated GIS program as well as three agencies within the City of Eaton.

The City of Westerville is integrating its GIS in the daily activities of numerous departments. For example, the police department is creating district and crime incident layers, and the fire department uses the system to show the location of utility shutoffs and access points as well as the location of hazardous materials within the city.

These governments' efforts are examples of numerous GIS initiatives assisting government operations and Ohio citizens.