The NJTPA has embarked upon a year-long project that will centrally locate a wealth of geographic data at the NJTPA. Some of the data items originate at the NJTPA but many are generated by partner agencies. To regularize how data items are stored, updated, and exchanged, a new enterprise-class geospatial database is being designed. To foster continuing interagency communication, numerous stakeholders are being brought together as part of a Steering Committee, as well as by other means.
The resulting database will help to ensure that data are current, accurate and suitable for particular uses - by NJTPA staff, NJTPA subregions, partner agencies and the general public. The Enterprise GIS (EGIS) database will allow staff to respond to data requests more efficiently. As appropriate, EGIS information will be posted online. Authorized users will be able to draw directly from the EGIS database to produce tables, maps, and conduct their own analyses.
Once completed, the project will yield tools for the NJTPA to operate and build on the EGIS database. The effort should markedly strengthen the information foundation for the NJTPA and its partners, ultimately supporting wise planning decisions for northern New Jersey.
Project Approach
The project scope of work includes the following:
- perform data inventory
- report to GIS steering committee
- develop and implement data formatting system
- automate exchange of data
- make enterprise geospatial database operational
- produce a final enterprise database
- develop maintenance plan and schedule
- prepare documentation and user guide
Zenobia Fields, the NJTPA’s Principal Planner for GIS is project manager for the EGIS effort, Consultant support is provided by AECOM, Inc. For further information, contact Ms. Fields at (973) 639-8426 or zfields@njtpa.org.