ALRIS Program Goals and Activities
The ALRIS program goals are approached by conducting five major types of program activities:
- Database Development & Maintenance
- GIS Hardware & Software Support
- Education Consulting & Information
- GIS Software Development ALRIS
- GIS Clearinghouse
Some of the ALRIS program's activities are conducted in conjunction with the Arizona Geographic Information Council (AGIC), a board appointed by the governor to facilitate the development of geographic information and GIS in Arizona.
Other activities are conducted directly in association with various state, federal, local, or tribal agencies in Arizona.
Database Development & Maintenance
Design, develop, and maintain a statewide multi-purpose digital spatial database for use by as many agencies as possible. The database will contain spatial data for land, natural resources, and socioeconomic data.
A key design and development criterion is that the spatial databases be structured such that they can be linked to important tabular databases maintained by other public agencies.
GIS Hardware & Software Support
Acquire, install, and maintain hardware and software tools to support the development of GIS databases and applications.
Manage a GIS hardware and software facility for use by public agencies. ALRIS can provide access to the facility to any public agency in Arizona, particularly for short term projects
Education Consulting and Information
Develop and implement educational and technology transfer programs and special seminars in the use of GIS and remote sensing technology for public agency employees.
Provide consulting and assistance to public agencies in the use of GIS technology for operational, planning, and management activities.
GIS Software Development
Design, program, test, document, and distribute generic GIS software for general-purpose use by public agencies.
Digital Geographic Data Clearinghouse
One of the most expensive parts of creating and operating a GIS is the creation and maintenance of digital spatial databases. In order to decrease total costs for GIS in Arizona, the ALRIS program acts as a clearinghouse for digital spatial data.
File format conversions are often performed for agencies receiving the data. Occasionally geographic data subsetting is performed, and plot maps and/or tabular information associated with the digital data are supplied.
