APA to launch new public mapping tool: Lookup Lite

RAY BROOK | A new mapping tool created by the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team is designed to streamline access to mapping layers used by Adirondack Park landowners, zoning personnel and town land use planners. Data sets have been compiled into one system called APA Lookup Lite. The application was prepared for public introduction at the APA Planning Forum on May 6 and 7. Lookup Lite is the culmination of a long-held GIS staff goal to make mapping information readily available to the public. The tech team said efforts over the past eight months integrated over 40 years of mapping and planning resources, going back through several eras of mapping technology. An overview of GIS improvements was presented to APA commissioners at the April meeting. An expansive project compiled APA's ArcGIS data sets. GIS mapping programs offer overlay options to identify park boundaries, land use classification, parcel boundaries, imaging, wetlands, river systems, various types of visual analysis, demographics, and roads, among many layers. APA Mapping Technologist Molly Jordan, the program manager, worked with APA's Planning Division team, Environmental Specialist Matt Kendall and Mapping Tech Emily Pulcini, to create a user-friendly platform. "Everyone uses GIS all the time," Jordan said. "You may not even realize it when you pull out your phone to use Google Maps for directions or checking your weather map." Visual modeling for a weather forecast utilizes GIS data, she said. They developed an internal program upgrade for APA staff use with real-time resources for direct tasks that they perform. Key objectives, Jordan said, focused on four primary concepts to support regulatory, scientific, and planning staff spatial initiatives: to provide accurate and beneficial spatial information; maintain consistency and transparency for GIS at the APA; and help implement and uphold the APA Act [Land Use Development and State Land Master plans], and the Freshwater Wetlands Act, Rivers Act. "These concepts serve as guidance throughout our work," Jordan said. GIS servers are the brains of the operation, she said, describing the server migration process that came to fruition in December last year. During the migration, they found they couldn't transfer existing applications, so the staff rebuilt them, Pulcini said. Public resources are already available on APA's ArcGIS Online, a cloud-based repository for public data resources. Public use of the mapping system does not define legal jurisdictional issues, which are determined in APA review. An export function, Jordan said, allows the public to download information in a way that works best for them. That information can be reviewed in five categories: Current, Regulatory, Historic, State Land and Local Interest. Lookup Lite will become a new function of the online repository, improving public accessibility. "It was designed to be used and understood by the public," Jordan said. Commissioners thanked the GIS team for their work, asking if they provide any hands-on work with community, if requested. Jordan said they do accept requests based on timing of projects in process. To find APA mapping resources online: apa.ny.gov/planning/gis/index.html A contact form for GIS questions is available on the APA website: apa.ny.gov/contact/index.html

Signup for our newsletter

APA to launch new public mapping tool: Lookup Lite

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS