7:30 am – 8:15 am, Bobcat Room

8:15 am – 8:25 am, Bobcat Room | Jason Boucher, WyGEO President

8:25 am – 8:35 am, Bobcat Room | Matt Hall, Cody Mayor

8:35 am – 10:15 am, Bobcat Room | Monte McClain, Park County Sheriff’s Office

10:15 am – 10:30 am, Taggart 1 Room

10:30 am – 11:30 am, Bobcat Room | Joy Hill, Park County Planning and Zoning.

Abstract:

Standing up a collaborative GIS environment for any multi-department organization has its challenges, but establishing cross-department management in local government often comes with unique obstacles. I will highlight some of the obstacles and organization needs and open the floor to discussion about successes and failures others may have encountered in attempting to establish enterprise GIS services.

Bio:

Joy Hill has been the Director of the Park County Planning and Zoning Department since June of 2018. Prior to joining the Park County team, she was the Planner/Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Manager for Big Horn County, WY. Joy has been a member of the Wyoming Geospatial Organization (WYGEO) and the Wyoming Planning Association (WYOPASS) for over 10 years. She previously served as secretary on both the Wyoming GIS Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and WYGEO’s Board of Directors. Joy is originally from Pennsylvania and has a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a master’s degree in geology.

11:30 pm – 1:00 pm, Bobcat Room

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Bobcat Room | Brian Beauvais, Park County Archives

Abstract:

This presentation was discuss how the Park County Archives in Cody, WY has created a collection of GIS maps to explore various aspects of local history.
Historical institutions often have a great deal of geographic information at their disposal but lack the means to easily disseminate that information to the public. GIS resources can help solve this dilemma through the creation of interactive geographic map applications intended for use by researchers and the general public.
The importance of GIS is only expanding and they can be used for many things beyond their standard set of prescribed utilities. A growing amount of credible literature makes the case that GIS resources have a great deal to offer research within the humanities and social sciences. Even archival collections can be employed using these GIS tools. In terms of education and public engagement GIS offers a great opportunity for the public to interact with history and archival collections on their own terms. While exploring GIS exhibits users can learn about and research archival materials without ever having to perform standard in-person archival research.

Bio:

Brian Beauvais is the Curator of the Park County Archives in Cody. He has a Master of Arts degree in history and is currently working toward a Master of Library Science. He is a member of the Park County Historic Preservation Commission, the Park County Historical Society, the Park County Parks and Recreation Board, & a board member of the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund. In his spare time Beauvais loves hiking, hunting, skiing, and exploring the historic geography of Park County.
Brian has written about the history of hunting and wildlife conservation for the Annals of Wyoming and is also is a historical columnist for the Cody Enterprise. He has given public presentations of the history of hunting, outfitting, and wildlife management in Wyoming, as well as other historic topics such as mining in the Absraoka Mountains, early homesteaders of Sunlight Basin, historic preservation, and local art in Wyoming.

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Two Dot Room | Jason Boucher, Interstate Engineering Brian Robeson, Trihydro

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Bobcat Room | Will DeLany, Esri

Abstract:

Are you responsible for parcel management? Are you looking to analyze property values and improve public engagement? If your answer to either of those questions was yes, then this presentation may be for you. In this presentation, we will discuss the ArcGIS Land Records offerings. This will include discussions centered around parcel management, value analysis, and public engagement.

Bio:

Will DeLany is a Solution Engineer at Esri supporting State and Local Governments in the four corners and Wyoming. Will received a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and a Master of Science in GIS from the University of Denver. Will is based in Salt Lake City, and in his free time enjoys skiing, climbing, and running in the Wasatch Mountains.

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm, Two Dot Room (Workshop) | Jason Boucher, Interstate Engineering, and Brian Robeson, Trihydro

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm, Bobcat Room | Utana Dye and Leslie Brumage

Abstract:

The City of Cody has taken the path to becoming more transparent externally and internally. The City of Cody has started to use the ArcGIS Hub and Survey123 Connect as a way to give more information to the Public and to our City Employees. We have made the Hub and Survey123 Connect our City website more transparent and user-friendly. We are working toward making most of our application online using Survey 123 Connect and Express Bill Pay. So Customers can fill out an application anywhere they want. We are using the Hub for our Finance information. We use the Hub and Survey 123 connect to register residential and commercial business security cameras.

Bio:

Utana Dye is the GIS Analysis for the City of Cody, where she oversees the GIS Division. She has worked for the City of Cody for 24 years. In the 24 years, she has worn many hats for the City of Cody. She started as an engineer technician for most of her career at the City of Cody. She has always worked with the City of Cody GIS data. Within the last three years, she was promoted to the GIS Analyst position for the City of Cody. Her hobbies and activities are her love for the outdoors and any chance she gets, she and her family go camping, hiking, skiing, and horseback riding, and she loves to travel to different states and countries.

Leslie Brumage is the Finance Officer for the City of Cody, WY, where she oversees the financial management and operations of the City. She began her accounting career in 1988 as an accounts payable clerk in private industry before transitioning into a government accounting position with the City of Louisville, CO. She moved from Colorado to Cody in 1999 to fulfill her goal of living near Yellowstone National Park and continue her passion for working in government accounting. She graduated from the University of Maryland University College with a Master of Science degree in accounting and financial management.

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Bobcat Room

7:30 am – 8:15 am, Taggart 1 Room

8:15 am – 9:15 am, Bobcat Room | Jason Boucher, Interstate Engineering

Abstract:

We often find ourselves being reactive rather than proactive when it comes to infrastructure management. How should we think about our infrastructure and it’s long-term management with GIS? Join me in this presentation to explore some of the best practices and methodologies for building a practical functioning GIS in a rural community.

Bio:

Jason Boucher, GISP
Jason is the GIS Group Lead for Interstate Engineering where he serves clients throughout the mountain west region with GIS services including data; design, collection, management, mapping, analysis, and web-based deployments. Jason has been applying GIS to various industries during his career which include Civil Engineering, Land Surveying, Urban Planning, Environmental Assessment, and Natural Resource Permitting. With an education background from MSU-B, NWCCD, SDSMT, and UOPX he has over 15 years of education and experience with Geographical Information Systems. Besides GIS he enjoys anything outdoors that has any element of danger or exploration to it.

9:15 am – 10:15 am, Bobcat Room | Brian Robeson, Trihydro/Nick Graf, WYDOT

Abstract:

Setting up a successful ArcGIS Enterprise distributed collaboration depends on several factors, including geodatabase configuration, feature service settings, and the IT environment of both organizations. Please join Trihydro Corporation and the Wyoming Department of Transportation as we detail how we established a collaboration to manage Wyoming’s snow fence assets. We will explore the decision-making matrix behind implementing key Enterprise components, provide background on snow fence management, and discuss how this collaboration improves asset management and public safety. The goal of this presentation is to highlight collaboration benefits and reduce technical hurdles to ensure success.

Bio:

Brian Robeson: Brian is the Trihydro GIS group manager and the snow fence inventory project manager. He has 20 years of experience working in GIS in Wyoming and 16 years working with the snow fence inventory. He enjoys learning new things and helping others with his expertise.

Nick Graf: Nick is a Geospatial Project Manager and Developer at the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) in the Geographic Information Systems and Intelligent Transportation Systems Group (GIS\ITS). Nick holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from University of Wyoming and a Master’s degree in Geography from Kansas State University. Nick is also a registered GISP from the GIS Certification Institute.

10:15 am – 10:30 am, Taggart 1 Room

10:30 am – 11:30 am, Bobcat Room | Will DeLany, Esri

Abstract:

This presentation is for anyone interested in learning more about how ArcGIS Solutions can be used to support infrastructure planning and management. The ArcGIS Solutions for infrastructure is a set of ArcGIS Solutions designed to address the issues faced at all levels of government.

Bio:

Will DeLany is a Solution Engineer at Esri supporting State and Local Governments in the four corners and Wyoming. Will received a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and a Master of Science in GIS from the University of Denver. Will is based in Salt Lake City, and in his free time enjoys skiing, climbing, and running in the Wasatch Mountains.

11:30 am – 1:00 pm

(on your own)

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Bobcat Room | Brent Moore/Ryan Scanlan, Interstate Engineering

Abstract:
Recent flooding in Red Lodge, MT, caused a large amount of infrastructure damage that needed to be quickly and efficiently assessed and repaired . Join Brent Moore, AICP, and Ryan Scanlan, Staff Engineer and Point Cloud Manager in a journey through the flood. They’ll explore how a community mitigated loss and how technology lowered cost in spite of the disastrously damaging wake. The presentation will also highlight the use of drone technology for survey used as a basis of design for flood recovery.

Bio:
Brent Moore, AICP
Brent is the Regional Vice President and Planning Director for Interstate Engineering where he serves clients throughout the region with current and long-range planning in addition to managing a team of engineering, surveying and GIS professionals. He has been the past planning director in Red Lodge and lead a planning team within a large regional architecture firm for a decade. Brent has worked with various GIS professionals through his career in providing innovative solutions to client’s needs as the planning profession has matured in the west along with GIS technology. He has a bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling, skiing and family. brent.moore@interstateeng.com

Ryan Scanlan
Ryan is a staff engineer for Interstate Engineering and also serves as Point Cloud Data Manager where he utilizes many forms of data collection to gather survey data in the form of point clouds to provide dense, high-quality data in an efficient timeframe to better show site conditions. Methods range from UAS methods including photogrammetry and Lidar, ground based scanning, and bathometric surveying with sonar. Ryan has started his career working in the heavy civil construction industry before getting his degree in Civil Engineering from Montana State University and starting work at Interstate Engineering. Outside of work Ryan enjoys skiing and snowboarding, photography, and getting outside with his friends and family.

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Two Dot Room | Shannon Albeke, University of Wyoming

Abstract:
As Geospatial Data Scientists, we aim to enable others to analyze and visualize information derived from complex systems easily, especially when informing policymakers and the general public about the current climate and potential shifts in future climate. The University of Wyoming has received a new National Science Foundation award named WyACT (Wyoming Anticipating Climate Transitions), aimed at facilitating the co-production of knowledge to enable cutting-edge science that helps Wyoming communities anticipate and adapt to these potential climate change impacts on water. As part of the WyACT research team, we have embarked on a mission to develop novel and reusable visualization tools within a geospatial web context. One might think this approach would be straightforward with knowledge of potential tools such as ESRI Experience Builder. However, judging a book by its cover may not be the best choice! In this presentation, we will describe the trials and tribulations of experimenting with different software development approaches to build a current and future climate dashboard and provide suggestions based on our experiences.

Bio:
Dr. Shannon Albeke is a Senior Research Scientist and GIST Faculty member. Dr. Albeke received his PhD from the University of Georgia – Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources in 2010 as well as becoming a member of WyGISC. Dr. Albeke’s general research interests center around applied GIS, programming, and statistics. Specific interests include: 1) Modeling of ecological processes across broad spatial extents and multiple scales. 2) Facilitation of Data Science workflows using innovative modeling, programming, and data management techniques. 3) Promote and enable scientific outreach to others through open-data portals and visualization tools. 4) Use of UAS for estimation of vegetation community assembly and biomass.

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Bobcat Room | Jeff Young, 1Spatial

Abstract:

This presentation focuses on implementing sound Data Governance NG9-1-1 practices for state, regional, and local public safety organizations to enhance spatially related operational content through automated business rules. 1Spatial provides a National Emergency Number Association (NENA) rules-based automation engine configured to ensure content is fit for purpose, and spatially sound, delivering improved content for the Public Safety community of practice and citizens as applicable, where positional, factual and temporal errors are significantly reduced. Implementations have included data supply chains to feed Spatial Data Infrastructures for US Census Bureau, State of Michigan as well as for several Next Generation 9-1-1 implementations. The solution also provides valuable metrics on the overall health of the data over time. Once data meets an agreed upon threshold of quality it is integrated with multiple other sources of data into seamless organization-wide enterprise databases. Join us to learn about how to implement these methodologies and ultimately improve data quality to support resilient data governance within your organization. Our Statewide NG9-1-1 Automated Rules-based Buildout Solution is being implemented widely including the following States: Arizona, Montana, Minnesota, Georgia and others including our recent multi-year selection by Arkansas’ NG9-1-1 Program last Fall. Join us to learn about supporting resilient data governance within your organization.

Bio:

Mr. Young has over 30 years of sales, program, project and channel management experience. As the Managing Account Executive at 1Spatial, Mr. Young ascertains customer expectations and requirements to ensure quality products, services, and communications are delivered that help customers achieve their goals including achievement of data quality aspirations. Mr. Young’s educational background is as follows: Master of Arts, Geography—specializing in Land Use Analysis and Environmental Hazards, (National Science Foundation supported); Arizona State University, Bachelor of Science, Geography, cum laude; Lock Haven State College, Pennsylvania. Mr. Young currently is the ASPRS-RMR Past President.

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Two Dot Room | Nicholas Case, University of Wyoming

Abstract:

In this presentation, we will explore an innovative approach to developing a geospatial web application that effectively combines the powerful capabilities of the ArcGIS Javascript API with the cutting-edge natural language processing model, ChatGPT, to enhance the development process. We will showcase how the application leverages geospatial visualization and AI-driven insights to create a user-friendly and adaptable dashboard for improved decision-making.

Throughout the presentation, we will highlight best practices, challenges faced, and the potential of combining AI-driven language models with geospatial tools during the development phase. We will discuss the integration of the ArcGIS Javascript API for creating dynamic, responsive maps and spatial analysis tools. Additionally, we will demonstrate how ChatGPT was employed during the development phase, assisting in tasks such as ideation, problem-solving, and documentation.

By leveraging ChatGPT, we have streamlined the development process and ensured a more efficient, user-centric design. Attendees will gain insights into the benefits of integrating AI technologies in the development process, empowering them to create more advanced and user-centric geospatial solutions.

Bio:

Nicholas Case has been an integral member of WyGISC since 2018, serving as a Geospatial Developer. He plays a key role in the EPSCoR Micro project’s Data Team, where he is responsible for developing and maintaining the Laboratory Inventory Management System (LIMS) to track samples from field collection to analysis. In addition to his work on the LIMS, Nicholas also contributes to the Wyoming Anticipating Climate Transitions (WyACT) project as a data team member, where he develops geospatial dashboards, data repositories, and provides overall assistance in managing project data.

Nicholas holds a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Anthropology from San Diego State University and an Associate of Science in Geography from San Diego Mesa College. He recently completed his Master’s degree in the GIST program, where he focused on learning advanced methods and technologies that enable researchers and decision-makers to extract valuable insights from complex data sets.

3:00 – 3:15

Taggart 1 Room

3:15 pm – 4:15 pm, Bobcat Room | Carol Lydic, USGS

Abstract:

The mission of the National Geospatial Program (NGP) is to provide National topographic information to advance science, support government, enlighten citizens, and enable decision making. There are many components of the NGP such as The National Map, 3D Elevation Program (3DEP), National Hydrography, and National Digital Trails as examples. The goal of 3DEP is to complete acquisition of nationwide lidar (IfSAR in Alaska) to provide the first-ever national baseline of consistent high-resolution topographic elevation data, both bare earth and 3D point clouds. This presentation will highlight the status of 3DEP with an emphasis on the Rocky Mountain Region.

Bio:

Carol Lydic works for the US Geological Survey, National Geospatial Program, as the National Map Liaison for New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming.

Carol began her federal career with the Defense Mapping Agency, now known as the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, where she served in technical and managerial roles as a geodesist.

She began working for USGS as the National Mapping Division Liaison to the Bureau of Land Management and later served on to detail to the Department of Homeland Security as a geospatial analyst. She is currently based in the Denver, Colorado area as a National Map Liaison.

5:15 pm

(On your own)

7:30 am – 8:15 am, Taggar 1 Room

8:15 am – 9:15 am, Bobcat Room | Brian Clarkson & Maddie Ross

Abstract:

This presentation focuses on the transformative journey of historic as-built plans from paper-based archival storage to digital interactive platforms. We will explore the comprehensive process of scanning these invaluable documents, georeferencing them for spatial context, and uploading them to the cloud, thus ensuring their preservation and accessibility. The presentation will also delve into the intricate task of drawing record easements and rights-of-way from these as-builts, converting them into digital layers that can be easily overlaid and analyzed. We will demonstrate the potential of hosting this information on ArcGIS Online, a leading GIS platform, which facilitates easy access, collaboration, and data management. Finally, we will illustrate how to build interactive Dashboards that provide an intuitive and engaging interface for viewing and interacting with the data. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage modern GIS technologies to breathe new life into historic plans, enhancing their utility and value in today’s digital age.

Bio:

Brian Clarkson has been the Geospatial Services Manager for the last 9 years out of our Cody Office. Brian has been a member of WyGEO during that time and is the current Vice-President. He works on projects throughout the Rocky Mountain West with a focus on aviation, municipal, and UAS projects. Maddie Ross has been with Ardurra for the last 2 years.

Maddie was formerly a professor of Geography at Northeastern Junior College. Her teaching skills translate to our municipal projects where the importance of training our clients in working with GIS tools is just as important as the development of desktop and online GIS maps and applications.

9:15 am – 10:15 am, Bobcat Room | Dave Siddle

Abstract:

Trimble Catalyst GNSS is available as a subscription, which can be a challenge for some organizations to adopt. This session will provide an in-depth discussion on organization types, cost/benefit analysis, implementation struggles, and lessons learned. Three types of customer examples will be reviewed. The first involves a typical challenge with local government, “we don’t do subscriptions”. The second challenge, which is common among small businesses, “subscriptions don’t fit our business model”. Finally, we’ll look at a large business example, overcoming, “we prefer capital expenditures”.

Bio:

David Siddle is the Frontier Precision Geospatial-SUE Mapping Representative for Colorado and Wyoming out of the Denver Co office. He grew up in the survey/utilities industry, water/wastewater, gas pipeline, joined the Trimble/Esri/GIS world in 1995 and is a supporter of all things GIS, utilities, SUE, asset mapping, plus a mobile mapping champion!

10:30 am – 11:30am, Bobcat Room

11:30 am – 11:45 am, Bobcat Room | Jason Boucher, WyGEO President