07-06-2005 South Bend GIS Bureau Reaches New Heights

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South Bend GIS Bureau Reaches New Heights Page 1 of 2 � v%• 'Building a 21St Century City " ' rs Stephen J. Luecke, Mayor RELEASE FROM: FOR RELEASE: Communications &Special Projects Tuesday, July 6, 2005 South Bend GIS Bureau Reaches New Heights The City of South Bend received recognition across the state and region for achievements in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology. The Department of Public Works, Bureau of GIS Manager, Deborah A. Martin, recently was awarded the Geographical Information System Professional (GISP) certification, and is one of only eighteen in the state and 717 worldwide who has earned this distinction. The GIS Certification Institute criteria focus on educational achievement, ethical conduct, professional experiences and practices. Ms. Martin has been employed with the City of South Bend since 1996 and has been the GIS Manager since February of 2000. The Bureau is involved in strategic development of map databases, tracking of various City departmental and utility infrastructures, and collaborating with other departments in planning and analysis of future growth for the City. Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer mapping and analysis tool that links information stored in databases and can be presented on maps, tables, and other graphic representations. During the annual Indiana GIS conference held in Indianapolis. Ms. Martin along with her colleagues, Patrick Henthorn, Wastewater Engineer, and Brent Hussung, Systems Specialist were on hand to receive the 2005 Geographic Information Council's Award for Achievement, given to South Bend in the category of Large Communities -Land and Water Resources. The South Bend Division of Environmental Services/ Wastewater Operations worked in partnership with Greeley and Hansen, LLC, on development of the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Long Term Control Plan. The plan included conducting a survey of the 11.5 mile section of the St. Joseph River in South Bend, for the purpose of assisting with compliance to a new state law requiring wastewater treatment plants to notify residents of the possibility or occurrence of a combined sewer overflow. The river survey was successful in presenting visual reference information on GIS maps, making it easier for the public to access the river for recreational uses to assist the City in developing its plan to eliminate Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) events. The Indiana Geographic Information System Council (IGIC) award was based on creative and practical applications of a geographic information system as well as the Wastewater Divisions' website which is designed to give City staff affordable and user friendly access to the GIS data. For more information contact Deborah Martin, Bureau of GIS, (574) 235-5996. Back I City Home Page I City Directory I Site Map I Search Go powered by FreeFind http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/Press/Releases 2005/070605 GISAward.htm 1/13/2006