NLT worked with DC GIS to produce high-quality professional map products. Specifically, NLT developed detailed annotation and cartographic map layers for use by DC GIS applications such as ArcGIS Desktop, ArcIMS, and ArcGIS Server. Using ArcInfo and Maplex, NLT extracted attributes from existing data layers to create carefully positioned annotations at standard mapping scales (1:31,680; 1:12,000; 1:4,800; 1:1,200). Layers included master address repository aliases, street networks, property squares, neighborhood clusters, streams and rivers, university campuses, and national and district parks. Each of the final products met DC’s Federated Data Model specifications.

NLT performed a number of geospatial data production tasks for DC GIS. Specifically, NLT created several new products used to enhance central enterprise datasets that the DC government offers to its agencies and citizens. Among the projects that NLT completed were a routable multi-modal transportation network based on ESRI’s transportation model, right-of-way data collection, compressed high-resolution imagery for distribution to customers, historical maps digitized and geo-referenced, a DHS standardized data model for data sharing and collaboration, and a checklist for compliance with FGDC (Federal Geographic Data Committee) standards for data security/sharing. NLT’s efforts included creating multi-redundant databases with constant backups to offsite physical storage, as well as regular backups to DVD media. These and other projects strengthened DC GIS’s already strong array of data, allowing its customers to obtain more detailed and accurate information.

DC GIS
In partnership with Fugro EarthData, Inc.

In support of the DC GIS Strategic Plan, DC GIS undertook a citywide planimetric update in 2005. The original GIS planimetric data was produced from 1999 aerial photography. This project was designed to update that pivotal dataset using new aerial photography obtained in 2005. The area covered encompassed the entire District of Columbia, which is approximately 69 square miles. NLT, working with Fugro EarthData and DC GIS staff, updated and captured various planimetric layers to more accurately reflect the District’s ground conditions. Specifically, NLT took responsibility for quality control of the following data layers: building foot prints, bridges and tunnels, hydro centerlines, Metro entrances, obscure areas, railroad centerlines, road casings, sidewalk boundaries, wooded areas, and orthophotography. These frequently used layers are incorporated into daily operations at DC GIS and other District agencies, such as the Office of Planning. NLT used automated validation techniques combined with manual visual review to systematically ensure that all data layers had been properly attributed and were spatially correct.

When DC GIS set out to improve the quality and lower the cost of geospatial education offered to DC Government personnel, it called on NLT. NLT worked with DC GIS and the Center for Workforce Development to compose training procedures; customize courses, documentation, and newsletters; enhance tools; and secure hands-on training facilities. Over the course of the project, NLT conducted GIS training for more than 700 city employees. NLT’s efforts met the goals of increasing awareness of the DC GIS program and educating staffers about how to use GIS effectively. NLT’s training and subsequent outreach activities led to numerous agency requests for additional specialized training and applications, furthering the successful use of geospatial technologies throughout every agency in the DC Government.

NLT helped design and deploy the award-winning GIS portal for the DC Guide. In recogniz¬ing NLT’s work on this project, the National Association of State Chief Information Officers noted that the GIS technology in the DC Guide:

. . . allows the application to seamlessly deliver a vast amount of information at a much faster rate than similar municipal websites. All information the user selects is shown on one map as opposed to other websites that require the use of separate GIS applications to access different types of data. (http://www.nascio.org/awards/2004Awards/innovative.cfm)

Online mapping tools help website visitors find their way around the city, learn about DC history, research real estate property values, and more. DC’s chief technology officer summed up the importance and utility of NLT’s work with these words:

In the past, GIS mapping tools were used primarily by governments and businesses, but not the general public. We set out to develop innovative uses for these versatile applications and put them in the hands of every resident, business, and visitor to the District of Columbia. (http://www.nascio.org/awards/2004Awards/innovative.cfm)

 

DC GIS
In partnership with CyberCity

Teaming with DC GIS and CyberCity, NLT supported the development of the first citywide 3D multipatch dataset. In total, there are approximately 125,000 3D buildings, making it one of the world’s largest 3D models. NLT also developed three-dimensional spatially accurate photo-realistic models of Washington, DC, by merging the multipatches with oblique imagery. That helped DC GIS develop an implementation plan for various 3D technologies and visualizations. NLT performed the initial pilot work leading to the development of this project and supported the District’s application and use of the data.

NLT is providing data editing, quality assurance, and quality control on Vector Property Map (VPM) layers at the DC Office of Tax and Revenue. The VPM is a comprehensive property database that provides detailed boundary information for lands throughout the District of Columbia. This effort includes researching and digitizing the city’s federal reservation property data. Until now, documents for those reservations had been missing and scattered. The location and dimensions of the reservations were contained in scanned paper documents from DC’s Office of the Surveyor, documents from the National Park Service, and digitized planimetric data gathered by DC GIS. NLT’s work involves converting the paper data sources into digital format using ArcGIS Desktop COGO, Editor, and Advanced Editing tools. NLT also fills special requests using property data and property source images to produce reports, maps, and supporting documentation.

The IT ServUS program provides LAN/WAN and desktop support to Washington, DC, agencies such as DC Public Schools (DCPS), the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO), the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), the Department of Public Works (DPW), the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS), and the Department of Health (DOH). The Network/Desktop Support Team is responsible for operational tasks, customer service tickets, and special projects, all involving desktops throughout the city. NLT staffed the Network/Desktop Support Team and was responsible for configuration management, administration of city‐wide software updates via LAN desk software, and deployment and configuration of desktops, laptops, and printers. NLT also analyzed and resolved IT issues, performed asset management, and conducted backup, restoration, and recovery of servers. In short, NLT provided the DC Government with a full end‐to‐end help desk and computer management solution.

DC’s Citywide Integrated Credentialing Program issues and maintains ID and security credentialing for the Protective Services Division of DC’s Office of Property Management. OPM and OCTO called on NLT to provide positive ID verification and to meet or exceed post-9/11 recommendations from the Department of Homeland Security. NLT conducted a requirements analysis, implemented a proof of concept, and carried out an operational pilot. In addition, NLT provided operations management, quality assurance testing, security audits, and citywide standard operating procedures, among other activities. The improvements that NLT effected in network security and upgrading to federal security standards have made the Citywide Integrated Credentialing Program a best-of-breed model for other jurisdictions.