Foreword
Imaging and geospatial information technologies have come of age during the last two decades.
Much of this progress has been driven by geographic Information systems (GIS), and, for more than 10 years, the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) has recognized the Importance of GIS by annually devoting one issue of Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing (PE&RS) to the technology. It is fitting that this issue of the Journal, one of the last issues of PE&RS to appear in the Twentieth Century, is devoted to GIS. Although the articles contained herein cover a broad range of important issues, the focus of this issue is on the important strides in GIS being made within state and local governments.
Our keynote paper by Lisa Warnecke provides a comprehensive overview of the institutionalization of geospatial technologies in the nation’s states and localities. Bruce Westcott writes on the important synergism between GIS and GPS in implementation of E911 services in Vermont. Tim Foresman and his colleagues discuss enterprise solutions to applications of GIS in Maryland’s state and local government.
Important issues in vertical integration of geospatial data, with special attention given to the state of Kentucky, are addressed by Francis Harvey and his coauthors. Lloyd Coulter and his colleagues discuss the role of remote sensing in GIS as applied to metropolitan transportation planning. And, Sheryl Oliver, reviews the important role of the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC) in coordinating GIS efforts among the states.
Thanks are extended to the authors of all of the fine articles included in this issue of PE&RS. Thanks, also, to the reviewers who generously contributed their time to offer comments and constructive suggestions on the manuscripts, Last, but certainly not least, special appreciation is extended to journal staff members Stan Morain (Editor), James Case (Technical Editor) and Kim Tilley (Executive Director) for their assistance in bringing this issue to you.
James W. Merchant,
Center for Advanced Land Management
Information Technologies
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
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