SCARC Fall 2024 Conference
October 21st and 22nd, 2024
Pastides Alumni Center at USC
900 Senate Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Link to Printable PDF of the SCARC Fall 2024 Conference Agenda
SCARC 2024 Fall Conference Presentations
Monday, October 21st
9:30 am - Registration Opens
10:00 am - Introductions and Opening Remarks from the SCARC Board
10:15 am - 11:15 am - Plenary Presentation (Ballroom 2/3)
Mike Dyer (Esri)
Join Mike Dyer and his Esri colleagues, Adam McSparran and Parker Hinson, as they delve into the latest advancements within the ArcGIS platform. This presentation will showcase a comprehensive overview, starting from the foundational products like Pro, Enterprise, and Online, to innovations in cartography, spatial analysis, and imagery.
The focus will then shift towards no-code and low-code solutions tailored to address common business requirements within state and local government. Discover how these solutions not only streamline processes but also expand the utilization of GIS within these organizations, fostering efficiency and effectiveness.
In the latter part of the presentation, the spotlight will be on the intersection of AI and GIS. Explore the integration of pre-trained models for feature extraction (GeoAI) and the seamless incorporation of AI assistants into existing solutions (Generative AI). This fusion of AI with GIS not only unlocks growth opportunities for GIS professionals but also enhances accessibility for non-GIS professionals, paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic GIS landscape.
11:25 am - 12:05 pm - Gaining GIS Buy-In (Ballroom 2/3)
Bob Hawks (South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA))
Like many types of technology, it can often be difficult for leadership and stakeholders to understand how GIS can benefit them, particularly at organizations where GIS is very new. As GIS grows ever more present across many disciplines throughout our nation, and as it is picked up by many that have never had this capability before, being able to effectively communicate the importance of GIS to the individuals that matter is of paramount importance. My discussion will touch on methods that have worked for me in my career, as well as considerations to keep in mind and things to avoid.
12:10 am - 12:30 pm - Revolutionizing Emergency Response with GIS (Ballroom 2/3)
Laura Kunzie (Chester County Emergency Management Agency)
In just two years, Chester County's GIS program transformed from a single stand-alone ArcMap system into a powerful online and mobile platform now used by over 200 first responders for 30+ incident types. The all-incident map has become an indispensable tool from missing person searches and manhunts to fire response. The presentation will explore the specialized school incident map and how it enables seamless, multi-agency coordination from the moment a 911 call is made through to reunification. Learn how the pivotal factor that not only fueled this transformation and continues to drive its success today can be replicated to drive success in other initiatives.
12:30 pm - Lunch Buffet
1:30 pm - Vendor Introductions
2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
The Renaissance of GIS in Lancaster County, SC... As I See It. (Ballroom 2/3)
Jim Kiley (County of Lancaster)
A GIS Renaissance is a revival (birthing) of a progressive and inventive GIS where there was none (minimal) previously. It is a time of experimentation and failure. It is a time of ACTION. It is a time of FUN. It is a time of DISCOVERY.
The Renaissance was a real period in European history that occurred between the 14th and 17th centuries. It was a time of cultural, artistic, political, and economic rebirth that saw the rediscovery of classical art, literature, and philosophy. The Renaissance brought about many contributions to different fields, including new scientific laws, new forms of art and architecture, and new religious and political ideas. Many great thinkers found their voice during the time of Renaissance.
That being said, we briefly will look at GIS Renaissance in action and the approach that is working for Jim in Lancaster. The aim is for you to gain insight leading to new approaches that unearth GIS renaissance ideas.
Transforming Data into Insights: Advanced Analytics & Mapping Services at RFA (Ballroom 1a)
Rachel Passer, Geospatial Coordinator (SC Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office) Chris Finney, Director, Data Integration and Analysis Division
The South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office (RFA) plays a pivotal role in managing a diverse array of data from federal, state, and municipal governments. RFA leverages its expert staff, statutory mandates, and extensive high-quality data resources to support the Governor, General Assembly, government entities, the private sector, and citizens across the state. This presentation will highlight how RFA’s innovative data services and visual analytics empower state agencies, showcasing practical examples of publicly available applications that drive decision-making and enhance public access to critical information.
Making a Utility Network Serve Your Needs (Ballroom 1b)
Michael O'Shea (JMT Technology Group)
Esri’s Utility Network model is new and complex, but it can be configured to meet your organization’s needs. This presentation will cover how JMT configured the utility network model to improve data accuracy and implement quality controls into field inspection workflows for a sanitary sewer utility. The presentation will discuss how the model creates value in the form of reduced time in the field collecting data and, in the office, performing quality assurance techniques. Attendees will learn about Arcade expressions, editing real-time data, and additional automated workflows that significantly decrease the time spent on post-processing field collected data. New workflows will be demonstrated that showcase added efficiencies gained using a Utility Network.
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Playing Nice with GIS - People Strategies for Success (Ballroom 2/3)
Kary Beaman
Join me for an enlightening session on mastering technology adoption! Discover how aligning tech with your unique culture and processes can pave the way for successful change management. Learn the secrets to prioritizing people, overcoming high failure rates, and achieving your business goals. Transform potential into reality with our people-focused approach. Don't miss out on this opportunity to revolutionize your organization's tech journey!
Damage Assessment: THE PEOPLES DATA! (Ballroom 1a)
Reggie Sanders (Florence County)
Revised Lead and Copper Rule: Fulfilling EPA guidelines (Ballroom 1b)
Kyle Erisman (Charleston Water System), Inna Moore
In response to the EPA's published guidelines for lead pipes in our nation's water infrastructure, Charleston Water System (CWS) undertook the necessary actions to create, populate, update, and produce a Lead Service Line Inventory and public facing application. This presentation outlines the key steps that went into creating the Lead Service Line Inventory, details the resources used to make up the Inventory, and describes how CWS generated an easily accessible public application for its customers. This presentation will include a demonstration of the public application, which will be available to CWS's customers and the public on or before EPA's deadline of October 16th, 2024.
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Columbia Water’s Lead and Copper Rule Revision Update: Collecting Data and Preparing for the Future (Ballroom 1b)
Stewart Hall (City of Columbia - Columbia Water)
The City of Columbia, SC (City) has been working diligently to inventory their water information management system and have ramped up their efforts due to the Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR).
To meet the EPA's October 16th deadline, the City’s first task was to compile data and determine unknowns, so we had to decide where we could pull this information. This presentation will discuss the City’s continued efforts and progress made to capture all required water information and how we plan to meet compliance-sampling changes, update the public and talk about how we are maintaining this information.
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm
Image analysis to map invasive common reed (Phragmites australis) in South Carolina coastal wetlands (Ballroom 2/3)
Tanner Arrington (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources), Courtney Lewis, Jim Davis, Achi Treptow
Common reed (Phragmites australis) is an aggressive wetland plant that grows rapidly into large, dense stands. It negatively affects operations at SCDNR's Santee Coastal Reserve property and is costly to manage. Analysis of satellite-based multispectral imagery is helping SCDNR monitor the presence of phragmites over 15,000 acres of wetlands, target treatments, and track the efficacy of management methods.
Mapping Risk: Coastal Vulnerability from South Carolina to the East Coast (Ballroom 1a)
Matthew Hatami (University of South Carolina)
The study, "Integrated Socio-Environmental Vulnerability Assessment of Coastal Hazards Using Data-Driven and Multi-Criteria Analysis Approaches," published in Scientific Reports of Nature, has gained attention from media outlets like the South Carolina Office of Resilience and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The research highlights the potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in mapping socio-environmental vulnerabilities. Using GIS-based, data-driven methods, it provides a detailed assessment of coastal risks in South Carolina, integrating socio-economic and environmental data to inform policy and resilience planning.
Building on this work, the assessment is now being extended to cover the entire U.S. East Coast, applying the same GIS-driven approach. This regional expansion will offer broader insights into coastal vulnerabilities and help policymakers across the East Coast strengthen resilience planning and hazard preparedness.
Lateral Warfare: City of Columbia's Battle with Digitizing Customer Connections (Ballroom 1b)
Stewart Hall (City of Columbia - Columbia Water)
Focusing on asset management, the City of Columbia addressed the lack of GIS customer connection representation by implementing workflows to digitize all sewer laterals and water service lines. Our approach included methods for automating data creation based on available sources such as CCTV and AMI. GIS facilitated integration, automation, and progress tracking to overcome challenges of data reliability and inter-departmental collaboration. This project has enhanced our ability to expand digital twin capabilities, improve LCRR tracking, and plan for future sewer and water rehab projects.
Drinks and light hors d'oeuvres will be served in the Presidential Dining Room on the 2nd Floor
Tuesday, October 22nd
9:00 am - Registration Opens
9:00 am - 10:00 am - Student Lightning Talks (Ballroom 2/3)
- A look into income and flood zone proximity in Richland County, SC
Presenter: Kaitlyn Caminita, Earth and Environment Resources Management (MEERM), University of South Carolina
- Rapid flood inundation mapping for dam break floods
Presenter: Shivakumar Balachandran, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Carolina
- Computing livingness of urban environment through visual perspective using Segment Anything Model
Presenter: Haofeng Tan, Department of Geography, University of South Carolina
- WebGIS Services to support locational choices of shelters
Presenter: Alessandra Perez Salas, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Carolina
- Mudflat classification and elevation analysis in North Inlet, SC
Presenter: Joseph McGuinn, Department of Geography, University of South Carolina
- Transport of warm shelf water into the Gulf of Marine
Presenter: Lydia Sims, School of the Earth, Ocean, and Environment (SEOE), University of south Carolina.
9:00 am - 9:30 am - The Art and Science of Interior Space Mapping (Ballroom 1a)
Nicole Miller (JMT Technology Group)
In the past, GIS data often included nothing more than the outline of a building, leaving the interior a mysterious void. The building outlines, usually created from orthophotos, were distorted, imprecise, and poorly georeferenced. Attributes rarely included more than a street address and the year it was built. Many organizations are beginning to fill in these voids with data. By improving the accuracy and precision of building data layers, mapping indoor spaces, and populating detailed attributes, interior space data can support a range of activities such as indoor navigation and wayfinding, enhanced emergency response, facility management, asset tracking, and space utilization planning.
This presentation will discuss the core concepts of developing an interior space dataset, including what data are most often needed, methods of gathering data in the field, general considerations when developing an interior space data model, and planning for data maintenance.
9:00 am - 9:30 am - The National Map - Your Source for Topographic Information (Ballroom 1b)
Josefa Baker (U.S. Geological Survey)
The USGS National Geospatial Program (NGP) provides a foundation of digital geospatial data representing the topography, natural landscape, and manmade environment of the United States. These data, products and services are collectively referred to as The National Map (TNM), which users can incorporate into their decision making and operational activities. Information will be provided on TNM initiatives including the 3D Elevation Program (3DEP), 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP), data discovery and download applications, US Topo, and topoBuilder. Information will also be provided on the role of the National Map Liaisons, such as outreach and coordination related to NGP activities.
9:40 am - 10:00 am
Utilizing ArcGIS Hubsite to Streamline Project Management and Efficiency (Ballroom 1a)
Dominick Bernstein (CDM Smith)
CDM Smith, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and numerous sub consultants, is implementing a Hubsite designed to function as a central 'Project Homepage.' This Hubsite serves as a unified platform where all project data, maps, and relevant information are stored, streamlining collaboration between organizations. By enabling live updates and seamless data transfers, the Hubsite has enhanced communication and decision-making, providing a more efficient way to manage transportation projects. This presentation will explore the development, implementation, and key benefits of the Hubsite in facilitating real-time collaboration.
University of South Carolina Solar Feasibility Study (Ballroom 1b)
Logan Brodfuehrer
This study provides a detailed analysis of solar energy opportunities at the University of South Carolina including solar system size, generation rates, ownership structures, associated economics, political incentives, and additional considerations. To assess feasibility, a subset of university buildings and garages were chosen from a set criterion and analyzed with the NREL Solar tool and GIS to obtain data including system size, electricity output, and cost comparisons. Mapped results allowed for a comprehensive outlook on solar generation, comparative costs, and guided further research into ownership structures, such as Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), tax incentives from IRA (2022), and other university case studies. This study finds that as solar energy has become more affordable and incentivized, there are ample business opportunities for USC to implement solar in a way that is economically feasible and contributes to future larger energy goals.
10:10 am - 10:55 am
The Power of Geospatial Intelligence (Ballroom 2/3)
Ronda Schrenk (USGIF)
Join the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation's (USGIF) CEO, Ronda Schrenk, to learn about her career journey through the geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) field, USGIF's mission as an educational foundation dedicated to promoting the GEOINT tradecraft and developing a stronger community, and global applications of GEOINT across sectors.
GISP-E GISCI's new preGISP certification - What is it (Ballroom 1a)
Tripp Corbin, GISP
The GISP certification has been around for a while now. This professional certification is well recognized and identifies professionals in GIS that have a wealth of experience and education within GIS. But what about those just getting started? The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) will have a credential for them as well starting in 2025, the GISP-E. Come learn more about this new certification and how you can earn it if you are just getting started in your GIS career.
Mapping Our Way to Mosquito Control Success (Ballroom 1b)
Daniel Morgan (Beaufort County Mapping & Applications Department), Ian DeNeeve and Kelsie Floyd
Finding solutions to effectively maintain data is critical for a Mosquito Control department and for the citizens in the area. While having the ability to properly document data is key, providing a cost-effective solution is impactful as well. The presentation details and demonstrates the products we have used to aid Mosquito Control in achieving their standards of operation. Extensive and ongoing collaboration with the department has allowed for the opportunity to discuss the benefits of GIS. Developing an understanding of mosquito control operations has allowed us to utilize the ESRI tools and products to function in a way that best suits the department’s needs. The departmental needs include supporting crew tasks, planning out missions, and establishing interaction with the public. While presenting the projects that have been completed with Mosquito Control, we will also discuss the future and what lies ahead for project development.
11:00 am - 11:45 am
Deep Learning of High-resolution Aerial Imagery for Coastal Mapping (Ballroom 2/3)
Susan Wang (University of South Carolina)
Coastal environments are heterogeneous by nature. The small-size land covers like small waterbodies and oyster reefs are often not visible in regular satellite observations. Taking advantage of the statewide 6-inch aerial imagery collected in 2020 and 2023, this study explores the deep learning-assisted classification to extract these small objects, which provides fine-detailed spatial layers to assist coastal resilience along with sea level rise.
3D Data Capture - Is your data ready and how do I capture in 3D (Ballroom 1a)
Tripp Corbin, GISP
If you have been to an Esri or infrastructure conference recently, you have seen them focusing on 3D such as digital twins, virtual reality, GeoBim and more. This is amazing capability but two questions immediately come to mind. Is my data ready for 3D? How do I capture or create data in 3D? This presentation will answer these two questions to help you begin the journey into this exciting new realm.
Traversing and Georeferencing in ArcGIS Pro (Ballroom 1b)
Tamsen Waldron (American Forest Management Inc.)
In ArcGIS pro you can enter the Survey of a Deed or of a Plat into the Traverse tool. I will show the user how to enter the calls into the program or import a .text file. I will also show how to georeference an image in Pro using the georeferencing tool under the image selections.
12:00 pm - Lunch
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
ArcGIS as a System (Ballroom 2/3)
Parker Hinson
WebGIS has evolved rapidly over the last decade, and the ArcGIS ecosystem is no exception. In this presentation, we will discuss ArcGIS as an Enterprise Business System, and how effectively integrating WebGIS can improve collaboration across your organization and provide transparency with the public. Topics during this session will include ArcGIS administration, architecture and deployment patterns, common business cases and workflows, and more...from speakers with direct experience implementing ArcGIS as a System at both the state and local government levels.
Pioneering Efficiency: Geospatial Strategies in South Carolina Governance (Ballroom 1a)
Chris Mumford
Join us to explore cutting-edge geospatial solutions that are revolutionizing local government efficiency in South Carolina. This presentation will showcase compelling case studies of communities that have successfully navigated time and budget constraints through inventive geospatial strategies. Attendees will gain insights into:
Analyzing complex relationships across multiple assessment mapping layers
Identifying patterns and trends using advanced mapping and measurement tools
Enhancing impact with powerful sharing and publishing tools
Streamlining permits and licenses into an efficient workflow
Learn how these innovative approaches not only save time but also lead to substantial cost savings. This session will provide a wealth of ideas for your own projects and demonstrate how geospatial innovation is reshaping the landscape of local governance.
Image Analysis and GIS for Agricultural Management (Ballroom 1b)
Kevin Royal (CU Center for Ag Tech - Clemson University)
GIS has many applications for planning more precise applications of crop inputs and for livestock management. Crop inputs can include variable rate water or irrigation, seed, fertilizer, and herbicides. Pasture management can also be improved for invasive species control, improved grass production, and active rotational grazing. In general, spatial data is collected from imagery, sensors, soil samples, and yield monitors. That data is accumulated to a zone or grid at the Management Resolution a farm manager is comfortable managing at. Management Resolution is dependent on the scale of the input variables, equipment or hardware technology, and experience of the farm manager.
2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Tips and Tricks: ArcGIS Pro and Experience Builder (Ballroom 2/3)
Adam McSparran (Esri)
Migrating to ArcGIS Pro and Experience Builder can seem like an overwhelming project. In this presentation, we will be discussing some powerful steps to streamline your implementation of these products in your organization, and demystify some of the tasks in these workflows.
Utilizing Trimble Terra Office Plug-In for ArcGIS Pro for Field Data Collection and Data Management (Ballroom 1a)
Ryan Dugger (Duncan Parnell)
Trimble Terra Office add-in for ArcGIS Pro extends Pro for managing high-accuracy GNSS data collection workflows using Trimble Terraflex field software. It enables connectivity to feature services in AGOL and ArcGIS Enterprise as well as traditional enterprise or file geodatabases. Starting from an ArcGIS Pro project, the user can publish TerraFlex projects and harvest collected data directly within ArcGIS Pro. They can also select existing data to send to the field task.
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm - Closing Session (Door Prizes, Closing Remarks, etc.)
**This agenda is subject to change based on presentation lengths and other factors. Please check back closer to the event for a more detailed and finalized agenda.**
To see the agenda from Past Conferences please visit our Past Events Page.
SCARC is a non-profit organization in South Carolina