(1075) Geographic Information Systems Division

(35) Assessor

DEPARTMENT MISSION/VISION

The mission of the countywide GIS Program is to support the activities of its members and the citizens of San Benito County by providing and maintaining accurate, current, and complete geospatial data. This support will be provided through leveraging the knowledge contained in this information by using a set of procedures and techniques collectively referred to as a Geographic Information System. Using the Geographic Information System (GIS), the staff will enable managers and citizens to make decisions impacting the future of the Cities, Districts, and County of San Benito in an informed and logical manner.

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION OVERVIEW

 

  • Works closely with end users to identify GIS requirements, technical issues, and training needs; analyzes current business processes and recommends best practice solutions; constructs information technology definitions based on identified needs of the organization. Meets with other agencies to determine GIS needs and promote GIS applications.

 

  • Responsible for managing GIS Technician.

 

  • Performs complex cadastral and GIS data maintenance, manipulation, analysis, extraction and generation assignments; performs data research, investigation and verification; maintain county address database for department and outside agency use; facilitates discussions concerning address issues with Public Works, Planning, SCR911 and Cities; codes and digitizes maps and geographical feature data into various layers; prepares projects and data for archival storage; performs record keeping and inventory; documents and files data sources and map files for future reference; responds to requests from the public for mapping data and layer creation; responds to emergency mapping and information requests.

 

  • Prepares, plans, produces, maintains and updates a variety of maps, plans and other graphic representations displaying layers and attribute data from databases, using cartographic techniques to represent spatial data; develops and maintains data layers, using GIS tools, and relational databases; performs detailed spatial analysis including notifications, buffering, and zone consolidation; manipulates images for electronic mapping; enters attribute data pertaining to specific features into a relational database; incorporates maps, charts, data files, spreadsheet data, documentation and text into reports. Maintains and creates metadata.

 

  • Maintains and creates spatial data on a GIS Enterprise SQL database. Maintains data and software on the GIS Web Server.  Creates user accounts for both the SQL Database and Web GIS.

 

  • Maintains GIS data and connections for the following applications:

 

    • San Benito County
      • Accela
      • Elections map gallery, voting precincts.
      • Emergency Operations Center map gallery and Event Dashboards
      • Emergency Services-Serving data to Perimeter Evacuation App and Genysis app
      • Integrated Waste Illegal Dumping reporting application
      • CSA reporting application
      • Public Health Respiratory Dashboard

 

  • City of Hollister
    • Tyler EAM Application
    • Tyler 311 Application
    • KorTerra Application
    • ArcGIS Online user accounts for Water Utility Updates
    • ArcGIS Online – General Plan Update
    • Fire Department Hydrant and address Maintenance App

 

  • City of San Juan Bautista
  • ArcGIS Online map gallery

 

  • SunnySlope Water District
    • Utility data is maintained through a connection in the WebGIS.

 

  • SCR911
  • NG911 Application - Address, Parcel, and Street data

 

  • Analyzes requests for a variety of new applications, programs and modifications to existing GIS programs; analyzes and documents user work processes and systems functionality requirements; analyzes current GIS system functions, procedures and capabilities to determine if improved methods are possible; develops and presents proposals for new approaches and options to meet user needs; software selection and implementation, including software evaluation, requirements gathering, work flow analysis and system implementation, testing and training.

 

  • Designs, implements, and tests configuration changes in packaged software such as ESRI, ArcGIS Online and VertiGIS Studio (WebGIS) to meet end user business requirements.

 

  • Analyzes, troubleshoots, and resolves GIS applications problems; communicates with internal and external technical resources to resolve end user issues; provides guidance to users on methods for correcting reported problems.

 

  • Coordinates and conducts user applications training classes; develops training materials and manuals; responds to and resolves user inquiries; develops and maintains user documentation.  Develop standard and custom reports.  Work in a variety of systems to bring together individual departments information into a Geographic Information System.

 

  • Maintain the county WebGIS (Geocortex by Verti-GIS). Create and modify layers and functions in the WebGIS. Respond to user recommendations and needs concerning the WebGIS. Train users how to efficiently use the WebGIS.

 

  • Communicates and works with consultants and agencies outside of the county.  Works with SCR911 GIS to resolve any issues with addressing and streets.

 

  • Manages maps and GIS applications for the Emergency Operations Center.

 

  • Census Liaison for the County of San Benito. Coordinates and updates data for various Census programs such as, Participant Statistical Area Program (PSAP), Boundary and Annexation Survey (BAS), Hard to Count (HTC), School District Review Program (SDRP), Local Update of Census Address Program (LUCA), Block Boundary Suggestion Project (BBSP), New Construction Program (NCP).

 

  • Coordinates with GIS MOA partners (City of Hollister, City of San Juan Bautista, Office of Education, Sunnyslope Water District, San Benito County Water District, LAFCO and the Council of Governments) on individual GIS projects, including daily GIS requests.

 

  • Prepares yearly GIS Division Budget.

 

Staff

Recommended Budget

Strategic Plan Focus Areas

Operational Development & Excellence

  • Staffing
    • Grow and retain a diverse, motivated, and high performing GIS workforce.
  • Organizational Culture
    • Continue an organizational culture that embraces equality, collaboration, and open communication where all people are valued.
  • Departmental Outreach
    • Communicate with departments of the benefits of GIS.
  • Innovation/Technology
    • Continue to incorporate GIS Technology into our infrastructure.
  • Internal to the County
    • Maximize the effective and efficient use of evolving GIS technology.
  • External in the Community
    • Utilize GIS technology for ease of access and data transparency.
    • More Community Engagement
  • Cross-Jurisdictional Relationships
    • Continue to collaborate with jurisdictions and agencies to better serve the community.
  • Communication
    • Maintain accurate and timely communication with the community.

 

Recent Departmental Accomplishments

  • Created and configured a Survey 123 app for Integrated Waste Management to monitor and keep track of illegal dump cleanup.
  • Worked with Integrated Waste and HHSA to map garbage and homeless encampments in the San Benito County Riverbed.   
  • Created and configured a Deputy Responsibility Area app for the Sheriff’s Department.
  • Worked with the Ag and Sheriff’s department to create the Livestock Pass Program.
  • Updated County GIS server architecture, making it more secure and efficient.
  • A new version of the GIS Web was installed and configured for internal and external users.
  • The GIS division is continuing working with SCR911 and CalTrans to reconfigure the County streets and address layer for use in the new Statewide NG911 system

 

Top Departmental Concerns

  • GIS Outreach (keep county staff, other agencies, and the community informed and educated on the evolving GIS technologies);
  • Become proficient in new ESRI Software. ESRI will be (In a few years) transitioning to a significantly different GIS Software;
  • Installation and configuration of ESRI Portal, allowing data to be edited through the web on online devices out in the field;
  • Staffing needs;
  • Upgrade SQL and Web server operating system; and
  • Purchase additional Credits and Users to ArcGIS Online as more departments and agencies utilize the software.

Long Range Planning Goals (3-5 years) For Department

    • Continued calculated growth of the GIS.
    • Continue to coordinate with the Assessor’s Department to house parcel maintenance within their office.
    • Continued participation in U.S. Census programs to produce an accurate population and demographic count. This is important for all upcoming Census as well as creating accurate data for redistricting and upcoming elections.  
    • Continue to collaborate with the Central Coast Joint Data Committee on projects such as aerial imagery collection and other data projects beneficial to the county.
    • Strategic Plan revision, prioritize goals, and measure progress through the use of specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound objectives
    • Continue to develop, maintain, and upgrade the WebGIS and ArcGIS Online tools for better work efficiency. Create new online workflows.
    • Develop and introduce new GIS spatial mobile apps to departments, especially for efficient field data collection.
    • Remain pro-active and keep on top of the evolving GIS landscape.
    • Review the possibility of eventually obtaining a drone for mapping purposes and disaster response.