GIS Conference Brings Utility Management Solutions to Kansas Communities

On March 3^rd, Midland GIS Solutions hosted a Utility GIS Conference for Kansas municipalities in Salina. This one-day conference provided communities of all sizes with valuable information on developing and maintaining GIS data to better manage their utility infrastructure. Cities interested in utilizing GIS technology to better meet regulations set forth by the Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment and the EPA, as well as cities looking to bolster mutual aid response were in attendance.

The conference attracted municipal officials and operators from across the state, including Jason Newberry, IT Administrator from the City of Wellington.

“I was very impressed with the GIS Conference in Salina. The professionalism and knowledge of how the information was presented was a welcome relief. There was no sales pitch in their message. I like the idea of using Midland’s services to collect and maintain our city’s utility data. I am sure that all departments could benefit from utilizing this powerful technology. Thanks for a great conference!”

Midland GIS Vice Presidents, Matt Sorensen and Kirk Larson provided attendees with an in-depth look at the scope of locating and mapping utility networks and demonstrated the benefits of having accurate GPS data. They also presented on various GIS case studies of Kansas cities utilizing GPS and GIS technology and  gave live web demonstrations of Integrity™, an innovative web GIS and mobile solution developed by Midland GIS for municipalities to manage and analyze and maintain utility GIS data.

Mike Fraser, Director of Public Works in Salina, KS opened the conference with information on the APWA 2011 Mid-America Conference and Exhibit Show on May 18-20, 2011 in Overland Park, KS.

Jannsen Bruse, Director of Member Services with Kansas Municipal Energy Agency (KMEA) presented on the success and purpose of G-MAP, the organization’s GIS Mutual Aid Mapping Project. Since 2009, Midland GIS has been working closely with KMEA on the G-MAP project to locate and map electrical networks for their mutual aid cities.

“Providing Kansas cities of all sizes with the insight that they need to make informed decisions about GIS development is a top priority,” stated Kirk Larson. “We accomplished that through our conference in Salina.”

For more information on the topics covered at this conference or to learn more about our products and services please contact Kirk Larson at klarson@midlandgis.com or call 660.562.0050.