In 2011, Missoula County contracted GCS to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment and develop a plan to implement an Enterprise Geographic Information System (EGIS). This EGIS would support various departments across the county, enhancing efficiency and access to spatial data.
Project Overview
To understand the GIS requirements of Missoula County, Bryant Ralston of GCS and Rj Zimmer of DJ&A led a series of interviews in July 2011 with current and potential GIS users. The following county departments were surveyed:
- Office of Planning and Grants (OPG)
- GIS Department
- Public Works
- Environmental Health
- 9-1-1
- Surveying
- Weed Management
- Rural Initiatives
Objectives and Requirements
The Missoula City-County Health Department (MCCHD) sought custom GIS services to develop an interactive web mapping application as part of the Maternal Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Infrastructure Development (MIECHV ID) grant. GCS provided a complete GIS solution, which included:
- Data Development (FGDC-compliant)
- Custom Web Application Development with features such as:
- Interactive map layers
- Analytical tools
- Thematic displays (symbolization)
- Attribute information (pop-ups, metadata)
- Deployment on ArcGIS Online
- GIS server hosting and web service development
GCS also ensured compatibility with Missoula County’s existing GIS infrastructure, delivering all data (shapefiles, geodatabases) and application source code as required.
Executive Overview
The potential of GIS technology to improve government efficiency, resource allocation, infrastructure maintenance, and situational awareness for elected officials is immense. Although GIS has been used in multiple departments within Missoula County, its full capabilities have not been fully realized due to siloed implementation across different departments.
In response, Missoula County initiated an effort to transition to an Enterprise GIS (EGIS). GCS and DJ&A were selected to support this initiative, guiding the county through a Needs Assessment and creating an implementation plan for an EGIS environment.
Key EGIS Project Components:
- Kick-off Meeting for the Missoula County EGIS Project Team
- EGIS Technology Update & Educational Seminar for county staff
- EGIS Business Requirements Questionnaire for staff input
- On-site Departmental Interviews to assess the current GIS environment and future needs
- Summary Documentation of departmental findings
- Integration Investigation: Exploring the integration of Sire Enterprise Document Management with Esri GIS
- IT Architecture Meeting to discuss the technical architecture needed to support EGIS
- Development of EGIS Recommendations for the county
- Delivery of the Final Report
- Final Report and Recommendations Meeting
This thorough and strategic approach allowed GCS to provide Missoula County with a detailed roadmap for transitioning to an efficient, county-wide Enterprise GIS system.
About Missoula County, Montana: Geography, Population, and Historic Courthouse
Located in western Montana, Missoula County spans approximately 2,600 square miles, featuring five large valleys and three major rivers that wind through its rugged, mountainous landscape. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Missoula County has a population of approximately 117,922 residents. The county seat is the city of Missoula, known for its vibrant community and scenic surroundings.
Historic Missoula County Courthouse
The iconic Missoula County Courthouse, located at 200 West Broadway, Missoula, MT, 59802, was completed in 1910 and stands as a landmark of the region’s rich history. Its south foyer is adorned with a series of eight murals painted by the renowned western artist Edgar S. Paxson between 1912 and 1914, showcasing the area’s cultural heritage. A modern addition to the courthouse was completed in 1966, preserving its historic charm while accommodating the county’s evolving needs.
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