KCGIS User Group

Quick Update! August 4, 2010 Meeting Cancelled - Summer Hiatus

Featured Topic (October 6, 2010)

USGS Map Viewer & USGS Next Generation Topo Maps
Tom Carlson, PhD. USGS WA Geospatial Liaison

This presentation will provide an update on three efforts by the USGS.

The first is the new National Map viewer which is an improved viewing platform, base map data, and an integrated data download service. It offers interoperable services with popular viewers such as Google Earth and Bing! Maps use WMS, KML, or ArcGIS.

The second effort is the new US Topo maps scheduled to be published in Oregon and Washington in 2011. US Topo is the next generation of digital topographic maps from the U.S. Geological Survey. Arranged in the traditional 7.5-minute quadrangle format, digital US Topo maps are designed to look and feel like the traditional paper topographic maps for which the USGS is so well known. At the same time, US Topo maps provide modern technical advantages that support wider and faster public distribution and enable basic, on-screen geographic analysis for all users.

The historic topographic quadrangle scanning efforts will also be discussed which is an integral part of the US Topo publication process.

Other Agenda Items:

• New Data Updates
• New Maps
• Training
• Announcements

More Information about the KCGIS User Group

What is the King County GIS User Group?
The KCGIS User Group is a bi-monthly forum that features information sharing among users of the King County Geographic Information System in the form of announcements, technical tips, and in-depth presentations. Users can find out first-hand what is happening across departments and disciplines, and glean timely information that will affect their day-to-day work.

The KCGIS Center hosts the user group meetings. Cheryl Wilder, GIS Analyst and King County GIS Center Training Coordinator organizes and moderates the meetings. Cheryl welcomes suggestions and volunteers for future featured speakers and topics.

Who attends?
The agenda is designed to be of interest to King County GIS staff, however other GIS users are welcome.

When does the User Group meet?
KCGIS User Group meetings are scheduled for the first Wednesday of every other month from 11am to noon. Make sure you check here for the latest information before attending. Dates for 2010 are:

February 3, 2010
April 7, 2010
June 2, 2010
August 4, 2010
October 6, 2010
December 1, 2010

Where are meetings held?
The user group meets in the King Street Center in downtown Seattle's Pioneer Square neighborhood, on the seventh floor in conference room 7044-45. From the seventh-floor elevator lobby, enter through the DNRP Director's Office/GIS Center door via keycard or receptionist buzz-in.