The Web site is a cooperative data-sharing effort between the University of Idaho, federal and state agencies and local communities. Officials said the site contains data previously available only through requests to agencies or by visiting a library, making that data more accessible to the public.
Using the INSIDE Idaho site, viewers can access a multitude of geo-spatial and numeric data for research and learning; a tutorial covering various aspects of the site; a calendar of events, making visitors aware of GIS-related conferences, workshops and meetings; and aerial photographs of much of Idaho.
Through the work of U.S. Senator Larry Craig, the University of Idaho Library was awarded a 1999 Congressional Appropriated National Leadership grant by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which ultimately made INSIDE Idaho possible.
Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, through Executive Order 2001-07, recognized the need for a statewide geo-spatial clearinghouse by directing the IGC to identify and promote a state geo-spatial information clearinghouse.
The state's Information Technology Resource Management Council (ITRMC) also encouraged the IGC's efforts to establish the clearinghouse. IGC members voted in April to formally recognize INSIDE Idaho as the state's geo-spatial clearinghouse.
According to Pam Ahrens, ITRMC Chairman, INSIDE Idaho supports Gov. Kempthorne's vision for enabling efficient, digital government and promotes cost-effective, collaborative efforts between state and local government. INSIDE Idaho also serves as a facilitator, bringing people and agencies together to form partnerships, and to exchange technological expertise.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to minimize duplication of effort, to foster cooperative digital-data-collection activities, and to take advantage of limited fiscal resources," Ahrens stated.
Nathan Bentley, state GIS Coordinator and a member of the IGC, said the cooperative efforts of federal, state, local and private organizations throughout Idaho -- and the expertise of the INSIDE Idaho project team -- helped contribute to the success of the site.
"By making efficient use of appropriate and emerging computer technologies, we can share data, resources and expertise to meet the increasing demands for spatial information by government and business professionals, as well as our citizens," he said.
The Idaho Geospatial Committee
