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BTAA-GIN Geodata Collection

The BTAA-GIN Program launched a new initiative in 2024 to collect, store, and distribute open geodata.

Plan documents

STRATEGIC ROADMAP

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1. Foundations & Pilot Storage (2024 Q1-Q2)

Initiate Working Group and Planning

  • Establish and run the Geodata Collection Pilot Working Group.

  • Research existing geodata archiving practices across the BTAA region

  • Determine guidelines for data collection, management, and storage that the pilot will adhere to.

  • Create a set of sample datasets: Select or create datasets that represent the variety and scope of data to be managed.

Recruitment and Staffing

  • Assess current team capabilities and identify gaps in skill or resources.

  • Draft job description Program and Outreach Coordinator

  • Advertise the position

  • Conduct the interview and selection process.

Technical Setup

  • Establish Amazon cloud storage (S3) accounts: Set up and configure Amazon S3 buckets for data storage.

  • Integrate or develop tools within the Admin Toolkit for ingesting and managing datasets.

  • Test adding sample datasets to Amazon S3: Conduct tests to ensure data can be stored, accessed, and managed effectively in the cloud environment.

Documentation and Process

  • Obtain official approval of the BTAA-GIN Geodata Collection Strategic Plan.

  • Document the setup and configuration processes for S3 accounts and asset management tools.

  • Document pilot testing procedures and decisions.

2. Develop Curation Plan and Explore Technology Enhancements (2024 Q3-Q4)

Recruitment and Training

  • Hire Program and Outreach Coordinator: Finalize the hiring process and onboard the new hire.

  • Conduct orientation and training: Provide training on project objectives, tools, and responsibilities.

Curation Plan Development

  • Assess data types and sources: Identify and the types of geospatial data to be included in the collection.

  • Define curation criteria: Establish standards for data selection, acquisition, and quality control.

  • Document the curation plan: Create detailed documentation outlining the curation strategy, procedures, and responsibilities.

Communication Plan Development

  • Identify key stakeholders and communication needs: Map out stakeholders and determine their information requirements.

  • Develop communication strategies: Create a plan detailing the frequency, channels, and content of communications.

  • Prepare communication templates and materials: Develop templates for newsletters, reports, and presentations to streamline ongoing communications.

Pilot Expansion and Testing

  • Select a broader range of sample data: Identify and prepare additional datasets that cover a wider range of subjects and formats for testing.

  • Integrate new sample data into the pilot: Test the expanded collection in the Amazon S3 environment to assess scalability and performance.

Technology Enhancement and Integration

  • Redesign Geoportal Dev branch interface: Enhance the user interface to better feature and access the Geodata Collection.

  • Enhance Admin Toolkit for batch processing: Develop or integrate batch asset management capabilities to improve efficiency.

  • Adjust Amazon services based on pilot feedback: Optimize cloud storage configurations and services to meet the project's evolving needs.

Review and Refinement

  • Conduct a pilot review meeting: Assess the expanded pilot's performance, focusing on data management, storage efficiency, and user experience.

  • Update the framework of best practices: Refine data curation and management practices based on the insights gained from the expanded pilot testing.

3. Begin Active Curation and Implement Enhancements (2025 Q1-Q2)

Active Curation Process

  • Establish curation cycles.

  • Implement data quality checks and validation processes.

Technology Deployment and Enhancement

  • Publish Geoportal design enhancements to the production site: Transition the updated Geoportal interface from the development branch to the live environment, ensuring all new features are fully operational.

  • Conduct final testing of the enhanced Admin Toolkit: Ensure that the new batch asset management functionalities are working as intended and integrate feedback from the pilot phase.

Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Set up monitoring tools for the new systems: Implement tools to continuously monitor the performance and usage of the Geoportal and data repository, ensuring they meet user needs and technical requirements.

  • Review initial active curation outcomes: Evaluate the effectiveness of the curation process, identifying areas for improvement or adjustment.

4. Documentation & Outreach (2025 Q3-Q4)

Outreach and Communication

  • Develop and execute an outreach plan: Create a detailed plan for engaging with the community, including conferences, webinars, and workshops to showcase the project.

  • Prepare and publish outreach materials: Design and distribute materials to highlight the project's features and benefits.

Assessment and Feedback

  • Conduct program evaluation: Assess the project's impact on users and stakeholders, evaluating how well the curation plan and new systems are meeting the established goals.

  • Gather and analyze user feedback: Use surveys, interviews, and usage data to understand user experiences, satisfaction, and areas for improvement.

Continuous Improvement

  • Establish mechanisms for regularly updating the project based on stakeholder feedback and evolving requirements.

  • Plan for next phases of project expansion.