BTAA-GIN Geodata Collection¶
The BTAA-GIN Program launched a new initiative in 2024 to collect, store, and distribute open geodata.
STRATEGIC ROADMAP¶
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1. Foundations & Pilot Storage (2024 Q1-Q2)¶
Initiate Working Group and Planning¶
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Establish and run the Geodata Collection Pilot Working Group.
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Research existing geodata archiving practices across the BTAA region
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Determine guidelines for data collection, management, and storage that the pilot will adhere to.
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Create a set of sample datasets: Select or create datasets that represent the variety and scope of data to be managed.
Recruitment and Staffing¶
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Assess current team capabilities and identify gaps in skill or resources.
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Draft job description Program and Outreach Coordinator
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Advertise the position
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Conduct the interview and selection process.
Technical Setup¶
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Establish Amazon cloud storage (S3) accounts: Set up and configure Amazon S3 buckets for data storage.
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Integrate or develop tools within the Admin Toolkit for ingesting and managing datasets.
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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¶
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Obtain official approval of the BTAA-GIN Geodata Collection Strategic Plan.
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Document the setup and configuration processes for S3 accounts and asset management tools.
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Document pilot testing procedures and decisions.
2. Develop Curation Plan and Explore Technology Enhancements (2024 Q3-Q4)¶
Recruitment and Training¶
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Hire Program and Outreach Coordinator: Finalize the hiring process and onboard the new hire.
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Conduct orientation and training: Provide training on project objectives, tools, and responsibilities.
Curation Plan Development¶
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Assess data types and sources: Identify and the types of geospatial data to be included in the collection.
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Define curation criteria: Establish standards for data selection, acquisition, and quality control.
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Document the curation plan: Create detailed documentation outlining the curation strategy, procedures, and responsibilities.
Communication Plan Development¶
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Identify key stakeholders and communication needs: Map out stakeholders and determine their information requirements.
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Develop communication strategies: Create a plan detailing the frequency, channels, and content of communications.
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Prepare communication templates and materials: Develop templates for newsletters, reports, and presentations to streamline ongoing communications.
Pilot Expansion and Testing¶
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Select a broader range of sample data: Identify and prepare additional datasets that cover a wider range of subjects and formats for testing.
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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¶
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Redesign Geoportal Dev branch interface: Enhance the user interface to better feature and access the Geodata Collection.
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Enhance Admin Toolkit for batch processing: Develop or integrate batch asset management capabilities to improve efficiency.
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Adjust Amazon services based on pilot feedback: Optimize cloud storage configurations and services to meet the project's evolving needs.
Review and Refinement¶
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Conduct a pilot review meeting: Assess the expanded pilot's performance, focusing on data management, storage efficiency, and user experience.
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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¶
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Establish curation cycles.
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Implement data quality checks and validation processes.
Technology Deployment and Enhancement¶
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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.
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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¶
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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.
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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¶
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Develop and execute an outreach plan: Create a detailed plan for engaging with the community, including conferences, webinars, and workshops to showcase the project.
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Prepare and publish outreach materials: Design and distribute materials to highlight the project's features and benefits.
Assessment and Feedback¶
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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.
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Gather and analyze user feedback: Use surveys, interviews, and usage data to understand user experiences, satisfaction, and areas for improvement.
Continuous Improvement¶
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Establish mechanisms for regularly updating the project based on stakeholder feedback and evolving requirements.
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Plan for next phases of project expansion.