Virginia Base Map iPhone app

VGIN has released its first application for the iPhone, called "VA Map", now available through the Apple App Store. The app highlights two VGIN services, the VBMP orthophotography and the Virginia Base Map. If you have an iPhone, go to the App Store and search for "VGIN" or "VITA" and download this free app and give it a test drive!

New Geospatial Revolution Project Video is released

"The Geospatial Revolution Project is an integrated public service media and outreach initiative about the world of digital mapping and how it is changing the way we think, behave, and interact."

This GIS educational video may be of benefit to you with your decision makers.

Click Here to see the video

GIS a Winner at COVITS

A number of GIS applications were recognized with Governor's Technology Awards at the 2010 Commonwealth of Virginia's Innovatve Technology Symposium (COVITS) on September 7th.

Chesterfield County was a winner in the Online, Not in Line category for its CitizenGIS web application.

Earning honorable mention in 3 of the remaining 5 categories were:

• Cross Boundary Collaboration: The City of Richmond and Counties of Henrico and Chesterfield for the Richmond Region Traffic Information and Mapping project.


• Innovation in Local Government: Fairfax County for Virtual Fairfax-3D and Washington County for Citizens Emergency Alert System


• Innovations in K-12 Education: James Madison University and Virginia high schools for the Geospatial Semester

Congratulations to our GIS colleagues for this well-deserved recognition.

FOR PUBLIC COMMENT: Proposed Urban Area Criteria for the 2010 Census

Courtesy of Randy Fusaro, Chief of the National/State Geographic Partnership Branch, US Census Bureau.
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The Census Bureau announces publication of the "Proposed Urban Area Criteria for the 2010 Census" in the Federal Register of 8.24.2010, available on the Federal Register's website. The Census Bureau is seeking public comment on these proposed criteria. Comments, suggestions, or recommendations regarding the criteria should be submitted in writing, no later than 11.22.2010, to Timothy Trainor, Chief, Geography Division, U.S. Census Bureau, Washington, DC 20233-7400.

The Census Bureau's urban-rural classification is fundamentally a delineation of geographical areas, identifying individual urbanzed areas of 50,000 or more people and urban clusters of at least 2,500 and less than 50,000 people; "rural" encompasses all population and territory not included in urban areas. The Census Bureau's urban areas represent densely developed territory, and encompass residential, commercial, and other non-residential urban land uses. Additional information about the Census Bureau's urban-rural classification is available on the Census Bureau's website.

The proposed urban area criteria for the 2010 Census as well as summaries of the proposed changes, are available on the Census Bureau's website.

GIS Strategic Planning Opportunities

Following the Strategic Initiatives of the GIS Strategic Plan 2010-2015 and the guidance of the VGIN Advisory Board, VGIN is establishing two Strategic Planning workgroups.


Geospatial Clearinghouse

From the Strategic Plan: “Oversee the development of a Commonwealth-wide geospatial clearinghouse that connects all levels of government and other VGIN Stakeholders”.

Summary: The Virginia Geospatial Clearinghouse (VGC) will be a geospatial information gateway that provides access, either directly or through links, to geospatial data holdings in Virginia. Stakeholders include all levels of government, academia, non-profits and the private sector.


Date for Kick-off Meeting: August 18, 2-4 PM

Location: Chester (VITA Offices) Webinar will be provided

Meeting agenda and details will follow.


GIS Education

From the Strategic Plan: “Facilitate Geospatial Educational Opportunities”

Summary: The geospatial community in Virginia has identified a need for heightened coordination efforts in communicating the value and need for GIS, coordination of GIS as an educational curriculum, and the coordination of specialized GIS training for practitioners.

Date for Kick-off Meeting: September 21, 2-4 PM

Location: Chester (VITA Offices) Webinar will be provided

Meeting agenda and details will follow.


We are seeking motivated representatives from all Virginia GIS stakeholder groups who will proactively participate. If you are interested in participating, please send an email to vbmp@vita.virginia.gov indicating which workgroup you want to participate in.

VBMP 2011 Seminars - Next Two Weeks

The VBMP program is scheduled to fly the western half of Virginia in 2011. VGIN and Sanborn staff will be holding a series of information session across the state from July 27 - August 4. These sessions will explain the program and all available upgrades and options. You are encouraged to attend to find out all the details including how to order.

• Abingdon, Tuesday, July 27, 1-3 p.m., Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Room 233, One Partnership Circle, Abingdon, VA 24210


• Roanoke, Wednesday, July 28, 9-11 a.m., Roanoke Higher Education Center, 108 N. Jefferson St., Roanoke, VA 24016


• Staunton, Thursday, July 29, 9-11 a.m., 18 Government Center Lane, Verona, VA 24482


• Winchester, Thursday, July 29, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Timbrook Public Safety Center, Community Room – 3rd Floor, 231 East Piccadilly St., Winchester, VA 22601


• Richmond, Wednesday, August 4, 9-11 a.m., VITA CESC Multipurpose Room # 1222, 11751 Meadowville Lane Chester, VA 23836

The eastern half of the state was flown in 2009 but localities in the eastern portion may also request to be flown at the same time.

The invitation extends to parties in your organization or private entities that may benefit from the program. Please feel free to share the invitation. RSVP to vgin_seminar@sanborn.com

We hope to see you there.

Special Achievements in GIS - Virginia Style

Three Virginia GIS organizations were recognized for their Special Achievements in GIS at the 2010 ESRI International User Conference. Congratulations to Henrico County recognized for their enterpise integration, Loudoun County recognized for their GIS Land Records System, and the Virginia Department of Transportation recognized for their Enterprise GIS plan.