Experts estimate that as much as 80% of the cost associated with a GIS system is related to the development and maintenance of its spatial data. Therefore, the reuse of GIS data created by other entities provides significant cost savings opportunities. In addition, because most government agencies are being asked to provide more services with less staff, reusing GIS data provides an opportunity to save staff resources that these agencies otherwise would have had to contribute to the development of the GIS data. Furthermore, with reuse of existing GIS data, GIS projects can be completed in less time. INSIDE Idaho provides a framework for cost-effective sharing of digital spatial data. 

Idaho continues to turn to geographic information systems as a better way to manage an increasing workload and for the analysis needed to make important policy decisions. It is critical that as a state the necessary steps are taken to ensure that the components which make up Idaho’s geospatial data infrastructure are secure, are current and accurate, are readily available and usable to those who need them, and are interoperable. GIS technology provides Idaho with the tools and information needed to analyze and solve critical issues surrounding economic development, the demands of growth, and emergency and natural resource management. INSIDE Idaho provides a framework for the collaboration and exchange of technological expertise and ideas, which facilitates use of the data that drive GIS technologies. 

The Idaho Geospatial Committee (IGC), in April 2002, recognized INSIDE Idaho as the clearinghouse for computerized geographic information for the state. INSIDE Idaho serves as the mechanism to share data, resources, technologies, and expertise to meet the increasing demands for Idaho’s geospatial information by educational institutions, government and business professionals, as well as Idaho citizens.

Our role:

To organize geospatial data and spatial information about Idaho and make it accessible and useable.

Our vision: 

To provide comprehensive access to a virtual digital geospatial data and spatial information library that is cooperatively developed and actively maintained in conjunction with innovative tools and services to extend the utility and societal benefits of spatial information technologies.

Our mission: 

To provide an enduring mechanism through which users can easily and equitably access and share geospatial data and spatial information that are accurate, current, secure, of common benefit, and readily usable.

Our goals:

• Effectively and efficiently disseminate Idaho's geospatial data and spatial information, ensuring broad accessibility and interoperability, utilizing current technologies, and providing tools for data discovery, display, and analysis.
• Provide leadership and expertise in the acquisition, integration, storage, retrieval, and dissemination of Idaho’s geospatial data and spatial information.
• Ensure that our applications, services, and expertise are broadly known, effectively used, and highly regarded by those who require geospatial data and spatial information.

Why is INSIDE Idaho important to Idaho? 

With at least 80% of government data having a geographic component and as much as 80% of the cost associated with a GIS system being related to the development and maintenance of its spatial data, the necessity for coordinated and collaborative sharing efforts is evident. All users of GIS technology have overlapping needs. Building and maintaining valuable data sets is expensive and there are profound benefits to providing all citizens with access to data created with public funds. 

Digital spatial and numeric data generated by federal, state, and local agencies takes place at considerable expense to taxpayers. If existing information can’t be readily located, it will be unnecessarily duplicated, or decisions will be made without the best available information. This results in poor decisions, wasted time and money, and unnecessary conflicts. 

Idaho began to use and coordinate geographic information and related technologies over 20 years ago. The Governor of Idaho, in 1978, issued an Executive Order that established the Idaho Image Analysis Facility within the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) and designated IDWR as the lead state agency for remote sensing and geographic information systems. Subsequent Executive Orders modernized the role and duties of the Idaho Image Analysis Facility and renamed it the Idaho Geographic Information Center (IGIC). The IGIC was established to address geospatial issues including training, technical assistance, coordination and support, development of technology, and the establishment and development of a clearinghouse. With the expiration of Executive Order #96-12, the IGIC passed into history. No funds were ever appropriated to support the requirements of any of the Executive Orders. 

Governor Dirk Kempthorne, through Executive Order 2001-07, recognized the need for a statewide geospatial clearinghouse by directing the Idaho Geospatial Committee to "identify and promote a State geospatial information clearinghouse." The State’s Information Technology Resource Management Council (ITRMC) also encouraged the IGC’s efforts to establish a clearinghouse. In April 2002, the IGC recognized INSIDE Idaho, operated through the University of Idaho, as the State of Idaho’s official statewide geospatial data clearinghouse. 

INSIDE Idaho is a resource through which geospatial and numeric data are clearly and impartially shared and accessed. Idaho faces critical decisions regarding its economy, security, the use of its land, and stewardship of its natural resources. State and local policy makers, as well as citizens and private enterprise, are learning more and more about the power of geographic information systems to help gain access to the information needed to make educated decisions that can both expand our economic base and protect our natural resources. Timely, accurate information easily accessible and capable of being shared across federal, state, and local political jurisdictions is fundamental to the decision making capability of those tasked with guiding Idaho’s future. 

INSIDE Idaho provides leadership and expertise in the storage, support, archiving, and distribution of Idaho’s digital geospatial data. INSIDE Idaho provides a framework for cost-effective collaboration, the exchange of technological expertise and ideas, and the transfer of digital spatial and statistical data. 

Usage statistics show significant increased traffic on the INSIDE Idaho website over the past three years. INSIDE Idaho has undoubtedly become the primary digital spatial and numeric data source for Idaho’s educational institutions, government agencies, business and industry, and private citizens. 

Why is INSIDE Idaho part of the University of Idaho Library? 

The University of Idaho Library is a non-regulatory entity that provides unbiased information and INSIDE Idaho’s mission is consistent with the broader responsibilities of the University of Idaho Library - to collect or locate information, catalogue that information, and disseminate or provide access to that information in an effective and efficient manner. 

As more information is produced in digital format, the University of Idaho Library has begun to provide resources that allow users to access, display, manipulate, and analyze digital data. The University of Idaho Library provides public access to computer terminals from which users may view on-line catalogs or browse Internet sites. A subsequent logical step is to ensure that patrons have the resources necessary to display and analyze geospatial and statistical information as well as access to the data itself. The University of Idaho Library has acted as the sponsor for INSIDE Idaho since 1999, and has provided substantial funding for INSIDE Idaho functions. 

What is the organizational structure for INSIDE Idaho? 

INSIDE Idaho is housed at the University of Idaho Library. INSIDE Idaho staff oversee the clearinghouse’s design, implementation, and operations.

Who uses INSIDE Idaho?

In order to ensure that Idaho’s geospatial and statistical information is available to the widest possible audience, INSIDE Idaho provides access to its information holdings in a variety of ways. Most of the information is made available via the Internet; however, staff assistance in locating, obtaining, using, and publishing information is also available.

Users of INSIDE Idaho’s Internet-based services range from computer novices to information technology professionals including:

• Students, faculty and researchers at higher education institutions
• GIS professionals at state, local, tribal and federal government agencies
• Government decision makers
• Business and industry sectors
• K-12 teachers and students
• Private citizens

INSIDE Idaho provides information in ways that can be used by persons at either end of the technological spectrum. For novice computer users, a series of statistical tables and pre-formatted maps on various subjects are available as well as user-friendly web-based GIS applications. For the GIS professionals, thousands of geospatial data themes are available for download. The technically savvy computer user, with desktop GIS software, can connect directly to live map services. If users have difficulty locating or accessing the information they are looking for, INSIDE Idaho staff are a visit, e-mail, or phone call away.

INSIDE Idaho responds to thousands of inquires each month via its website. During the month of March 2003, the website had over 15300 user session for an average of 25 minutes each. That translates to almost 210 person-hours each day spent on the INSIDE Idaho website.

This expansive, steadily increasing user base is utilizing INSIDE Idaho to expand their knowledge and understanding of Idaho’s vital geographic and statistical information and to augment their daily business processes. 

How is INSIDE Idaho funded? 

The bulk of the funding for INSIDE Idaho came from a 1999 Congressional Appropriated National Leadership grant awarded to the University of Idaho Library by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Additionally, INSIDE Idaho has benefited from sponsorship from the University of Idaho Library, subsequent grants, and contributions from stakeholders. For fiscal years 1999 – 2004, expenditures from the University of Idaho have totaled $176,800 and expenditures from external federal grants and contributions have totaled $858,920 resulting in a total investment of $1,035,720. Annual expenditures for fiscal year 1999 – 2004 are shown in the following chart.

In order to maintain this resource, a stable funding strategy that allocates costs to the sectors that use the services and data provided by the program will be secured. State appropriations will be sought for core services – which include maintaining the INSIDE Idaho clearinghouse and providing general access – in order to ensure Idahoans can access, display, and analyze their digital spatial data. 

How does INSIDE Idaho serve Idaho? 

"[INSIDE Idaho] is a wonderful opportunity to minimize duplication of effort, to foster cooperative digital-data collection activities, and to take advantage of limited fiscal resources." 

Pam Ahrens, ITRMC Chairman 
ITRMC Press Release, 
May 30, 2002 

“INSIDE Idaho is the realization of a long held vision by the GIS user community to establish a geospatial data clearinghouse within the library environment. Increasing data access and providing a repository for GIS products leverages significant additional value from the investment made by Idaho governments in geographic data.” 

Hal N. Anderson, Administrator 
Planning and Technical Services Division 
Idaho Department of Water Resources 

“I complete numerous GIS projects in this state and in surrounding states, with most of them involving natural resources management. The data and information contained at the INSIDE Idaho web site is extremely valuable and a great resource to me and my colleagues.” 

William E. Schlosser, Ph.D. 
Consulting Forester
Northwest Management, Inc. 

“I have been using INSIDE Idaho's Internet map server to access the USGS 1-meter digital orthophotos with ArcGIS and love it. It has saved me a ton of work and expense.”

Kenny Boltz, GIS Analyst 
Kootenai Electric Cooperative, Inc. 

"...our GIS staff at the Coeur d'Alene Tribe has been using the site as a first stop in acquiring geospatial information...the staff at INSIDE Idaho has a great working knowledge of GIS... INSIDE Idaho is a great resource for the citizens of Idaho." 

Frank Roberts, GIS Manager 
Coeur d'Alene Tribe 

"INSIDE Idaho is a lifesaver for students in my GIS classes who need framework data such as digital elevation models, hydrography, digital raster graphics, and governmental units to complete their term projects." 

Kang-tsung Chang, Professor 
Dept. of Geography
University of Idaho 

“This is the finest site for my Advanced Geology students' research!” 

Tobey E. Jossis 
Centennial High School, Boise, ID 

"No citizens ever or anywhere had more access to the redrawing of their legislative and congressional districts than Idahoans did after the 2000 census. It could not have happened without INSIDE Idaho."

Ross Borden 
Principal Budget & Policy Analyst and Redistricting Project Manager
Idaho Legislative Services Office 

Recognition 

Geospatial Data Clearinghouse for Idaho
Idaho Geospatial Committee
April 2002 

Internet Resource of the Month 
Geoworld 
May 2002 

Special Achievement in GIS 
Environmental Systems Research Institute
22nd Annual User Conference 
July 2002 

¹ http://www.fgdc.gov/publications/homeland.html [2003.05.01].
² NAPA - Geographic Information for the 21st Century [2003.05.01].

Project team members:
Gail Eckwright, Project Director
Faculty
University of Idaho Library

Bruce Godfrey, GIS Specialist
University of Idaho Library

Edward Flathers, GIS programmer
Benny Husted, GIS programmer
Joe Mierzwinski, GIS Technician
Josh Tomlin, GIS Technician