Local GIS Tidbits
There are concerns about finances and record-keeping in the cemeteries in and around Frontenac, Ontario, Canada. But it sounds like, from this documented conversation, local leaders have a good sense of how to proceed.
MacMunn said it would cost $5,000 to have “somebody come in and computerize it for us.”
Purdon acknowledged the state of the cemetery records but cautioned computer maps might not in themselves be a solution.
“I wouldn’t want to computerize something that isn’t accurate in the first place,” he said. “I know there have been a couple of mistakes in Mountain Grove.”
“I know people in the old Piccadilly Cemetery who don’t know where they are,” said Coun. Bill Snyder.
“We need some of the old folks in the community to meet you there and straighten it out,” said Coun. Frances Smith.
“It could also be the fault of the families and/or the funeral home,” MacMunn said. “We had a disinterment we had to pay for.”
“I think GIS is the future and we’re way behind,” said Mayor Janet Gutowski.
Coun. Phillip Smith said he was in favour of revamping cemetery records and maps.
“It’s not that expensive,” he said. “Let’s try a small cemetery first to see how it goes.”
“I have lists on spreadsheet of all the sales,” said MacMunn.
- Frontenac Local Community News
Al Jaeger, North Dakota’s Secretary of State since 1992, announced Wednesday that he will seek his party’s endorsement to run for a sixth term. And, the former owner of a real estate brokerage in Fargo seems to be hot on geo.
Jaeger added that the office will deploy a new software program this year that will provide secure online submission and payment for a variety of documents. The new system will eventually contain a GIS component to allow the display of data on a map showing the location of any registered and licensed business.
For the 2010 elections, the Secretary of State’s office will use a Web tool called ND VOICES (Voting Information & Central Election System) to administer elections, inform voters of voting options, polling places, polling hours and sample ballots and to report election results. The tool is an enhancement of the “Where Do I Vote” feature used in the last election cycle. Jaeger said new features will facilitate absentee voting for uniformed and overseas citizens, expedite absentee and voting-by-mail process that also allow voters to track their ballot and increase efficiencies for county election officials in ballot preparation.
On election night, ND Voices will report the results of every race in the state that is on the ballot and will show the results by map displays, totals and percentages.
New Delhi is updating its maps for tourists. Delhi Tourism is creating a map of toilets as part of a series noting monuments, parks and other features of interest. Apparently, there have been many complaints about the lack of facilities and the challenge of finding those that are available. The map will appear in print and online. No word of a mobile app, however.
