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Project Experience & Case Studies:
Access Geographic has had the privilege to work on diverse projects across North America and we are certainly grateful for the trust and opportunities our clients have provided us with. The discipline of geography really is amazing and inspires us in our continuing mission to make geographic information an accessible, innovative and useful resource for our clients. Every place, every project has its own story and challenges - that's what keeps our team engaged and focused on providing quality and responsive solutions. Access Geographic is one of the few fully integrated geospatial companies in North America, leveraging a full range of airborne and terrestrial based mapping systems to manage diverse client needs and technical requirements. We honestly look forward to hearing about your next project, and exploring how quality geographic information can help you move forward.
Below are a few examples representing our work in various sectors. Please don't hesitate to Contact Us for more information on these projects, information in your particular area of interest or reference contacts:
Situated at the base of Olympic National Park along the Puget Sound of Washington, the City of Port Angeles is probably one of the most scenically positioned communities in the United States. But, this dramatic setting comes with challenges. Wedged between a massive watershed and an eroding sea cliff means that the city public works department needs a pro-active awareness of changing environmental conditions and how planning and management decisions play into this equation. Access Geographic was selected through a competitive RFP process to provide the necessary aerial orthophotography and mapping data to help them succeed in this responsibility. As part of this implementation, the City of Port Angeles was acquired at a precision 1.5-inch resolution, along with supplemental multi-spectral mapping of adjacent areas using an engineering-grade aerial digital camera system. An integrated orthorectified seamless mosaic was generated along with contour mapping, planimetrics and a Digital Terrain Model (DTM). These high accuracy datasets now serve the city as an effective planning and management resource, providing a solid backbone for analysis and decision-making.
The rugged terrain of Snake River Canyon not only presents a dramatic topographic feature running north of Twin Falls, Idaho, but also serves as a key hydro-electric resource for the community. When JUB Engineering needed precision contour and planimetric mapping for a project upgrading this hydroelectric facility, they turned to Access Geographic. Due to the complex and precipitous character of the terrain, the aerial acquistion was strategically planned from various perspectives to ensure multi-angle stereo coverage of the project site for effective modeling. This strategic planning and awareness helped ensure the steep nature of the environment was captured effectively, allowing for an accurate extraction of 1-foot contours, Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and full 3D site planimetrics. Interesting fact, the location is also known for an unsuccessful 1972 attempt by Evil Knievel to jump the canyon in the Skycycle X-2 - apparently, a malfunctioning parachute was to blame not a lack of topographic awareness.
Unlike most municipal governments in Pennsylvania, the Borough of Chambersburg owns and operates its own utilities. In fact, Philadelphia is the only other local government in the state of Pennsylvania with its own independent gas utilities division. When the Chambersburg utility department needed a high accuracy mapping baseline to start planning its new gas exchange, Access Geographic was selected through a competitive RFP process. The mapping project required high accuracy orthophotography, Digital Terrain Model (DTM), and supplemental topographic mapping. Due to the critical nature of capturing the data during the leaf-off cycle for optimum terrain visibility, the flight team continuously monitored weather conditions. The project was captured with a digital camera system at a 3-inch pixel resolution, a seamless orthorectified mosaic was generated along as a visualization tool for planning. 1-foot contour mapping, digital terrain model (DTM) and supplemental planimetrics, including surface features and building footprints, were also extracted, offering an accurate and informative planning resource for the utility routing and new gas exchange locations.
When Yakima County, Washington required a high resolution LiDAR driven terrain mapping solution for its stormwater management program, they turned to Access Geographic. The project included approximately 80 Square Miles of LiDAR imaging and post-processed classification that would support a 6-inch contour interval extraction and associated Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Based on the terrain and landscape type, the project was approached at a 12 pulse per square meter density offering an effective baseline for visualization and post-processing analytics. LiDAR has become an efficient and useful resource for understanding hydrological systems and drainage scenarios, allowing local government agencies to improve decision-making based on precision environmental awareness. When provided with solid geographic information, local governments have a better chance of protecting their communities from catastrophic flood events through improved engineering, development planning and risk mitigation practices. (For More On LiDAR Mapping & GIS - Click Here)
With decade after decade of booming population growth, the Assessment Department of Lyon County, Nevada approached Access Geographic to build a comprehensive aerial base map for its property assessment operations and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Covering over 2,000 Square Miles, Lyon County is the typical to the American West - largely characterized by open landscapes with cores of agriculture punctuated with population centers. With over 32,000 individual parcel records, the county assessor required a current and accurate base map to easily visualize and review property information. As a solution, Access Geographic produced countywide orthophotography mapping at a 1-foot resolution along with supplemental 6-inch resolution coverages for urbanized areas. To make the database manageable for the county's Geographic Information System (GIS), the aerial imagery was provided in various compressed formats for streaming efficiency and software integration. Moreover, the county had full ownership of the database - unhindered by proprietary licensing that frequently limits the open use and distribution of the mapping data.
As aging infrastructure undermines economic and commmunity systems, finding effective solutions for modernization becomes a critical discussion point. The City of Newburgh, situated along the Hudson River in New York, offers a particularly challenging situation in this respect. During the city's 19th Century boom years, Newburgh developed into a critical hub for river traffic and installed a sophisticated storm water and sewage system to keep pace with its growth. But, after well over 100 years of use, this complex underground drainage network had significantly deteriorated, causing severe interruptions in sewage removal along with damage to streets and other surface structures. The City of Newburgh needed a solution and turned to Access Geographic for a quality mapping baseline to help guide their efforts of infrastructure modernization. A high-resolution, high-accuracy 3-Inch resolution orthophotography base map was generated for the city using surveyed ground control and an engineering-grade digital camera system. The flight acquisition plan was strategically crafted so that building perspectives would not impair the visibility of critical surfaces including sidewalks, streets and other public works infrastructure. The resulting orthophotography offered a concise and accurate mapping reference - a solid geospatial backbone for documentation, analysis, planning, communication and critical decision-making for their infrastructure redevelopment program.
Located in western Kansas, Finney County is characterized by expansive tracks of agriculture and ranching with the prairie city of Garden City situated at its heart. The integrated county-city Geographic Information System (GIS) program engages with diverse departments and divisions, helping support their mission to serve the community. One of the most powerful aspects of GIS is the ability to communicate visually - taking often complex information and providing a clear picture. Whether communicating through online webmaps, public hearings, or even social media, maps serve as a concise, yet informative means of communication. Access Geographic was selected through a competitive RFP process by the Garden City-Finney County GIS program to create a 150 square mile 3-inch resolution mapping baseline of Garden City and surrounding areas for its Geographic Information System (GIS). Having high-resolution, accurate geographic information helps Garden City and Finney County keep their communities updated on diverse topics ranging from updated intersection designs to communicating zoning changes. The ability to zoom in and 'show what is actually there' when using high-resolution content, instead of having to 'explain what is there' is a powerful communication resource. Needless to say, current and accurate geographic information is a key component in helping communities stay informed.
In our humble opinion, the Columbia Gorge dividing Washington and Oregon is possibly one of the most visually captivating and definitive landscapes in the Pacific Northwest and certainly one of the most beautiful places we've had the privilege to work on. Through a competitive RFP selection process by Skamania County and the State of Washington, Access Geographic had the privilege to map this amazing landscape. With a legacy of logging, federal protection, recreational areas, watershed management and state land, county and state agencies wanted an updated perspective on this complex landscape and changes in its land-use. The project utilized both photogrammetrically extracted surfaces and LiDAR data to establish an effective integrated digital surface model (DSM). The project was acquired with a digital sensor that collected 4-Band imagery content allowing users to view the orthophotography in both Natural Color (RGB) and Color-Infrared (CIR). The geospatial dataset provided insights into vegetation coverage, type and health within the landscape - serving as a useful resource for land-use managers and local stakeholders. (For More On Forestry Mapping & GIS - Click Here)
Like many COG (Council of Governments) organizations across the United States, Lane Council of Governments functions as a regional resource, a centralized clearinghouse for information and services that lend to efficient and strategic planning. Playing a powerful role in this process, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) help integrate various regional stakeholders including county, MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization), municipal and utility interests, offering a shared baseline and inter-operable environment for documentation, visualization, communication and decision-making. Access Geographic was selected through a competitive RFP process by the Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) headquartered in Eugene, Oregon, to provide a high-resolution mapping baseline for their regional Geographic Information System. The project included an orthophotography mosaic with a 100 Square Mile 3-inch resolution interior coverage and 500 square mile 6-inch resolution exterior coverage. The updated mapping served as a useful reference for various regional applications from transportation planning to emergency management services.
Nurturing a strong economy is a key aspect of community growth and sustainability. Idaho Falls, Idaho has worked hard to innovate its economic development program using GIS (Geographic Information Systems), strategically matching businesses and industry looking to relocate to the city with land parcels best suited for their interests. Through a competitive RFP selection process, Access Geographic was selected by the City of Idaho Falls to create a high accuracy and high resolution base map for the community and its growth area. This involved a 125 square mile acquisition area at a 3-inch resolution supported by surveyed ground control and a stereo extracted digital surface model (DSM). The ability to access and communicate relocation solutions using the updated high resolution dataset proved effective - allowing the city's economic development program to respond promptly to investment opportunities, creating an edge over the competition. Having a current geographic awareness within the GIS environment streamlined the process of identifying challenges and advantages associated with site options, offering a more decisive and responsive experience for potential relocating business owners and investors. This offers another example where the power to visualize, analyze and communicate effectively and accurately can make all the difference when informed agility is the key to success.
One of the most powerful functions of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is the ability to organize information and make it accessible. Like most municipalities, the City of Santa Maria, California has diverse projects underway involving various departments, divisions and personnel. The city recognized the ability of GIS to better respond to community needs and manage projects, where project workflow information could be documented, georeferenced and shared by critcal stakeholders. The City of Santa Maria, California contracted with Access Geographic for multiple years of citywide aerial mapping updates, helping to maintain a solid geospatial visualization basis for the new project workflow tracking program. Having project workflows effectively integrated with an accurate mapping solution allowed the city to employ more effective and efficient project tracking and task management practices for its community. (For More On Smart City Mapping & GIS - Click Here)
In an effort to restore a traditional salmon population and native landscape under the Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act, the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, National Park Service and various stakeholders took on the delicate process of removing several dams along the Elwha River. Following the Elwha Dam removal, there was an immediate interest to monitor the results of the river habitat and flow patterns by tribal officials and environmental managers. Access Geographic was selected to acquire and process updated aerial mapping for the impacted areas. A seamless 3-inch orthophotography mosaic was acquired of the Elwha River including the dam removal site. The imagery was captured through a simultaneous 4-Band digital acquisition, allowing for landscape analysis in both Natural Color (RGB) and Near Color-Infrared (NIR or CIR). The multispectral Color-Infrared content provided an informative perspective on conditions along the river, allowing for a better understanding of ecological recovery, restoration practices, flood management and sediment redistribution leading to informed decision-making and planning. (For More On Color-Infrared Mapping & GIS - Click Here)
Ouachita Parish in northern Louisiana supports vast stretches of dense bayous with black cypress and tupelo trees creating a very unique landscape. By nature, bayous are characterized by the ebb-and-flow of water levels, but sometimes storms can overwhelm these adapted systems, compromising levees and floodwalls. During March of 2016, Ouachita Parish was declared a FEMA disaster area after thousands of homes and local businesses were left underwater following record setting rainfall and severe flooding. The previous year, the parish had contracted with Access Geographic to generate an updated aerial base map for its GIS (Geographic Information System) infrastructure. The 650 square mile project area was collected and processed as a 6-inch resolution, high-accuracy orthophotographic mosaic, offering a concise, yet comprehensive perspective of the parish. While local governments hope they will never use these resources in disaster response capacity, the updated base map provided a useful a spatial foundation for disaster management and recovery. The ability to have an effective geographic awareness of a disaster area offers managers an accurate perspective for response and recovery, along with a historical record for impact patterns and hazard mitigation planning. (For More On Emergency Management Solutions - Click Here)
Interestingly, the University of Idaho, Moscow innovatively uses a renewable and locally extracted biomass to fuel its central plant, driving steam throughout the campus's subterranean heating system. But, like most universities, its facilities management team is always looking for ways to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of maintaining a comfortable temperature within its eclectic collection of campus buildings and facilities. As part of a preventative maintenance initiative, the facilities management team was interested in a 'big picture' approach for assessing the integrity of its subterranean heating system while also auditing roofs for potential leaks and structural damage. Access Geographic was selected for the project, and a campus-wide vertical dataset was captured using an aerial thermal imaging system and then carefully reviewed by a certified thermographer for suspect energy anomalies indicating potential system failures. Once this thermal mapping audit was complete, onsite teams were able to efficiently investigate the locations where issues were documented, and able to assess the extent and cause of the damage firsthand. Such solutions not only help facility teams identify critical issues requiring immediate attention, but also identifies 'starter' issues which, through preventative maintenance practices, can be resolved before devolving into an emergency situation, avoiding costly repairs and asset replacement. (For More On Thermal Mapping Applications - Click Here)
Outside of the virtual technology behind geospatial databases, we sometimes have the opportuniy to render the beauty and communication powers of aerial mapping in the form of large-scale physical visual installations. A good example of this was a project with Apache Junction, Arizona. With the Superstition Mountain Wilderness to the East and sprawling metropolis of Phoenix to the West, the City of Apache Junction is positioned between raw natural beauty and modernity - basically an awesome landscape. Impressively, its city hall manages to honor both narratives through its architectural and landscape design, and the city was looking to supplement this experience with aerial wall murals. Access Geographic was competitively selected through an RFP process to install 15 aerial wall murals in public spaces and conference rooms throughout the facility serving as a tool for geographic communication while also offering an aesthetic representation of the city. Due to the numerous windows encouraging natural light into the building, the murals were crafted with a non-reflectant, matted finish that allowed clear viewing without glare from the sunlight. These murals were also designed so that they could be removed from the wall and repositioned without damage and built of recyclable materials, actually increasing their durability compared to previous murals provided to the city. We really enjoy these opportunities to merge art and science while creating a useful geospatial resource.
Interested in receiving more information on Access Geographic projects and capabilities directly related to your area of interest? Please don't hesitate to contact us with questions, requests for additional information or references.
Access Geographic is a proud geospatial provider for North America including the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean:
Western United States: Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Alaska & Hawaii.
Central United States: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota & South Dakota
Northeastern United States: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania & Maryland
Southeast United States: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Flordia, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas & Louisiana
Canada: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland, Yukon, Nunavut & NW Territories
Northern Mexico: Sonora, Chihuahua, Baja, Baja Sur, Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, Durango, Tamauilpas, Sinaloa, Zacatecas & Navarit
Central Mexico: Jalisco, San Luis Potosi, Guanajuato, Michoacan, Queretaro, Puebla, Hildago, Morelos, Tlaxcala & Colima
Southern Mexico: Yucatan, Campeche, Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Guerrero & Puebla
Caribbean: Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Haiti, Dominican Republic & Lesser Antilles
Around the World: Looking for information that is a bit more global? No problem, Access Geographic has a broad range of geospatial resources available to acquire current or access archived geospatial and mapping information to get your international project moving forward.
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