Lieutenant Governor Gregory R. Francis and Dr. Theresa Anduze-Parris, GIS Coordinator, recently hosted a demonstration of GIS Ortho-Imagery technology for territorial first responders and other agencies responsible for infrastructure.   Participating agencies included the Water and Power Authority, Homeland Security, Emergency Management Services (EMS), the Virgin Islands Territorial Management Agency (VITEMA), Fire Services, Waste Management Authority and the Departments of Property and Procurement, Health, Police, Public Works, and Planning and Natural Resources. 

Attendees were able to view the application of Ortho or Digital Imagery, which are aerial photos that are used for field work analysis and mapping accuracy.  The meeting also included a discussion of Height Modernization, a program utilized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that uses the Global Positioning System and other new technologies to increase the accuracy of elevation measurements   Height Modernization also improves disaster preparedness and recovery and infrastructure projects.

 “Information sharing is intended  to empower our territory’s first responders,” she stated to the attendees.   Dr. Anduze-Parris also asked the agency representatives in attendance to be disciples about the applications of GIS technology and ways it will benefit the community.

The use of GIS Technology is expected to improve various aspects of government service.