Timeline

2023-Present

• Started using OpenAI's ChatGPT as a tool to assist with query scripting and proofing correspondence.  

2021-2022

• Retirement of Janet Vittie, founder of City's GIS department
• Remodel of core road centreline layer dataset to support Next Generation 911
• GIS database support for Asset Management Plans development
• Major upgrades to the ESRI server hardware and software systems
• ArcGIS Pro adopted as the main GIS desktop interface
• Custom GIS Application development for citizen engagement including Adopt-a-Hydrant, Spooky Awards, Sparkle Awards
• Custom GIS Application development for internal staff
• Development of the new Open Data Hub

2017-2021

2011-2016

• Partner in Contemporary Water Course Mapping project with Region and NPCA
• TES - Traffic Engineering Software upgrade
• Utility mapping enhancements - Gas, Hydro, Rail
• Integration CAD and SQL spatial
• Conversion to SQL Spatial for enhanced performance
• Integration of Google Street View within the Internet Mapping Service
• Bell 911 compatibility review for addressing - PERS compliance
• Participation in multiple Open Data initiatives and user groups
• Open Data Launch with integrated MetaData
• Geomatics Niagara Information Advisory Group initiatives
• GNIAG - Special Data Acquisition Group - Ortho Imagery project
• Enhancement of Internet Mapping Service layers and WEB content
• Property Database and Civic Addressing By-law and Procedures
• Water/Waste Water/Storm input standards and best practices
• Implementation of Asset Inventories and Maintenance Management System
• Implementation of Sidewalk Inspection System
• Zoning By-Law Consolidation and Official Plan updates
• Transit Review and Data Integration Project - Clever Devices - Sched 21
• Document Management System for Maps and Drawings
• Fire Services, Station Study and Emergency Operations Centre exercises and Emergency Management Plan
• ESRI Community Maps Program contributor
• Update to GPS technology allowing for more field data collection opportunities
• Revision of internal databases that keeps pace with current usage needs of staff
• Mentoring role with the Niagara College G.I.S. Diploma program
• Automation of cemetery mapping and imagery
• Integration with Automatic Vehicle Locating (AVL) systems and Road Patrol Programs

2006-2010

• Integration of IMS and Asset Management System
• New Internet Mapping Service – Falls Viewer
• Implementation of Work Request system for Operations - Cartegraph
• Implementation of multiple Asset Inventories and application development - Cartegraph
• Creation of Citizen Library
• Capital Assets - Public Service Accounting Board PSAB reporting
• Corporate Property database and Supplementary application built in house
• Integration with new Fire dispatch system - Symposium
• Test site for local assessment office (MPAC)
• City Facility database and application
• Emergency Operations Centre preparedness and Incident Management System Training
• Established region wide Data Standards, and User Groups
• Ortho Imagery shared resources projects
• Continued involvement with MISA, GITA, URISA, GISCI
• Concluded region wide Internet Portal technical requirements
• Participation in Niagara College student internships

2001-2005

• Conversion of main GIS from ArcInfo to Manifold
• Conversion of large databases from Oracle to SQL Server
• IMS replacement to eliminate IE dependence and plugin requirements
• GIS Integration to Licence and Permit System - Land Manager
• Genealogy search tool creation
• Integration and WEB enabling of the system for cemeteries - Cem 2000
• Subdivision and Site Plan mapping and procedure development
• Inclusion of Reference Plans in property information
• Integration to Fire dispatch system - CriSys
• Completion of on-line Heritage inventory and development of Culture Sites and Cultural Landscapes inventory with links to Library services
• Interactive application development for Road Closures, New Developments, Parks
• Automated system for consultant support requests and access to drawings
• Development of on-line Business Directory
• Partnership established with NPCA for watershed and floodplain mapping
• Partnership established with local school boards for data exchange
• Connect Niagara/GeoSmart - region wide Internet Portal and associated applications
• Transfer of remaining GIS staff from Planning to Information Systems
• Renewed focus on procedures, metadata, data standards and data stewards
• Development of data sharing agreements and corporate procedures
• Deletion of mapping service fees
• Introduction of Map Guide and Cold Fusion products for GIS Intranet service
• Introduction of Oracle for large databases and Access for smaller data sets
• Standard GIS file format modified from proprietary format to shapefile (.shp)
• Ortho-photography introduced to support GIS graphics

1996-2000

• GIS Administration is moved out of Planning and into Information Systems
• Upgraded GIS software from PC ArcInfo to ArcGIS platform
• Implementation of MIDS standard for Infrastructure data
• Partner with St Catharines for Maintenance Management System and Intranet viewer
• Creation of 4 digital Zoning By Laws in anticipation of By Law review process
• Creation of Development Proposal Sites for land promotion purposes
• Purchase of ArcCAD and AutoCAD Map products for better compatibility
• Development of Maintenance procedures and Standards for data entry
• Addition of Green Space mapping, an Accommodations/Attractions inventory, and Public Buildings locator
• Cross-departmental use of GIS display materials and analysis functions
• Participation in K-12 GIS program and BEC (Business Education Council) partnerships between schools and business
• Participation in Teacher Internship and Women in Business programs
• Partnership with Niagara College to support their GIS post-graduate program through guest lectures, and student work placements

1991-1995

• Continued incorporation of GIS into regular Planning procedures and staffing
• Conversion of database formats from Info to dBase
• Conversion of mapping datum from NAD 27 to NAD83
• Internal partnerships formed to produce a digital Corporate Base Map
• Development of "Environmental Request Letters" (Phase 1 - Environmental Assessments) in response to concerns with development on contaminated lands.
• Cooperative projects developed with students from Sir Sandford Fleming College, University of Waterloo and Brock University, GIS related programs.
• Urban Woodlot Assessment in response to clear-cutting(Regional Tree By Law)
• Addition of ArcView desktop product to aid in the development of regular Planning report schedules and other documents tied to the GIS

1990

• Additional incorporation of the GIS into regular Planning procedures.
• GIS displays and analysis tools were used to create the City’s "Greening Plan"
• GIS used for the "Official Plan Review", and the creation of all OP schedules
• GIS used for the "Regional Policy Plan - Where Next" development review
• Additional Environmental and Development based data was researched and input

1989

• Permanent Planning staff were incorporated into the GIS program for continuity.
• Additional contract staff were hired to continue the research and digital input of thematic spatial data (graphics and database tied to real world coordinates).
• A digital base map was developed, in house, using standardized hard copy OBM maps (Ontario Base Maps - UTM, NAD 27, Zone 17) provided by MNR
• Continued involvement with CAPE, Niagara River RAP (Remedial Action Plan) and Environment Week events and educational programs.

1988

• A funding partnership was formed between the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), the Ministry of the Environment and Energy (MOEE), the local Employment Office and the City of Niagara Falls Ontario (Environmental Planning & Greening Committee).
• The required hardware (computer, plotter and digitizer) and GIS software (ESRI - PC ArcInfo) was purchased and installed in the Planning & Development department at the City.
• Contract staff were hired, through special employment funding, to start research and data input.

1987

• The need for the collection of Environmental data was determined as a response to the "Love Canal" issue in the United States, and the OWMC (Ontario Waste Management Corporation) hazardous waste treatment facility, site selection process in Canada.
• A cooperative international partnership was formed between the City of Niagara Falls Ontario and the City of Niagara Falls New York - CAPE (Canadians and Americans to Protect the Environment).
• The need for a computerized GIS to store, access and analyze the large amounts of environmental data was determined and approved by council.