Processing Geospatial Data at Scale

The value of in-house analysis of large datasets is well established, and the overhead of on-premises server infrastructure can be a burden even in large organizations. But in small organizations the barrier to entry grows exponentially. In todays presentation:

  • We will look at the evolution of a use case for the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC), a 48 person California State agency
  • Learn how to support efforts that improve the environmental, economic, and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities, and the citizens of California.

The Sierra Nevada Region includes all or parts of 22 counties and covers 25 million acres, and as such, the SNC has the need to process 100’s of millions of data points to accomplish its mission both effectively and efficiently. Over the past two years, the SNC has collaborated with Claremont Graduate University to explore various migration paths for the processing of its geospatial data – from laptop to database server to the Cloud – this presentation recounts that journey as they seek to use data for good.

John’s focus is using data and analysis for better policy and on-the-ground decision support. He is passionate about lowering the data barriers to small government, non profit and community organizations. John currently serves at the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, where he develops data methods to measure progress toward landscape management goals, including reducing wildfire’s threat to water supply and carbon sequestration.

 

 

Brian Hilton is a clinical full professor in Claremont Graduate University’s Center for Information Systems and Technology (CISAT). His main research focus area is in Geographic information System (GIS) technologies, and many of his projects over the last decade have involved using these technologies. Hilton developed and implemented the GIS Solution Development specialization within the MS in Information Systems & Technology degree in CISAT. This specialization is designed to meet the educational needs of people who desire careers developing transformative GIS Solutions for organizations.