Environmental Resources Data Portal

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

In August of 2014, the Environmental Resources Service Area of the OC Public Works Department designed and launched a web-based data portal (http://ocenvironmentaldata.giscloud.com/) intended to provide County staff, other agencies, and the general public, improved access to data products and environmental information. The portal is a gateway to multiple interactive maps with spatially represented data enabling users the freedom to explore data sets and download data layers in a variety of different formats. In developing the portal, the approach was to provide a simple, easy-to-use tool that meets the needs of a wide range of interests, objectives, backgrounds and technical skills. Data has been organized into maps with different themes which allow users to browse areas of interest and download data layers in a file format of their choice. As a result, the web-based data portal has improved productivity and effectiveness by providing a user-friendly interface that customizes the content of information for both internal and external interests. In addition, enhancing data acquisition fosters interaction and collaboration among County staff members, governmental agencies and external stakeholders and highlights the roles and responsibilities of Environmental Resources.