Abstract: This presentation examines the critical role of geospatial technologies in addressing complex challenges within local government operations. Geospatial data—information tied to specific locations—underpins essential functions such as resource management, service delivery, and equity analysis.
Attendees will gain insight into the unique characteristics of spatial data and its ability to organize, analyze, and visualize patterns that inform evidence-based decision-making. The discussion highlights geospatial technologies as integrative tools for situational awareness, stakeholder engagement, and community participation through platforms such as Public Participation GIS (PPGIS).
Los Angeles County’s mature GIS ecosystem—supported by over 150 geospatial professionals, centralized infrastructure, and authoritative data repositories—demonstrates the value of enterprise GIS in improving efficiency, reducing costs, and optimizing field operations. Leveraging hundreds of datasets, decades of imagery, and numerous applications, the county employs spatial analysis to model relationships, identify patterns, and enhance planning processes.
The presentation concludes by encouraging participants to integrate geospatial thinking into their workflows and engage with professional networks. Ultimately, geospatial technologies empower governments to make informed, equitable, and sustainable decisions in an increasingly data-driven environment.
Bio: Dr. Steve Steinberg is the Geospatial Information Officer (GIO) for Los Angeles County, where he leads enterprise GIS strategy and innovation for a region serving almost 10 million residents and 40 departments. A passionate advocate for geospatial technology, he directs the Los Angeles Region Imagery Acquisition Consortium (LARIAC), advancing regional planning through aerial imagery and lidar. With a career spanning public service, research, and academia, Dr. Steinberg previously served as Principal Scientist at the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority and as a tenured Professor of Geospatial Science at Cal Poly Humboldt. He has been recognized as a Fulbright Distinguished Chair and Fulbright Senior Scholar and continues teaching and advising graduate students in the MS in Geographic Information Science program at California State University Long Beach.
Abstract: This presentation examines the critical role of geospatial technologies in addressing complex challenges within local government operations. Geospatial data—information tied to specific locations—underpins essential functions such as resource management, service delivery, and equity analysis.
Attendees will gain insight into the unique characteristics of spatial data and its ability to organize, analyze, and visualize patterns that inform evidence-based decision-making. The discussion highlights geospatial technologies as integrative tools for situational awareness, stakeholder engagement, and community participation through platforms such as Public Participation GIS (PPGIS).
Los Angeles County’s mature GIS ecosystem—supported by over 150 geospatial professionals, centralized infrastructure, and authoritative data repositories—demonstrates the value of enterprise GIS in improving efficiency, reducing costs, and optimizing field operations. Leveraging hundreds of datasets, decades of imagery, and numerous applications, the county employs spatial analysis to model relationships, identify patterns, and enhance planning processes.
The presentation concludes by encouraging participants to integrate geospatial thinking into their workflows and engage with professional networks. Ultimately, geospatial technologies empower governments to make informed, equitable, and sustainable decisions in an increasingly data-driven environment.
Bio: Dr. Steve Steinberg is the Geospatial Information Officer (GIO) for Los Angeles County, where he leads enterprise GIS strategy and innovation for a region serving almost 10 million residents and 40 departments. A passionate advocate for geospatial technology, he directs the Los Angeles Region Imagery Acquisition Consortium (LARIAC), advancing regional planning through aerial imagery and lidar. With a career spanning public service, research, and academia, Dr. Steinberg previously served as Principal Scientist at the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority and as a tenured Professor of Geospatial Science at Cal Poly Humboldt. He has been recognized as a Fulbright Distinguished Chair and Fulbright Senior Scholar and continues teaching and advising graduate students in the MS in Geographic Information Science program at California State University Long Beach.