AWWA CSC91024

The Erie County Water Authority, New York, has gone through a number of mapping systems, from old linen maps to computer-assisted design maps. In 1988, the authority had almost 9000 detail sheets, about 5 percent of them on CAD. The authority decided that the new mapping system should have intelligent symbols on the base map, which would be tied to the details on another computer. The details not yet on CAD would be scanned to raster files, and when changes were necessary, be completely redrawn. The objective was to build an automated mapping system. The plan was thwarted when the county planning board presented its own plan for a GIS system; this created an internal conflict. The process of compromising with the planning board, hiring a consultant, conducting a needs assessment, progress to date, and lessons learned are discussed. The author emphasizes the value of a needs survey, enlisting staff support, and being wary of those who would sell the moon.