Thursday, July 16, 2009

GIS broadband maps uses ArcGIS technology

Broadband coverage maps created with GIS technology are providing a competitive advantage during the funding application process for $4 billion in broadband grants and loans available through the U.S. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The maps are produced with the help of Connected Nation, a nonprofit corporation, using ArcGIS technology from ESRI. Several states already have the maps in hand to provide applicants with strong, detailed support for their cases.

Connected Nation develops broadband landscape maps that identify areas with broadband service gaps and has worked with seven states (Kentucky, Ohio, Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia), with others under development. The maps use ArcGIS technology to combine service data from broadband providers with household demographic information to create a complete picture of current broadband coverage gaps and development potential at the street, household, and census block levels.

Application submissions for the first of three rounds of funding are open now and close August 14, 2009. Public and private entities will compete for more than $4 billion in federal funds, which will be dispersed in the form of grants and loans to build and expand broadband infrastructure, public computing centers, and sustainable broadband adoption programs. Federal funds are also available for states to create and maintain GIS broadband maps. Connected Nation is working with a number of states to apply for mapping funds.

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