INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM PROJECT REPORT

A geographic information system (GIS) is a technology that combines database management with digital mapping on a computer (Korte 1994). Users are able to query the database and have the results displayed on a map or obtain detailed information about objects displayed on the map with the click of a mouse button. Relationships between different types of data can be easily understood, displayed, and analyzed with GIS. Useful maps can be printed out or saved for later use. GIS technology has been dropping in price and increasing in ease of use and is now used by many organizations. This project developed and pilot tested an infrastructure management information system (IMIS) for two key "traditional infrastructure" systems in Iowa -- sanitary sewer and water supply and distribution systems. The main goal of this project was to develop an effective and useful infrastructure management information system for infrastructure funding organizations, economic developers, and environmental regulators. The project used GIS technology to make the management information as useful as possible for decision makers. The project established a new partnership by combining financial resources from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) 302A program, the administrative assistance of the Iowa Department of Economic Development, technological expertise of the Center for Transportation Research and Education (CTRE) at Iowa State University, and the management information of state government and regional planning/development organizations in rural Iowa.