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1. Call to Order
Foster called the meeting to order at 2:12 p.m. at the offices of Minnesota State Planning Agency in
the Centennial Building near the State Capitol.
Members present: Roger Carlson (Hennepin County); David Claypool (Ramsey County); John Connelly (St.
Paul & Ramsey County Charter Commissions); Will Craig (UM CURA); Rick Gelbmann (Metropolitan Council); Jane Harper
(Washington County); Ed Krum (Mn/DOT); Susanne Maeder (LMIC); Jim Maxwell (The Lawrence Group); Rick Person (City of
St. Paul); Bart Richardson (DNR IS); Ronal Wencl (USGS);
Members absent: Bob Basques (City of St. Paul), Roger Carlson (City of Minneapolis); Lisa Freese (MN
Planning); Elliott Graham (Ramsey County); Blaine Hackett (SRF Consulting); Catherine Hansen (SRF Consulting); Bob
Moulder (Hennepin County); Donna Roper (Minneapolis Public School District); Ben Verbick (LOGIS); Tim Zimmerman
(Hennepin County)
Visitors: David Arbeit (LMIC); Chris Cialek (LMIC); Randall Johnson (MetroGIS Staff)
Staff: Theresa Foster (MetroGIS Technical Coordinator)
2. Accept Agenda
The agenda was accepted, as submitted, except Item 4(a)1 will be moved to follow Item 4a(3) for
content and clarity related issues.
3. Introductions and Overview of Team Responsibilities
Foster welcomed all the members and provided an overview of team responsibilities. Foster stated the
technical teams’ purpose and coordinating functions. Team membership structure was identified and operational
guidelines were stated. Revisions to the work plan adopted by the Policy Board on January 27, 1999, were discussed and
a revised work plan was handed out to all members at the meeting.
4(a)2. Data Finder – Progress Update
Gelbmann updated the team on the history and progress of Data Finder and efforts to capture the
metadata necessary for data finder to function. Data Finder has 62 metadata records available and the statistics for
the site include a start-up average of 1800 hits/week to present average of 3400 hits/week. Gelbmann concluded that
increase in site hits is related to more down loadable data available on the web site and the ftp one button download
capacity developed by LMIC and Metropolitan Council staff. Session averages range from 59 – 364 sessions/day.
Craig clarified that session numbers report on a single-user access 59-364 hits within one session for one single user.
Harper noted that a session is recorded when the user logs on to the site then ends when the user logs off the site.
4(a)3. Developing and Posting of Metadata – Progress Update
Gelbmann updated the team on the status of capturing metadata for all shared data relative to
MetroGIS stakeholders. While the promise and dedication of capturing metadata records is high, none of the approaches
taken thus far has been an overwhelming success. The most recent metadata workshop was held in January and 11
stakeholders attended. Most people agree that capturing metadata is important, the most successful approach so far has
been to assign an individual (usually new to or from outside and organization) such as an intern to complete metadata
and educate people to incorporate metadata tasks as part of their regular business activity. Stakeholders have
commented that while they believe that metadata is necessary, metadata creation is expensive. Gelbmann then opened up
the discussion to the group. Craig informed the team that under the FGDC MetroGIS Benefits grant he is working on, he
has had stakeholders praise the effort in metadata creation and they are gratified by the education and dedication the
Metropolitan Council has taken in this effort. Craig added that he previously went to a conference and that maybe
promotional resources (Metadata muffin lady) could be added to the effort. Person attended the workshop in January and
concluded that the tasks of capturing metadata was not as daunting as he originally thought. Foster commented that
there is a K-12 site in which students fill out metadata on-line, suggesting that if students can create metadata maybe
that would be one way to persuade the stakeholders it is not as difficult as it looks. Cialek has been running
workshops 2 time/year and that originally metadata documents composed of 300 elements and now the Minnesota light
version is down to 100 elements or records. Approximately 1/3 of those elements are repetitive. Person agreed that
there really are only 5-10 elements that require significant changes related to data content. Harper emphasized that
the data cataloging terminology is extemporaneous, and can be misconstrued as a barrier to development. Krum suggested
that providing a hot link to known definitions would be helpful. Cialek said this is already built into DataLogr.
Meader informed the team that DataLogr language came from FGDC standards and what needs to be done is to heighten the
awareness for standard information. Gelbmann concluded that the focus for metadata creation will continue and that
metadata is necessary for all the 13 MetroGIS Information Needs.
Richardson arrived.
4(a)1. Revisiting Data Access Issues
Gelbmann reported to team members that the access work plan issues have not been revised for nearly 2
years and that the team should revisit the access issues part of the work plan in the near future. Examples of issues
that have changed were noted as the following: development of a communications study, telecommunication options,
security and refine enhancements to Data Finder. Gelbmann asked the team to convene a work group to examine these
issues and make recommendations back to the team for changes in the work plan that need prioritization as they relate
to access issues. Arbeit recommended that clearer definitions of access issues are needed before the team reformats the
access issues in the work plan. Team members commented on specific issues relating to security, data privacy and
telecommunications issues.
Carlson arrived.
Motion: Harper adopted recommendations of a work group forming to prioritize, refine and define
access issues as part of the Technical Advisory Team work plan. Focus will be related to MetroGIS top information needs
and functions adopted by the Policy Board in September. Craig seconded. Members Gelbmann, Krum and Harper agreed to be
on the organization team.
Motion carried unanimously.
4(a)4. MN Clearinghouse Development – Progress Update
Cialek updated the team on the MN Clearinghouse efforts specifically relating to metadata and Data
Finder. He stated that there is information (metadata) currently available on over 90 databases that is available for
download on the NSDI Clearinghouse node for Minnesota. Cialek handed out a list of currently available metadata and if
some this data is available online for ftp download. Efforts are being made to reformat all metadata in the
clearinghouse with the summary information that is found in Data Finder metadata records. MN Clearinghouse node is
currently undergoing changes in their search and browsing capabilities. They are looking at the format in which they
search and the layout of the GUI interface in order to provide a more positive search capability for the data users in
Minnesota. Cialek also updated the team on the MN Governor’s Council Standards activities for the coming year,
which include data dictionary, data format, communications between committees, and the Mn/DOT Network.
4(a)5. Parcel Information Needs Recommendations
Foster reported to the team that the Policy Board endorsed the Unique Parcel Identification Number
(PIN) Guideline as approved by the MN Governor’s Council on Geographic Information. When sharing parcel boundary
information each county should attach a 3-digit county FIPS code in front of the actual parcel identification number to
ensure unique parcel identification among MetroGIS stakeholders.
Craig updated the team on the work from the parcel attribute subgroup. The subgroup met on January
21, 1999, and concluded that the goal of this workgroup is to identify those parcel attributes that are readily
available for sharing: currently exist in electronic format in all metro counties using common codes. The subgroup
agreed on a list of ~22 candidate attributes to be identified at the AMCO meeting in April. Gelbmann noted that this is
a process to identify what exists in electronic format and does not address the needs of organizations and should be
clearly state at the time of the meeting. Gelbmann iterated that this is purely an inventory assessment and should be
noted as such. Craig concurred and the focus for the subgroup will be to identify current candidates selected and match
across county jurisdictions.
Arbeit departed.
Foster reported that the parcel boundary subgroup formed in Late December has identified a list of
parcel boundary information that was sent to all 7 counties to provide detailed information on their parcel boundary
datasets. The matrix contains 32 data fields such as horizontal positional accuracy and frequency of updates. As of
date, 5 counties have completed the summary matrix information. Foster noted that due to the progress of the Fair-Share
Model grant, information about parcel boundaries, data specifications and recommended tasks for primary and a regional
custodian needs to be completed before interviews with stakeholders begin in mid-March.
Motion: Craig adopted the recommendation that the parcel subgroup identify tasks on/or before March
5, 1999. Recommendation will be forwarded (email or mail) to Technical Team members and will require prompt feedback
on/before March 12, 1999. Chair/Co-Chairs of the Technical Team and staff will formulate recommendation to the
Coordinating Committee on March 18, 1999. Gelbmann seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
Cialek departed.
Foster noted that the time was 3:25 p.m. and that the following agenda items (Items 4(a)6, 4(b)1,
4(b)3, 5(a), and 5(b)) will not be discussed at this time and carried over for the next meeting in April.
4(a)7. Workgroup for Land Use Information
Foster reported that the next information need identified will be Land Use Plans. Research and
definition coding schemes will focus around the North Metro I-35W Corridor Coalitions intergovernmental pilot project.
Their work in this effort has developed land use categories, definitions and sample descriptions for their regional
area. Another focus involved for research and development will be using the DNR-Metro Region’s Mississippi
Resource Inventory Project. Team members were asked to approve the guidelines for workgroup, make suggestions for a
possible organization workgroup team, and suggest members from the specific title type agencies. Johnson suggested Bill
Johnson, Bethel College – Professor of Urban Planning, to facilitate the workgroup meeting and Gelbmann noted that
he still had an interest in doing so. Craig noted that MACA should have representation. Richardson volunteered to be on
the organizational team for the workgroup. Guidelines were approved and staff will start planning for the workgroup
organization meeting and business information needs meeting.
4(a)8. Jurisdictional Boundary Standards
Foster reported that the County and Minor Civil Division Coding Standards was mailed to 55 peer
reviewers for comments and suggestions on January 5. Peer review process was completed on January 25, 1999. The
jurisdictional boundary standard is the last issue that the Standards Advisory Team completed before its sunset and
needs to be forwarded to the Coordinating Committee for approval at this time.
Motion: Harper approved recommendation to forward the MetroGIS County and Minor Civil Division
Coding Standards to the Coordinating Committee for approval. Wencl seconded.
Motion carried unanimously.
Carlson and Person departed.
4(b)2. Year 2000 Regional Census Geography Project
Gelbmann stated that many MetroGIS stakeholders have expressed interest in census block level polygon
geography for a project before the scheduled November 1999 workgroup. Participants have expressed a desire for a GIS
dataset that will work better with other shared MetroGIS data.
Motion: Harper recommended the formation of a workgroup to accomplish the MetroGIS Census Boundary
Information Need. Gelbmann, Krum and Maxwell volunteered to be on the organization team. Timeframe for the kick-off
will be left to organization team and resources available. Craig seconded.
6. Nomination of Chair/Co-Chairs
Craig stated that there would be no formal nomination process. The Coordinating Committee Liaisons
(Craig, Wencl, Claypool and Gelbmann) in approval with the Coordinating Committee on December 18, 1998, agreed that
John Connelly (St. Paul & Ramsey County Charter Commissions) and Ed Krum (Mn/DOT) will serve as Technical Advisory
Team Co-Chairs for the annual 1999 calendar year.
7. Next Meeting
Foster moved and Harper seconded, next meeting will be on Thursday, April 29, 1999, MN Planning, Room
302, from 2-4:30 p.m.
8. Adjournment
Foster moved and Claypool seconded, meeting was adjourned at 4:23 p.m.
Prepared by Theresa K. Foster, MetroGIS Technical Coordinator
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