If you have used Google Maps, then you already know something about Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

According to ESRI, a company that developed mapping software ArcGIS, a Geographic Information Systems lets us visualize, question, analyze, and interpret data to understand relationship, patterns and trends. If you've seen presidential election map results by state, you are seeing a GIS layer of states linked to tabular voting results.

"Joni's work is the bridge to making sure that our work as planners is clearly articulated for all users and we are grateful to have her skills on our Asset Management team," said Rafael Enriquez, NAVFAC Southwest planner at Naval Base Coronado. "As planners, our work begins and ends with relying on accurate and complete spatial data. The end result of which is the physical maps that are pinned up, stretched across conference tables and inevitably become the focus of meetings, the crucial visual representation that makes topics discussed real and tangible."

Joni Mitchell is the GIS analyst behind the GIS data at Naval Base Coronado Public Works Department. There are others like her at each installation. These specialists create Navy GIS data you see on the GRX using ArcGIS. They use tools like up-to-date georeferenced imagery, historical maps, CAD drawings, photographs, GPS, and field visits using distance measuring tools to digitize accurate objects. Then information about the object is recorded to the tabular geodatabase from sources like INFADS. Field maps with site visits are used to verify the data is correct and accurate.

One part of Joni's job is creating maps of Naval Air Station North Island and Coronado's seven sub installations. Each base map has a title, street names, entrance and exit gates, airfield and pier information, labels identifying important locations, facility numbers, and a reference grid. An accompanying building index helps the user find the location of each building, so they can determine where they need to go.

Joni says check the date on any map, so you know the accuracy of the information. Base maps are used by the police, federal fire, planners, delivery vendors, maintenance technicians, facility management specialists and tenant commands to do their jobs.

"Anytime there is a new planning action proposed, we reference the maps to begin to understand the physical conditions to navigate and after all our work the end result is also a map that is then disseminated to end users, visitors and leadership to understand," said Enriquez.

"Our work as planners is captured in the maps created showing proposed master plans and development proposals and relies on the maps of existing conditions to efficiently and accurately guide our efforts."

Joni developed explosive safety fire maps for the Explosive Safety Program, a requirement to keep people safe while planners consider safety areas and airfield safety zones when planning for new buildings. Joni also created Future Plan Maps for planners to develop and use to brief the public works officer (PWO) and plan for the installation's future.

The Encroachment Program, led by Wes Bomyea, the Coronado Community Planning liaison officer, uses maps outside the fence line with information like land ownership, noise complaints, airfield safety zones and other community concerns. Joni and Wes developed Readiness Environmental Protection Integration Program maps which were instrumental in securing a 763 acre easement at Clover Flat and a 982 acre easement at San Diego Mountain Ranch to help protect the environment and minimize encroachment at Camp Michael Monsoor.

The Navy has its own GIS Program managed by GeoReadiness Centers at each Region. On the NAVFAC's Portal, there is a link to a digital internet map called the GeoReadiness Explorer (GRX). On the GRX, you can create your own simple map, measure, get XY coordinates, create objects, and use Business Tools like INFADS and MAXIMO by clicking on a building to get information.


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