The State of Vorarlberg on the Internet

VoGIS tasks
VoGIS has the task of providing the staff of the Office of the Vorarlberg State Government and subordinate offices with the information required to fulfil their functions. Over 90 % of all information in a public administration is directly or indirectly related to geography. Regardless of the application, the data must be as precise and up to date as possible. This is the main task of the VoGIS staff. The functions carried out by VoGIS include the following:

Collection and processing of geographical data:
Before being represented in a geographical information system, the data must first be collected. This process can be very complex. Most of the data refer to the State of Vorarlberg and its characteristics. Only in some cases can this data be purchased. Where this is possible (and feasible), this approach is chosen as self-digitalisation is generally much more expensive. The LVA (State Survey Office Feldkirch) is an important partner here and simultaneously the link to the BEV (Federal Office for Calibration and Surveying). Collection of data takes place in various steps: definition of the required content, identification of the most efficient process for collection of the data, implementation of data collection, digitalisation (i.e. integration of the data in a Geographical Information System), examination of the content. The implementation of these steps requires detailed planning and coordination. 

Provision of geographical information:
The compilation of digital geographical data inventories is the first step in the overall process. The processed information is then provided to the staff in the various specialised departments in the form of maps and plans, but also in digital form. This means that the quality and the speed of the decision preparation can be improved.

Monitoring of the technical infrastructure:
One of the most important functions of VoGIS is the monitoring of the technical infrastructure. The various computers (clients and servers), the output devices (plotters and printers) and the storage media (CD and tape drives) represent not only a considerable investment, but also require constant maintenance.  

Data administration:
Alongside data collection, data administration is also an important element in the development and maintenance of a GIS system. Each user must be able to rely on the correctness and completeness of the information. This is why alterations (insofar as they are identified) have to be integrated in the data set. In VoGIS, data sets whose content is constantly changing are regularly updated. 

Project handling:
VoGIS does not collect data for its own sake. It is collected and administrated in order that it is available for the fulfilment of (administration) functions. Most projects are dealt with by a number of departments working jointly. The organisation and coordination of these projects is often the task of VoGIS. 

User training and support of users:
VoGIS regularly provides courses on the application of GIS software. This ensures that the data application options are exploited to the optimum degree. 

Data administration:
The VoGIS data inventory (VoGIS exists since 1993) currently embraces around 100 subject levels on a central data server. Alongside the administration applications, this "data trove" is increasingly interesting for other users. The passing on of data, conclusion of usage agreements and documentation are further VoGIS functions. 

Data information:
Another extremely important function area is the compilation of information on the data (metadata). Data information describes the data set and supports the user in navigation and appropriate selection of the data he requires.

Advice:
Things are becoming increasingly complicated. This applies in especially to IT in general and the GIS in particular. The VoGIS staff are always willing to provide advice to ensure that projects which require GIS data can be executed as efficiently as possible.