GIS Mapping Flint

Unlocking the power of location: Creating a road map to remove the lead service lines from Flint's Water Infrastructure
March 31, 2016
12:00 - 1:00 pM

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) describe computational systems designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present geographical data. But what does that actually mean in real life? How do we integrate GIS to advance the effectiveness of civil engineering? Most of the problems we encounter in civil engineering are geographical in nature – infrastructure inherently has a spatial component. GIS, used properly, can further our understanding of infrastructure’s spatial context.

An example of using GIS to advance our understanding of infrastructure can be illustrated by looking at how it is being used to understand the Flint Water Crisis. Some lead service lines in the city’s water infrastructure are composed of toxic lead and others are not. Identifying exactly where the lead service lines are located is critical in order to strategically replace the most toxic service lines, and help Flint improve its water quality. Researchers at the Geographic Information Systems Center at the University of Michigan–Flint are harnessing the power GIS to map out the scale and scope of Flint’s water issues. By using GIS to create a better understanding of the infrastructure underlying the city, UM-Flint researchers are creating a vital road map for city officials to replace the most toxic pipes, allowing Flint to move forward to a better future.

Jeffrey Kodysh

Jeff is a staff GIS Analyst at NTH Consultants, Ltd. where he plays an integral role in devising creative geospatial solutions both in-house and for external clients. He is proficient in many geospatial and analytical software, database platforms, and data analytics. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, music, and traveling to remote locales around the world.

Troy Rosencrants

Troy is the GIS Center Manager at the University of Michigan-Flint. He has a Bachelor’s of Science in Meteorology and Geography with a GIS Concentration from Central Michigan University and a Master’s of Science in Geography from Northern Illinois University. Troy has been at the GIS Center since September 2013, when the GIS Center was created.

﻿​Unlocking the power of location: Creating a road map to remove the lead service lines from Flint's Water InfrastructureMarch 31, 2016​12:00 - 1:00 pM

Unlocking the power of location: Creating a road map to remove the lead service lines from Flint's Water Infrastructure
March 31, 2016
12:00 - 1:00 pM