Crimemapping Use in Transportation – Part 1
June 23, 2009
An article by Chief Mark W. Bowersox of the Polk City police department highlights how GIS can be used in preventing transportation problems in small cities. In 2003, the city of Polk City, Iowa had to prepare for the Allianz Golf Championship, a PGA Champions Tour event which was to be held in 2005. Polk City and its population of 3,000 needed to be ready for the 40 – 50,000 visitors expected during the week-long event. Handling the influx of visitors and traffic became an immediate concern especially to Polk City’s six-person police force. Fortunately, the chief and the city were in the process of installing GIS capabilities for citywide application. Through past contacts and with the use of aerial imagery and mapping capabilities, the city was able to put together a plan to handle the expected traffic demands of the tournament.
The police department believed that for the tournament to be well received by the community it needed to have a minimum effect on the daily routines of citizens. Maps were used to inform citizens and alleviate any anxieties they had during the months prior to the tournament. A Microsoft PowerPoint presentation was developed that featured aerial views of Polk City and included a map that illustrated potential problem areas if no traffic plan was used. A second map showed the same areas and how traffic-related problems would be minimized with the use of the traffic plan. The PowerPoint presentation was used numerous times at city meetings and informational meetings, where citizens were allowed to see the traffic plan and gain an understanding of how it was going to work.
Maps were used during the tournament as well. Several officers were brought in to help Polk City police provide security. Officers from other cities were given an aerial view of the golf course and its 6.5 miles of cart path. The maps helped the visiting officers orient themselves to the venue. The Polk City Fire Department also used the maps to assist medical personnel in responding to any calls for assistance. By using GIS, the Polk City police departments were able to see the golf tournament go off without a hitch.
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