Institute for Technology Development

Community Mapping Takes Shape in Texas

February 26, 2004 By Guest Contributor
Lance Freeman

For the past year, a Community Mapping Program (CMP) has been jelling in San Antonio, TX; albeit with a different spin. Usually CMP needs a project coordinator, community partner, technical help and of course the teacher and students. However, the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) has been able to fit the beginnings of a CMP into its existing education and employee volunteer programs. Lance Freeman, a Planner and Demographer for SAWS, is also a trained CMP representative who has spearheaded and coordinated the initiative with local schools. The unique aspect of this configuration is that SAWS acts as both the CMP coordinator and community partner.

The goals of the SAWS program include developing a better relationship with school systems to share mutually beneficial demographic data. Many teachers in the San Antonio area have shown an interest in demographics and since SAWS uses various techniques to project future populations, students can learn to apply selected techniques to help determine their neighborhood's current and future water and sewer needs. Students are envisioned to be a great source of neighborhood landscape surveys to help SAWS target areas needing more education and encouragement to adopt xeriscaping practices. SAWS currently collects per house water use data, but if this data is combined with a CM project, San Antonio might find ways to decrease water use even further.

San Antonio's water supply is derived predominantly from the local Edwards Aquifer. So it made sense to enlist schools located over the recharge zone in CM projects. Because of the scheduling flexibility needed, a fifth grade Extended Learning Program class seized the opportunity. The teacher, Mrs. Hicks at 1000 Oaks Elementary was very willing, as was her principal - who happened to be related to a SAWS employee! The students received a short six-week course in GIS and GPS and then created a tree survey. Cub Scouts had planted most of the trees the previous year. A local nursery owner and SAWS employees taught the students about identification and conservation. The final product is included in the fifth grade class curriculum that focuses on community. Plans are underway with the City of San Antonio to include City Green software to "grow" the trees to see how they'll look in the future. SAWS is happy about the students' greater interest in trees because it helps spread the word about conserving water.

Just down the road, is Bradley Middle School, for which Lance Freeman helped secure a grant so a group of students could attend the GeoTech Conference in Dallas. The grant was provided by Texas Alliance for Geographic Education. This was the catalyst for one teacher and five students to learn GIS, GPS and start ESRI's Community Atlas Program. Now that teacher, Lance Lanoux, is sharing his GIS knowledge with all Bradley teachers and the students will be the core for a new Geography Club. Freeman will provide local GIS data files, GIS expertise and community coordination and the Club will conduct community mapping projects!

SAWS currently operates a Student Water Action Team (SWAT) for students to present their water related projects to their peers. Until now, no presentation has included the GIS component. That surely is about to change!