GIS Benefits State-Based Broadband Initiatives

17 August 2009, 10:31am

Redlands, California — August 17, 2009 — States searching for a way to participate in the U.S. State Broadband Data and Development Program now have a solution with BroadbandStat, ESRI’s new Web application that provides tools for mapping broadband coverage and planning broadband initiatives. Federal broadband stimulus funds available in the United States offer an unprecedented opportunity for states to improve their broadband infrastructure and deliver high-speed Internet connections to those without access.

BroadbandStat provides states with a Web-based framework for viewing, analyzing, and sharing broadband service and related data. It can be used by states for broadband mapping and planning needs and is included in solutions offered by ESRI business partner Connected Nation for state-based broadband initiatives.

The BroadbandStat solution features a dashboard-style display that provides an interactive map and options that make it easy to combine data in different ways for viewing and analyzing. State planners and decision makers benefit from having access to a shared operating picture and using geospatial analysis tools for identifying areas that are unserved and underserved by broadband. They can also use BroadbandStat to evaluate the impact of proposed broadband projects and monitor the effects of changing coverage. For example, the application makes it possible to combine broadband coverage data, broadband adoption statistics, and demographic information to identify where digital divides and other barriers to broadband adoption exist.

BroadbandStat is based on ESRI ArcGIS Server technology, which offers open access to extensive geographic information system (GIS) capabilities to publish and share geographic data, maps, analyses, and models. It uses the Adobe Flex application programming interface (API) to provide a rich Internet application (RIA) user experience. BroadbandStat affords planners and decision makers with a common operating picture and the sophisticated geospatial analysis tools necessary to perform work related to the current and changing broadband landscape.

BroadbandStat

Geo: International