Ep. 8: GIS and Spatial Data in KY: Leading the Way

The Big Blue Rock Pod

In this episode, we talk with Kent Anness, Director of the Kentucky Division of Geographic Information, about the wealth of cutting-edge spatial data, like aerial photography and lidar, available in Kentucky. We discuss uses and analysis that go well beyond geology, including disaster planning, emergency 911 location, business siting, and transportation planning.

Program note: we recorded this episode before the recent flooding in eastern Kentucky (July 2022), and in the weeks, months, and years ahead many of these GIS resources we discussed will likely be used for rescue, recovery, and planning in the affected areas. Our thoughts are with those impacted by the flooding in eastern Kentucky. If you would like to help, here are some links for donations and needs: Team Eastern KY Flood Relief Fund: https://secure.kentucky.gov/FormServices/Finance/EKYFloodRelief Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, Appalachian Crisis Fund: https://www.appalachianky.org/ Appalshop Flood Relief Resources: https://appalshop.org/news/appalachian-flood-support-resources