first published week of: 08/22/2016
The 2016 Legislative Data and Transparency Conference (#ldtc16), hosted by the Committee on House Administration, brought individuals from the legislative branch together with data users and advocates to review existing efforts to improve access to legislative data and explore what else could and should be done to increase government transparency. The day was devoted to efforts underway in Congress to make it easier for the public to understand what their representatives in Washington, D.C., are doing on their behalf and to enable citizens to participate in the process, as well as to make it easier for Congress members to do their jobs. A recording of the conference, as well as links to past events (2012–2015), can be found on the committee’s website.
… GIS Data and Legislative Composition
The morning’s second panel offered an overview of how Congress uses geographic information system (GIS) data. Several Senate offices and committees use Esri’s Senate Analytical Mapping System, a product provided for free to congressional offices; the House MAP (Mapping and Analytic Platform) allows members to visualize their districts in terms of demographics and issues. These GIS tools are vital for Congress members who need to understand the makeup of their districts. They include the ability to share mapped data so the public can appreciate the effect congressional action will have on issues about which they are passionate. continued…