Transformation and Innovation Converting data to information using GIS The digital universe of the Internet has grown larger and faster than anyone could have imagined 16 years ago. According to The Diverse and Exploding Digital Universe, an IDC white paper sponsored by EMC Corporation and published in March 2008, the Internet encompassed 281 exabytes (or 281 billion gigabytes) of data in 2007. In that year, all the data created, captured, or replicated exceeded the space available to store it. Although not all data created and transmitted is saved, this report predicts that by 2011 almost half the digital data on the Internet will lack a permanent address. Like Samuel Coleridge's ancient mariner who exclaimed, "Water, water, every where, Nor any drop to drink," the world appears to be heading for a future awash in data but thirsting for actionable information on topics vital to the well-being of society and the planet. GIS has emerged as a framework for channeling this tidal wave of data and transforming it into information that can be applied to a wide range of problems. Recent developments in both GIS software and strategies for geospatial data management are helping organizations use the geographic approach to accomplish goals more effectively. As articles in this issue illustrate, this is true whether those goals are responding to fires more quickly or optimally siting wells that provide safe drinking water. New regression analysis tools in ArcGIS 9.3 for modeling and exploring data provide ways to better understand and use data. The Special Section highlights the new Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) Regression and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) tools now available in ArcToolbox. These tools go beyond answering where questions to explore the reasons why things happen. GIS tools not only help uncover the structure of data to answer specific questions but, combined with utilities and scripts, can be used to compile data originally gathered for a variety of reasons and generate new information. The aggregated live feeds methodology, described in an article in the Developer's Corner, is an example of the power of assembling data in a geospatial framework. Using this technique, constantly updated monitoring and measurement data from many sources is combined to furnish information in near real time. The intelligent use of data, whether modeled or compiled, depends on knowing its accuracy, currency, and ownership. However, creating and maintaining standards-based metadata is an oft neglected task. An article in the Hands On section suggests simple changes that can streamline the metadata production workflow while enhancing the quality of the final product. Metadata, along with standard geographic datasets, workflows for updating these datasets, and focused applications, is the foundation for building a geospatial infrastructure that can improve the operations of existing industries and help create new ones. The Focus section of this issue includes articles that describe the process and benefits of creating geospatial infrastructure at both the regional and national levels. Each organization has taken an abundance of diverse data; organized it geospatially; and developed applications, processes, and products that allow it to weigh options, get answers, and solve problems. Spring 2009 · Vol. 12 No. 2 EDITORIAL Editor Monica Pratt Contributors Keith Mann Joseph Kerski Technical Advisors Paul Dodd Damian Spangrud Copy Editing Joyce Lawrence DESIGN Graphic Designer Tammy Johnson Photography Eric Laycock Print Coordinator Tim Polen ADVISORY BOARD Corporate Linda Hecht Corporate Alliances Steve Trammell Products Dave Scheirer International Dean Angelides Direct Marketing and Communications Matt Artz Industries Lew Nelson HOW TO REACH US Visit the ArcUser Online Web site (www.esri.com/arcuser) to download tutorials, read current and past issues, and access additional resources. For all subscription, advertising, or editorial inquiries, call 909-793-2853, ext. 1-2730. Your ArcUser Subscription To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change mailing information online, please go to gis.esri.com/emails/arcuser_subscr.cfm or send e-mail to arcuser_circulation@esri.com. Advertise in ArcUser For information regarding placing an advertisement in ArcUser magazine, contact the advertising coordinator at 909-793-2853, ext. 1-2189 or ads@esri.com Fax: 909-307-3051 Editorial Inquiries Monica Pratt, ArcUser Editor 380 New York Street Redlands, CA 92373-8100, USA E-mail: arcuser_editor@esri.com Visit the ArcUser Online Web pages (www.esri.com/arcuser) to read the article submission guidelines and copyright policy. Monica Pratt ArcUser Editor editor's page ISSN 1534-5467 ArcUser is published quarterly by Esri at 380 New York Street, Redlands, CA 92373-8100, USA. ArcUser is written for users of Esri software. ArcUser is distributed free of charge to registered users of Esri software.