Results of the2013 GIS/CAMA Survey

Craig Johnson, DirectorLouisiana Geographic Information Center

Louisiana State University

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank James Laurent Jr. (Pointe Coupee Parish Assessor) for his assistance in letting Louisiana Assessors Association (LAA) members know about the survey, and the

46 LAA members who participated

A four part online survey was used to determine how geospatial technologies are diffused among Louisiana Assessors.

1)How is GIS used in their assessment office - When did it start, how did they find out about GIS technology

2) The use of CAMA in their assessment office - How did they obtain information and what issues are the most important when implementing CAMA

3) Integrating GIS and CAMA – What are the challenges

4) Staffing Resources – Do you have the technical staff needed to support IT, GIS, CAMA or Web development

Metro = One or more parishes that contain a city of at least 50,000 people. Ex: Orleans or Caddo Parish

Micro = A parish that contains a city of at least 10,000 population, but no more than 50,000. Ex: City of Ruston in Lincoln Parish or Hammond in Tangipahoa Parish

Rural = A parish that is neither Metro or Micro Ex: Bienville or Tensas Parish

29 Metro Parishes contain 75.0% of total Louisiana households

18 Micro Parishes contain 18.4% of total Louisiana households

17 Rural Parishes contain 6.6% of total Louisiana households

Metro Parishes: Median household income: $46,767Percent of households in poverty 16.5%Percent of 100% Homestead Exemptions 45%

Micro Parishes:Median household income: $37,692Percent of households in poverty 21.9%Percent of 100% Homestead Exemptions 63%

Rural Parishes: Median household income: $34,703Percent of households in poverty 23.6%Percent of 100% Homestead Exemptions 77%

Source: 2010 Census

Numerous GIS and CAMA enhancements were made between 2010 and 2013

More Assessors are coordinating multi-agency GIS initiatives, some with as many as seven other agencies within their parish

New cohort of Assessors. Between 2008 and today, twenty nine assessors (out of sixty-four) have retired

Survey Conclusions:

1. We will see more parishes adopting GIS and CAMA technologies, although not the rapid increases we saw between 2007 & 2013

2. We will see more multi-agency GIS initiatives, which make sense in an era of “making do with less” resources.

Survey Conclusions:

3. We will see more parishes merging their GIS and CAMA systems, as they are even more useful together than they are apart.

4. Recognition among Assessors that CAMA systems only work if you have good data.

Craig Johnson

Louisiana Geographic Information Center

(225) 578-3479

cjohnson@lsu.edu