Recap of Statehouse GIS Day 2025: Showcasing the Power of GIS in Indiana 

On January 16, 2025, the Indiana Geographic Information Office (IGIO) hosted the first Statehouse GIS Day at the Indiana Statehouse, bringing together state agencies, local governments, and GIS professionals to highlight the essential role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in public policy and decision-making. This event served as an opportunity for legislators and government leaders to see firsthand how GIS supports key initiatives across the state, from transportation planning and economic development to environmental protection and hazard mitigation.

Why GIS Matters for Indiana 

GIS is a powerful tool used in nearly every sector of government, driving efficiency, improving public safety, and enhancing data-driven decision-making. During Statehouse GIS Day, attendees learned how GIS plays a critical role in:

• Transportation Projects - Supporting Infrastructure planning and road maintenance.
• Economic Development - Helping businesses and communities make data-informed decisions.
• Public Safety - Assisting emergency responders with real-time mapping and disaster preparedness.
• Informing Policy - Providing lawmakers with spatial information to improve government efficiency and outcomes for Hoosiers.
• Legislative Redistricting - Ensuring accurate district mapping and fair representation.
• Hazard Mitigation & Environmental Protection - Mapping flood risks and conservation efforts.
• Local Government Operations - Enhancing public services, land use planning, and utilities management.

A Collaborative Effort 

Statehouse GIS Day 2025 was a collaborative effort, bringing together state agencies, local governments, and academic institutions that rely on GIS technology to drive their missions forward. Partners included:

• State agencies such as the Department of Transportation (INDOT), the Broadband Office, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Agriculture (ISDA), the Indiana Geographic Information Office (IGIO), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), and the Indiana Financial Authority (IFA).
• Local governments like the City of Indianapolis and Allen County.
• Research and academic institutions including the Indiana Geological and Water Survey, Indiana State Library (ISL), and The Polis Center.

Each organization showcased how GIS supports their work, helping attendees understand its impact on everything from broadband expansion and workforce development to hydrologic modeling and natural resource management.

GIS: A Smart Investment for Indiana 

A key highlight of the event was the release of IGIO's Values and Benefits Study, which quantifies the return on investment for Indiana's GIS initiatives.

The study underscores how GIS-driven solutions save time, improve accuracy, and reduce costs for government operations statewide. By investing in GIS, Indiana enhances public service delivery, infrastructure planning, and environmental stewardship, ensuring a more efficient and resilient future.

Looking Ahead

Statehouse GIS Day 2025 reinforced the growing recognition of GIS as an essential tool for policy-making and government operations. As technology evolves, IGIO remains committed to expanding GIS capabilities and fostering collaboration between state agencies, local governments, and legislators.

Thank you to all the partners and attendees who made this event a success! Stay connected with IGIO for more updates on how GIS is shaping Indiana's future.