Thanks to Cor Wilson for sending me in on what Massachusetts is doing about mapping in their state. Here’ their plan – as stated in their press release:
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) today announced a partnership between the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) and EEA’s Office of Geographic and Environmental Information (MassGIS) to develop sophisticated mapping that will help the state determine the highest-priority areas for investments in broadband infrastructure and technology. The mapping project will initially focus on western Massachusetts, where problems with broadband coverage are most acute. It will also lay the foundation for comprehensive, statewide broadband mapping, as targeted for funding by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
I like this idea for a couple reasons. First I love the local! All things being equal I just always like when we can use local resources.
I like the immediate focus on areas they know need help. I know one of the issues in Minnesota with the statewide stats is that the stats in the Twin Cities overpower the statewide picture.
