Introducing the Delaware County Office of Data and Mapping Innovation (ODMI)

Released: July 12, 2024

Introducing the Delaware County Office of Data and Mapping Innovation (ODMI)

The Delaware County Office of Data and Mapping Innovation (ODMI) is a County department dedicated to utilizing advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to support a wide range of County functions and help residents and decision-makers at local, state, and federal levels visualize complex issues and make informed decisions.

The primary mission of ODMI is to create and maintain geospatial data—including infrastructure, environmental, boundary, and community data. This data is then transformed into static maps and mapping applications, which are accessible to the community.

ODMI supports County departments with mapping services to enhance their workflows and public engagement, collaborates with local governments and private entities to provide valuable data and insights, and offers public access to a wealth of geographic data through an open data site, making it easier for people to explore and utilize the information.

The goal? To provide visual tools that make complex information easier to understand and use for all stakeholders.

"ODMI's mapping capabilities have been indispensable in supporting and informing strategic decisions for numerous projects," said Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther. "The precision and clarity of their data visualizations enable us to make smart and informed decisions that directly benefit our community."

ODMI team's efforts are especially crucial in enhancing transparency and community engagement. By making detailed, accurate geographic data freely available, they empower residents, businesses, and researchers to explore and analyze information specific to their needs. Whether it's understanding flood risks, locating public facilities, or observing changes in land use, the maps created serve as vital tools for education, planning, and policy making.

ODMI’s work is pivotal in tackling a wide range of challenges, from urban planning and public safety to environmental management and economic development. By transforming raw data into interactive maps and comprehensive visualizations, the team provides valuable insights that are easily accessible and understandable.

"Under the leadership of Julie DelMuto, our Data and Mapping team (ODMI) has continually surpassed expectations," said John Becht, the County’s Information and Technology Director. "Julie’s innovative approaches and commitment to solving complex data challenges have significantly enhanced our operations and service delivery."

Recent Projects and Applications

The Delaware County Office of Data and Mapping Innovation (ODMI) has actively collaborated with a broad array of internal and external partners, delivering essential visualization tools. These tools enable local and regional stakeholders to gain a clearer understanding of diverse factors, ranging from physical geographic characteristics to demographic trends and beyond.

“We’re proud of our recent collaboration with the Department of Human Services, Emergency Services, the Office of the Medical Examiner, and the County’s Health Department to organize data to help address the opioid crisis here in Delaware County,” said DelMuto. “In developing an internal dashboard, we’re enabling stakeholders to easily visualize metrics and trends, improving the County’s ability to address the epidemic and help save lives.”

Open Data Hub

ODMI recently launched a new web-based “Open Data Hub” that allows users to explore map applications and data by category, such as “Historic & Natural Resources,” Transportation,” “Demographics,” “County & Municipal Services,” and “Land Development & Zoning.” The new Hub also includes a survey for users to provide feedback regarding the maps presented online.

In addition to the newly launched Open Data Hub and efforts to combat opioid addiction, ODMI has completed work on a variety of map-based tools for Delaware County. Recent ODMI highlights include:

• Delaware County Parks and Trails Explorer:  An interactive application showcasing parks and trails maintained by the County, allowing users to see the park layout and amenities.
• Human Services Provider Locations:  An interactive viewer providing locations of Human Services providers within Delaware County for residents in need of assistance.
• Prison and Human Services Coordination:  Showed overlapping services between entities and identified focus areas for resource usage to help reduce incarceration and recidivism.
• New Park Planning:  Created maps for the park master plan in coordination with the Planning Department and Park consultant to assess current inventory of infrastructure and natural resources.
• Shop Delco:  In partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, this application showcases local businesses and allows them to add themselves to the map easily.
• Subdivision Capture:  Coordinated with the Planning Department to take historical paper maps of subdivisions and land developments and make them viewable with existing spatial data for planning commission reviews.
• Veterans Discount Program:  Developed a dashboard showcasing businesses offering discounts to veterans.
• Who Are My Elected Representatives?:  A new application that helps residents find their local, state, and federal elected representatives, complete with contact information.

Accessing ODMI’s Work: Maps for Everyone!

Residents and interested parties can access ODMI’s maps and data online through their open data site. Here are some of the many impressive ODMI map-based tools to check out.

• Open Data Hub
• Delaware County Municipal Dashboard
• Delaware County Human Services Provider Locations
• Delaware County Housing Dashboard
• Who Are My Elected Officials?
• Parks and Trails Explorer
• Land Development and Zoning Apps
• Delco Transportation Services
• Floodplain Viewer
• Delaware County Watershed Viewer
• Share Food Program Pantries
• Transportation Improvement Inventory
• Lead Exposure Risk
• Green Stormwater Infrastructure

Looking Ahead

In 2024, ODMI plans to launch a municipal GIS program to provide professional GIS services and resources to municipalities within its jurisdiction. This initiative aims to offer affordable and comprehensive GIS services, fostering enhanced local governance and community engagement.

ODMI also looks forward to working on new projects requested by County departments, partners organizations, and community stakeholders.

Requesting Custom Maps

Local governments, non-profits, businesses, and the general public are encouraged to contact ODMI to request the development of new maps as well as prints of existing maps (8 1/2" x 11" up to 24" x 36"). To request services, contact ODMI by email at data_mapping@co.delaware.pa.us.

ODMI is committed to enhancing the quality of life for Delaware County residents by providing easy access to valuable geographic data, fostering informed decision-making, and promoting community engagement through innovative mapping solutions.

Visit the ODMI website at https://delcopa.gov/odmi/mapping.html.