The Middlesex Geography Network has created partnerships among GIS users in Middlesex County that will establish common GIS data standards and create the common GIS infrastructure needed to support the sharing of geographic information among the partners.

Presently, the partners in the Middlesex Geography Network include:

• Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority
• Community Futures Development Corporation
• County of Middlesex
• University of Western Ontario (UWO)
• Fanshawe College
• London St. Thomas Real Estate Board
• Municipality of North Middlesex
• Municipality of Southwest Middlesex
• Municipality of Thames Centre
• Township of Adelaide Metcalfe
• Township of Lucan Biddulph
• Township of Middlesex Centre
• Township of Strathroy Caradoc
• Thames Valley District School Board
• Union Gas

Guiding Principles

Guiding principles for the Middlesex Geography Network are as follows:

• The Middlesex Geography Network will make more efficient and cost effective use of resources through the sharing of data, centralized storage and access to web-based applications.

• The Middlesex Geography Network will facilitate information sharing across the partnership and provide mutual benefit to all partners and to the general public combined.

• The Middlesex Geography Network will provide for data standardization and for collaborative planning and decision making with respect to the collection and utilization of land related data.

• The Middlesex Geography Network will provide a clear understanding of rights and responsibilities of its partners and the general public in the use of data and mapping provided.

• The Middlesex Geography Network will address the issues of liability with respect to accuracy of mapping and data.

• The Middlesex Geography Network will provide ongoing training and maintenance of the data.

• The Middlesex Geography Network will provide information to its partners to ensure currency in all matters pertaining to the Network.

The Province of Ontario Geosmart funding program's goal is to invest in projects that use GIS to support local economic development, improve local government efficiency and increase access to land information over the internet.

MGN Deliverables

The major deliverables of the original Middlesex Geography Network Initiative are:

1) Public Interactive Mapping System

This application provides public access to land related information via the Internet. It allows the public to access government, community and recreation information about their local community.

2) Public Economic Development Application

This application allows users to view interactive maps related to individual parcels of land. These interactive maps are linked to web pages that feature available industrial or commercial land within the County. The interactive map will have basic information concerning the location of lands, nearby facilities and services and will have a link to the public web-based interactive mapping system. The County Business Directory and Tourism Directory have also been updated and include links to the Public mapping system.

3) Internal Planning Review Application

This application allows partner staff to screen development proposals and permits the 'up-front' identification of land related issues. A function that uses a buffering utility for the automated creation of mailing labels is also included in this application. This fulfills the notice requirements of the Planning Act (official plan and zoning by-law amendments, consents, minor variances, plans of subdivision / condominium) and is used in transportation related or emergency service notifications. This application is not available to the public.

4) Internal Municipal Addressing Application

Possible Future Initiatives

Once the groundwork has been laid, and a process for setting standards has been put into place, the partners in the Middlesex Geography Network will be able to move forward in an integrated manner to expand upon the GIS system that has been put into place and develop new applications that will continue to enhance business processes of MGN partners.