Supporters say a statewide geospatial office could save millions, aid the census and improve emergency response

Proponents told the committee that state coordination of geospatial data would reduce redundant local efforts and save money. Susan said many agencies now recreate the same datasets year after year and argued coordinated maintenance would yield big savings: "then we will save the state millions and millions annually." She cited potential applications including flood-response analysis and next-generation 9-1-1.

Members also heard that improved statewide datasets are important for census work and economic development. Susan noted the 2020 census as a near-term deadline that benefits from improved addresses and building footprint data, and Representative Dickey framed the effort as supporting economic development and regional planning.