The Geo-Facilities Planning and Information Research Center, or GeoPlan Center, was established in 1984 as a response to local and statewide needs for a teaching and research environment in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The Center is housed in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, in the University of Florida’s College of Design, Construction and Planning.
The UF GeoPlan Center works to support land use, transportation, and environmental planning in the State of Florida by providing geospatial and planning expertise, data, training, and education to the stakeholders involved in the planning process. Since its inception, GeoPlan has become a multidisciplinary GIS Laboratory. The center has grown into a specialized team which supports open source data, Public and Private research, and academic pursuits. The center continues to evolve, while remaining committed to the public interest. The Center is self-funded through various contracts with state governmental agencies, non-governmental agencies, and other private organizations. The GeoPlan Center attracts approximately 1 to 1.5 million dollars annually.
GEOPLAN AWARDS
Federal Highway Administration, 2010 Exemplary Human Environment Initiatives (EHEI)
Awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), EHEI Awards recognize outstanding examples of transportation projects that either create or improve conditions for human activities while protecting the natural environment. The Environmental Screening Tool (EST) received the 2010 EHEI Award in the ‘Product Development Category’.
2008 – ESRI Special Achievement in GIS (SAG)
SAG Awards are given each year at the ESRI User Conference to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of GIS users around the world.
2008 – Exemplary Human Environment Initiatives and Exemplary Ecosystem Initiatives – Federal Highway Administration, USDOT
Two Awards from the Federal Highway Administration, USDOT for GeoPlan’s contribution to the Efficient Transportation Decision Making process.
2005 – Davis Productivity Awards
Awarded to the Environmental Screening Tool Development Team for innovation, dedication and commitment to the preparation and recovery efforts during the unprecedented 2004 hurricane season.
1999 – National Best Environmental Practices Award
Awarded by American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials to the Florida Department of Transportation and the UF GeoPlan Center’s Florida Geographic Data Library. In recognition of outstanding collaborative efforts with other agencies or organizations which have produced significant advances in environmental planning.