Research and Information Services
The rapid advances in information technology are providing more opportunities for local governments to share knowledge and information, communicate planning activities with the public, and reduce the overall cost of providing services by eliminating duplication.
Based on the needs of internal users and member organizations, NCTCOG provides an array of programs and services beneficial for member governments that require technical and analytical innovation. To provide these services, the Agency has invested in leading-edge technology in the areas of network infrastructure, browser-based applications, geographic information systems (GIS), and relational data management technologies. Through the use of these tools, NCTCOG provides a centralized information resource and advanced analysis of complex information sets for demographic forecasting and regional development tracking.
NCTCOG has adopted an information technology strategic planning process to address the future needs of the agency and its members. NCTCOG continues to develop business plans based on initiatives identified in the technology strategic planning process that will build a framework of collaborative opportunities and services, thus enabling members to reduce costs and share technology investments.
Currently, NCTCOG has an extensive investment in GIS to provide information and mapping services that support regional planning, spatial analysis and public information inquiry. To insure consistency in geographic information, a North Central Texas GIS Coordinating Committee has been created to continually evaluate standards for maintenance of these layers and to evaluate new GIS-related initiatives.
NCTCOG prepares long-term demographic forecasts and local estimates for use in regional infrastructure planning. Although useful to local jurisdictions, these data are not often detailed enough to meet local planning needs. But, because of information technology advancements made at NCTCOG, there is an opportunity to improve the quality, accuracy, and reliability of this information and analysis. To accomplish this, NCTCOG will use the latest methods of research that incorporate more demographic and economic variables, develop sound analysis that is sensitive to local development trends, and utilize data at the smallest geography available, including annual appraisal district parcel data, when possible.
By encouraging the sharing of information and technology and improving regional planning through more timely and detailed planning knowledge, local governments will benefit.
 Regional Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
ISSUE: Area local, state, and federal governments have created GIS to provide information resources to support services and program operations. These systems require extensive system development that is duplicated between overlapping jurisdictions.
- Vision of Success: Integrated layers of spatial and tabular geographic information accessed through high-speed IP-based networks.
- Steps to Success:
- NCTCOG will expand on its Internet data clearinghouse to allow interactive access to information stored on the network
- Indicators of Success:
- The adoption and use of the centralized geographic information by regional members
 Technology Leadership
ISSUE: Member organizations with limited resources have common needs that can be addressed through the innovative application of technology. Examples of these programs include GIS, high-speed networking, emergency response systems, data storage/management systems, and traffic management systems.
- Vision of Success: Collaborative programs that leverage member resources to benefit all program participants.
- Steps to Success:
- NCTCOG will continue to invest in leading-edge technology to provide an array of programs and services that will be beneficial for member governments.
- Indicators of Success:
- Collaborative programs being successfully implemented and used by members.
 Local Demographic Information
ISSUE: NCTCOG prepares long-term demographic forecasts and local estimates for use in regional infrastructure planning. Although useful to local jurisdictions, these data are not often detailed enough to meet local planning needs.
- Vision of Success: Improved detail of demographic projections and estimates using the latest methods of research. A locally endorsed process that can evaluate development impacts at the local/neighborhood level.
- Steps to Success:
- Collection of additional demographic and economic data including annual parcel data; age, sex, and race population data; development and market trends at the sub-county level; and zoning and comprehensive plan data from local governments.
- Evaluate alternative methods of demographic research and analysis, consistently document research methods, conduct regular peer reviews, and coordinate with Agency departments and local governments.
- Indicators of Success:
- Increased confidence by local governments in NCTCOG projections and estimates
- Locally adopted impact assessments based on regional model.
- Local jurisdictions providing regular updates on zoning changes, comprehensive plans, and site plans.
- Projections and estimates produced at smaller geographies on a more frequent basis.
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