Map making has evolved dramatically over the centuries. From the earliest clay tablets and cave paintings around 6100 B.C. to today’s high-precision digital maps, the art and science of mapping have always been about more than just navigation—they’re about understanding and connecting with the world around us. Now, Seattle IT’s GIS team has taken this tradition to new heights with the creation of the Duwamish Valley Project Map, a one-of-a-kind resource designed to consolidate, visualize, and share critical data in an innovative and interactive way.
A Unique Solution for a Complex Challenge
The Duwamish Valley Project Map is not just another map—it’s a groundbreaking application that brings together multiple data sources into a single, user-friendly platform. This effort, which began in March 2024, was spearheaded by Seattle IT under the direction of the Office of Sustainability and Environment and Seattle Public Utilities. The goal was clear: to create an interactive mapping interface that would serve both internal City departments and the public, offering a transparent and accessible way to explore the Duwamish Valley.
What sets this project apart is its ability to consolidate diverse data inputs into a single point of truth. The GIS team developed an editable feature service to centralize the data, an ArcGIS Instant App for seamless data editing, and an engaging and interactive mapping app built using Esri’s Experience Builder. This combination of tools ensures that the map is not only visually compelling but also easy to update and maintain—making it a truly one-of-a-kind solution.
The Team Behind the Innovation
Creating a resource of this caliber required a collaborative effort from a talented and dedicated team. Client partners Anjilee Dodge and Brian Mickelson provided critical guidance to ensure the project met the needs of the community. Community members and organizations asked for a centralized view of over 60 City-funded projects—completed, ongoing, and planned—in the Duwamish Valley.
GIS Analyst Brian Rosete played a key role in configuring the data editor and Experience Builder, while the GIS Enterprise Team provided essential support. Intern Kai Bailey, under the supervision of Rita Lee, meticulously handled the data inputs, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and consistency. Together, this team turned a complex vision into a functional and impactful service.
A Public Resource in Action
The Duwamish Valley Project Map is live and this one-of-a-kind service will provide invaluable insights into the many exciting projects underway in the Duwamish Valley, supporting sustainability efforts and fostering community engagement. In the meantime, updates will be shared through blogs and social media, keeping the public informed and excited about what’s to come.
Redefining What Maps Can Do
The Duwamish Valley Project Map is more than just a tool—it’s a public resource for the community that redefines what maps can do. By transforming complex datasets into an accessible and interactive platform, Seattle IT’s GIS team has created something truly unique. This map doesn’t just display information; it empowers users to explore, understand, and engage with the Duwamish Valley in ways that were never before possible.
As we look to the future, the Duwamish Valley Project Map stands as a trailblazing example of how technology can be used to create innovative solutions that benefit both the community and the environment. From ancient clay tablets to modern digital platforms, the evolution of mapping continues—and with Seattle IT leading the way, the possibilities are endless.