The new application offers an easily navigable portal to access a map of TDEC-managed lands. This GIS-based internet mapping system has been integrated into TDEC’s existing infrastructure to provide a wealth of geospatial information, including core GIS tools, templates and applications. These new interactive maps and layers also are designed to help TDEC improve operations and communicate more effectively with the public, while saving both time and money.
“Created internally by TDEC employees, today’s launch is the result of a collaborative effort across many levels of the department,” said TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau. “Over the past several years, staff has transitioned existing data into an Oracle database – moving away from traditional data storage. Last year, we moved forward with plans to serve a public-facing GIS application within the department, giving staff the ability to manage the data and the actual site both effectively and cost-efficiently with no additional costs to the department.”
Links to the new interactive portal can be found on Tennessee State Parks’ website at www.tnstateparks.com/findapark or via the Tennessee Natural Areas’ website at www.tn.gov/environment/na/. Features of the new GIS application include:
• Customized Icons – Information about state parks and natural areas are just a click away, using individual icons. Basic information about a particular area includes an address, with more in-depth details such as hiking trails, accommodations and local amenities offered. The customized icons also provide a link to an individual park or natural area website.
• Search Function – The search function allows the public to easily access recreational areas across the state within 20 miles of a particular address and to receive directions to those particular sites. The search function also allows the user to search by the name of a particular park, natural area or site or by a specific activity – from fishing to kayaking to camping.
“With a successful collection of data, staff collaboration and very little infrastructure investment, we have been able to quickly move forward,” added Martineau. “In addition to adding state historical or archaeological sites, we are beginning to look at an expansion of the application for TDEC’s Bureau of Environment, to include permitted site data for various facilities across the state and other environmental interests, which will offer the public at large access to important information quicker and easier.”
With more than 2,900 employees working across the state, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is a diverse and dynamic department, serving the state by (1) safeguarding the health and safety of Tennessee citizens from environmental hazards; (2) protecting and improving the quality of Tennessee's land, air and water; and (3) managing Tennessee’s 54 state parks, 82 natural areas and a variety of historical or archaeological sites. For more information about the department, please visit www.tn.gov/environment.
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Last Update on May 23, 2013 07:09 GMT
"HANGOVER 3"
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- All hangovers come to an end eventually, and so, too, "The Hangover" franchise. "Hangover 3" is the final installment. Zach Galifiankis (gal-ih-fih-NAH'-kihs) says the fact that this is the end will probably sink in when they're through promoting the movie. He says "there will probably be some tears." Or, he says, he could "fake some so it looks good for the press." Hangover 3 opens today.
SOUND:
<<CUT ..013 (05/23/13)>> 00:35 ""
Michael Weinfeld
A hangover goes away eventually, and as AP Entertainment Editor Michael Weinfeld tells us, the same is true for "The Hangover."
<<CUT ..014 (05/23/13)>> 00:10 "ritualistically say goodbye"
Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper says they're coming to terms with this being the last "Hangover" movie as they do promotion for it. ((cut used in wrap))
<<CUT ..015 (05/23/13)>> 00:14 "over, like that?"
Zach Galifianakis (gal-ih-fih-NAH'-kuhs)
Zach Galifianakis says the fact that this is the last time they'll play these characters won't hit them until they're done promoting the movie. ((longer version of cut used in wrap))
"ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT" RETURNS
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Each member of the Bluth (BLOOTH) family gets their own episode in the online version of "Arrested Development." As the family attorney, Henry Winkler gets to appear in more than one. He says the webisodes will show what each character has been doing since the series went off the air. The "Arrested Development" movie will take it from there. All 15 episodes will be available on Netflix starting at 3:01 in the morning, Eastern time, this Sunday.
SOUND:
<<CUT ..016 (05/23/13)>> 00:37 ""
Michael Weinfeld
"Arrested Development" has its debut on Netflix this weekend. AP Entertainment Editor Michael Weinfeld has a preview.
<<CUT ..017 (05/23/13)>> 00:17 "come the movie"
Henry Winkler
Henry Winkler says the creator of "Arrested Development" says the movie will pick up where the online series leaves off. ((note length of cut))
<<CUT ..018 (05/23/13)>> 00:07 "have to defend"
Henry Winkler
Henry Winkler says he'll return as Bluth the family attorney in the "Arrested Development" movie. ((Bluth is pronounced BLOOTH)) ((cut used in wrap))
<<CUT ..019 (05/23/13)>> 00:11 "Development ever was"
Henry Winkler
Henry Winkler says the online version of the series should please hardcore fans. ((cut used in wrap))
FIRING PEOPLE FOR RATINGS
NEW YORK (AP) -- People will be losing their jobs for ratings in a new reality series. Employees of small businesses are asked to rat out underperforming co-workers. In the end, they recommend one person to be fired. "Does Someone Have to Go?" is a revamped version of another Fox reality show that was slammed by critics in advance. One magazine called it a step toward public executions. It never aired. This show premieres tonight.
DAMIEN LEWIS DOESN'T KNOW HOW LONG BRODY WILL LAST ON "HOMELAND"
CANNES, France (AP) -- Damien Lewis starts filming the third season of "Homeland" soon, not knowing how long Brody will be on the show. He says Homeland can go on forever." But "whether Brody can go on forever is a different matter." He says "it's a continuing surprise for everybody."
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CALLING ALL COMICS
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. (AP) -- Calling all comics! NBC is looking for comedians of different backgrounds for what used to be called "Stand-Up for Diversity." The new name of the project is "Stand-Up NBC." The first auditions will be held in San Diego on July 14. Auditions will then be held in New York and Austin. The best comedians get to be part of the "Stand-Up NBC Finale" in Los Angeles.
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