Juneau Empire<\/p>\n
Ever wondered what the Alaska Native names for all the communities in Alaska were? Or how many people lived in each community?<\/p>\n
Searching for such data just became way easier in an interactive portal. The Division of Community and Regional Affairs unveiled a new website this week, with the goal of making demographic information about communities across Alaska more easily accessible to the average person.<\/p>\n
Using the database, people can click on various dots across the state which lead them to pages featuring data about the people and location of each community.<\/p>\n
The DCRA received international recognition for its creative use of geospatial software, including a Special Achievement in GIS Award at the 2018 ESRI User Conference.<\/p>\n
Alaskans can use the site to explore informational maps and create custom maps; search, filter, compare and download single and multi-year data; and utilize the Alaska contacts directory to find information for communities.<\/p>\n
“This is a game changer,” said Katherine Elder, director of the DCRA. “With the new Community Database Online, the DCRA can better assist Alaskans, communities, state, for-profit, NGO and policy leaders by strategically importing relevant data.”<\/p>\n
The DCRA advises and assists local governments to maintain vital services through training, grant management, technical and fiscal support.<\/p>\n