Targeted Upgrades: Using GIS to Identify Constrained Regions
Author: Mariana Chissell, AEG Junior Fellow, Advanced Energy Group
On December 15, 2022, public and private leaders convened in Boston at Holland & Knight offices for the AEG Boston 22Q4 Stakeholder Challenge on Mobility & Clean Transportation to identify a critical clean transportation obstacle the city and state must overcome in order to meet its carbon and equity goals. The selected obstacle was identified as a need to “target planning and coordination for upgrades, focusing on capacity constrained regions and Environmental Justice Communities, in preparation for and supported by Federal funding.”
Above: Heather Takle, President & CEO - PowerOptions, provides Selected Obstacle at the AEG Boston 22Q4 Stakeholder Challenge at Holland & Knight
The Task Force’s 12-month solution for clean transportation focuses on identifying target areas by evaluating the overlap of federal funding availability, grid constraints, and fleet customer propensity to electrify. The approach involves creating a Geographic Information System (GIS) map overlay of these factors, surveying and convening customers, and aligning on high-priority locations to design solutions that address climate, livability, and justice as part of the Boston Green New Deal. Heather Takle, President & CEO of PowerOptions emphasized that, “using data visualization, including GIS mapping is critical. By overlaying the complex multiple variables of grid congestion, equitable access to charging as well as exposure to fleet vehicle carbon and other toxic emissions, we can start to visualize the areas of greatest need and create a better, more data-driven and equitable plan.”
On December 14, 2023, Task Force members were able to deliver on creating this interactive GIS map, which is a powerful tool for identifying optimal areas for clean transportation initiatives. Viewers are able to select and deselect datasets within the map to focus on a specific variable or the interactions between them. This visualization highlights regions where these factors intersect, enabling stakeholders to prioritize locations that can most effectively benefit from clean transportation investments. By clearly showing these overlaps, the map aids in strategic planning and decision-making, ensuring efforts align with climate goals, urban livability improvements, and social justice principles, consistent with the Boston Green New Deal. Regarding the experience of creating the map with the Task Force, Katie Grillo, GIS Web Technology Specialist, commented, “participating in the task force was a great opportunity for me to connect with professionals from various sectors. I was able to learn from them while also supporting their efforts with my GIS expertise.”
Above: Interactive GIS map analyzing overlap of federal funding ability, grid capacity, and fleet customer propensity to electrify.
Following their 12-month solution plan, Task Force members are expecting to utilize this tool to convene and align on a high priority location to design a targeted approach that emphasizes climate, livability, and justice. Read more on their ARC GIS Task Force website.