Urban Systems has a dedicated team of GIS professionals working alongside local governments, Indigenous communities, and private sector clients. Our team has expertise beyond just GIS, including GIS system architecture, database management, web and mobile development, programming, scripting, and cartography. These skills are applied across practice area projects including natural resource management, land use planning, stormwater and watershed analysis, asset management, public engagement, housing, transportation, and master planning. Below is an example of how we are using GIS programs to help improve communities.
Simpcw First Nation: Using GIS to Improve Community Safety and Housing Management
Urban Systems first partnered with Simpcw First Nation in 2023 to establish an ESRI-based Enterprise GIS platform, laying the foundation for a modern, data-driven approach to community planning and operations. GIS has evolved into a core tool for the Nation, supporting important initiatives and improving decision-making across the Nation.
Andre Taniguti, Director of Finance and Operations, shared how this GIS program has changed the way the Nation navigates decision making and overall operations.
“Urban Systems played a foundational role in helping Simpcw First Nation establish its ESRI-based Enterprise GIS platform. Their technical expertise and collaborative approach helped create a structure that could grow with the Nation’s evolving needs. Through training, data migration, and system integration, Urban supported Simpcw in building in-house capacity to manage and expand the platform independently.”
The GIS program now supports virtually every department by providing accurate, accessible spatial data that improves coordination and decision-making across the organization. Taniguti stated that the most significant advancement from the program has been the creation of real-time, integrated applications that directly support community safety and operational efficiency. The emergency management dashboard, for example, allows staff to monitor events and coordinate with regional partners instantly during crises. Equally as transformative is the NextGen 911-compliant addressing system, which ensures that Simpcw’s civic data is accurately shared with critical service providers such as BC Ambulance, RCMP, and Google Maps – directly improving emergency response and public safety.
GIS has changed the way the Nation approaches community planning and decision by being proactive as opposed to reactive. “By centralizing information about infrastructure, land use, and housing, departments can now visualize data and anticipate challenges before they arise. It has brought transparency and evidence-based planning into Council and administrative discussions, allowing decisions to be grounded in accurate, real-time information.” says Taniguti. This transformation has strengthened coordination between departments and empowered staff to make informed, community-driven decisions.
Creating Relationships Built to Last
Supporting a new GIS program has done more than just create new systems and applications, “it has been a partnership built on knowledge sharing and mutual respect. Urbans’ team has been responsive to Simpcw’s priorities, ensuring that technology aligns with community values and governance structures. This collaboration has strengthened trust and created a model for how technical partners can work alongside Indigenous governments to build capacity, not dependency. Together, we’ve developed a sustainable, future-ready GIS framework that reflects Simpcw’s long-term vision.” says Taniguti. The GIS program will continue to enhance self-reliance and operational excellence within Simpcw First Nation. The integration of GIS with Microsoft 365 and future applications such as environmental monitoring, land referrals, and wildlife stewardship, will help protect cultural values while supporting economic development.
Ultimately, our collaboration with Simpcw will position the Nation as a leader among Indigenous governments in using digital tools to manage lands, serve members, and plan for future generations.
Together, we’re helping communities modernize how they plan and make decisions using GIS.
Want to learn more about the work we are doing to improve communities for future generations? Read more stories here: Our Work – Urban Systems