Intermountain GIS 2019

The “811 - Call Before You Dig"" process in Idaho is provided by two call-centers, Digline Inc. and Password Inc.  811 is supported by member utilities providing GIS locations of their underground facilities.  The call-centers use this data along with county and state GIS sources to provide accurate location requests. This is needed for utilities to mark their underground assets prior to excavation.  As of 2016, the safe excavation process is reviewed by a state Damage Prevention Board.  The utilities and the call-centers provide a free service to homeowners, excavators and construction firms with overview from the Damage Prevention Board.  
The last 3 years have seen an unprecedented influx of people into Idaho. This has resulted in rapid growth in residential, multi-residential, commercial and infrastructure construction. With new developments and expanding infrastructure, the need for current road and parcel GIS are critical for accurate locate requests. Historically, this data is for sale from the counties but this trend is changing. For counties requiring compensation, the call centers have been providing GIS data quality services and feedback to the counties in lieu of compensation. Even for counties where the data is free, we provide these services in partnership with the counties.
The purpose of the presentation is to provide an overview of the 811 process for Idaho. This includes the roles for the Damage Prevention Board, the utilities, the call-centers and our county based data partners. GIS is critical to support safe excavation for our citizens, excavators and utilities.