Page 13 - NYS_ESS_11-2023

absolutely critical to enable us to work in the best interest of the “We have an opportunity to vastly improve public access to vital State
general public, our clients and the previously mentioned State and local government record information. NYSAPLS is united with
and its municipalities. Determinations of legal lines are essential NYSGISA in our efforts to help improve the accessibility of this type of
to progress, improvements, and the general welfare of the public. public record information. Although this challenge was not completely
With State and municipality offices being understaffed, resolved with this week’s meeting, significant progress was made. This
underfunded and overwhelmed with requests for information, is just one example of how NYSAPLS is working for our members and
our surveyors have found it challenging to almost impossible to for the greater interest of the public,” said President Garfinkel.
obtain these important records in a timely and orderly manner. What’s Next?
Therefore, as part of NYSAPLS 2023-2025 Strategic Plan we have Our efforts do not stop here. NYSAPLS is continuing to collaborate with
formed a NYSDOT Relations Committee to work with the State the NYS GIS Association to investigate possible solutions, gain the support
and its municipalities and others who would benefit from more of stakeholders, organizations and state agencies to help us achieve our
accessible record information, such as engineers, architects, GIS goals, and communicate the importance of the issue to state legislators.
specialists and utility companies.

Partnering to Find a Solution
“We have been fortunate to have the New York State Geographic
Information System Association (NYSGISA) join us in our efforts to
help improve the accessibility of this type of record information.
We have a united vision of finding the funding and support to
create or augment an existing online platform that will store and
provide access to this information through a GIS system. We realize
many State agencies and municipalities are making strides in
accessibility of documents to the public through online resources
and we applaud these efforts. Accessibility to all essential filed
documents such as these through a digital online platform is what
the public needs and deserves. Our associations are ready and
willing to assist in efforts to move this initiative forward any way we
can,” said Roy Garfinkel, President of the New York State
Association of Professional Land Surveyors.
Attendees included representatives from the New York State
Department of Transportation, New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation, New York State Assembly, New York
State Canal Corporation, New York State Association of Counties,
and local governments.

EMPIRE STATE SURVEYOR / VOL. 59 • NO 6 2023 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 11