California launches site with education data

An application of the Geospatial Information System designed to help parents easily find and compare schools side-by-side on information such as graduation rates and Academic Performance Index scores has been launched in California. The application is part of a statewide effort to enhance its GIS technology to improve government services and better protect Californians, the state government said, adding that it will enhance services for environmental protection, natural resource management, traffic flow, emergency preparedness and response, land use planning and health and human services. The new education  also has information on student support services and advanced placement courses. California Chief Information Officer Teri Takai earlier this month announced the members of the task force that has held four meetings so far and is currently working on initial recommendations to the governor by Aug. 15 and a final report by Oct. 3. In June, more than 250 state officials participated in a forum focused on using GIS to improve government services and better protect Californians. Video coverage of the GIS forum held in Sacramento can be seen .