GLO’s Texas coasts wins award at Technology Conference

Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush today proudly announced Texas Coasts, a Web-based app to help vacationers find the perfect beach, won 3rd place in the Use of an API in a Map category at the 2016 Esri International User Conference (Esri UC). The Environmental Systems Research Institute, or Esri, hosts the world's largest annual conference dedicated to geographic information system (GIS) technology. This category evaluates maps that make specific use of an Esri mapping API as a core component in the design and publication of a standalone online map product. The judges accessed applicant designs via mobile devices and reserved desktops.

“I am proud of the innovative ideas created at the General Land Office that have real-world applications that benefit Texans,” Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush said. “I am proud of the work my team has done to make the Texas Coasts app a reality and I thank the Esri UC leaders who recognized this innovation at this conference. It is truly an honor.”

Texas Coasts' responsive design fully integrates across all platforms for an easy user experience whether using a desktop, laptop, tablet or smart phone. TxCoasts.com allows users to sort by multiple filters to find the perfect place for their next outing. Texas Coasts provides a location-enabled mapping function with turn-by-turn directions to each of the more than 600 destinations along the Texas coast. The application integrates with both Facebook and Twitter for users to share vacation plans with friends and family.

“Texas Coasts is the one-stop digital app for anyone who wants to enjoy and explore our amazing coastline,” Bush said. “It’s a great app for families, fishermen, vacationers and anyone who wants to find the right Texas beach or boat ramp for fun in the sun year-round. Texas Coasts is also an economic development tool, since the coast is one of our state’s top economic engines.”

Users can search for destinations with multiple filters to find a variety of amenities and activities at each location including:

Boat docks Canoeing Showers

Boat ramps Mooring Swimming

Camping Picnic tables Wildlife viewing

Hiking Restrooms Beach Watch Program

Kayaking RV access ADA Compliant

By clicking on destination pins users can view information about a site including activities, available facilities, fee information, site type, access type, location, and contact info. Most site pages also include images associated with each access point. With so much information available for interactive use on a computer, tablet, or smart phone, travelers can plan their next getaway from anywhere.

Commissioner Bush has prioritized making government more efficient, and on bringing new technology and ideas to the General Land Office. The Texas Coasts Web app replaces the Beach and Bay Access Guide (BBAG), a popular hard-copy publication, which was used by nature enthusiasts, beach-goers, fishermen, local governments, chambers of commerce and state employees. Replacing the printed publication with an online version eliminates printing costs. Additionally, Texas Coasts can be continuously updated as new access sites are opened or if weather conditions require sites to temporarily close.