Mapping and Spatial Analysis to Expand Rural Broadband Access

Abstract

High-speed broadband internet access is a critically important issue for many aspects of daily life, yet populations in rural areas are often unserved or underserved with reliable internet connectivity. Expanding broadband internet coverage in rural areas may have significant economic potential, especially since it enables precision farming which in turn increases yields, particularly for row crops such as corn and soybeans. This paper introduces methods that utilize GIS spatial analysis and remote sensing to assist in efforts to expand rural broadband access using case study counties in Illinois. Specifically, the methods presented here: (1) quantify current cropland production as well as future potential production in currently unserved or underserved rural areas; and (2) automate mapping of vertical assets from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data that may be utilized as high points to expand broadband coverage. Collectively, these methodologies may be used for policy advocacy and to inform the decision-making process as future broadband expansion initiatives are considered in rural areas.

Keywords:

• Broadband
• agriculture
• GIS
• spatial analysis
• remote sensing

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Illinois Innovation Network under a Sustaining Illinois Seed Grant and completed in partnership with the Illinois Soybean Association. The authors wish to acknowledge the following individuals and organizations for their collaborations and contributions to the work presented in this paper:

• Todd Main, Scott Gaffner, Stephen Sostaric, Brad Daugherty, Illinois Soybean Association

• Rex Schaeffer, Craig McLauchlan, Research and Sponsored Programs, Illinois State University

• Jake Brasen, Luke Brasen, Ryan Hogan, Eric Richmond, Sara Schelinski, Illinois State University

• Kyle Harfst, Brian Rogers, Illinois Innovation Network

• Mike Wever, Mary Gay, Southwest Illinois Leadership Council

• Shubhika Agarwal, Illinois Broadband Lab

• Adrianne Furniss, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

• Bill Coleman, Community Technology Advisors

• Nancy Esarey Ouedraogo, University of Illinois Extension

• Bill Bodine, Illinois Farm Bureau

• Bond County (IL), Edgar County (IL), Hancock County (IL), McLean County (IL), Ogle County (IL), and Schuyler County (IL).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1 Standard FCC definitions of less than 25 Mbps downstream or 3 Mpbs upstream are used in this paper to define “unserved” areas while “underserved” areas are defined as minimum 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mpbs upstream, but less than 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream.

2 For example, see https://broadband.uillinois.edu/ for the Illinois broadband map.

3 Current FCC definitions are unserved = 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload or less, underserved = greater than 25 Mbps download/3 Mpbs upload but less than 100 Mbps/20 Mbps, and served = greater than 100 Mbps/20 Mbps.

4 See https://broadband.uillinois.edu/.

5 For more information about the FAA’s Digital Obstacle File (DOF), see https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/obst_data/doffaqs/.

6 See https://clearinghouse.isgs.illinois.edu/data/elevation/illinois-height-modernization-ilhmp.

7 See https://clearinghouse.isgs.illinois.edu/data/imagery/2019-illinois-naip-digital-orthophoto-quadrangle-data.