Mapping and Spatial Analysis of Rural Broadband Access for Agriculture in Illinois

Keywords: broadband, agriculture, GIS, spatial analysis, remote sensing, Illinois
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Sunday
Session Start / End Time: 2/27/2022 11:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/27/2022 12:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 14

Abstract

Access to rural broadband is a critically important issue for populations living in rural areas, yet often is overlooked by commonly used metrics that focus on population density when determining priority areas for broadband expansion. However, fast, reliable broadband internet is a critical component in rural, agricultural areas given that it enables precision farming which in turn increases yields, particularly for row crops. Expansion of broadband access in rural agricultural areas requires an understanding of both the geographic extent that is currently underserved as well as the economic potential that may result from investment in future broadband expansion. This presentation will provide an overview of methodologies developed with GIS spatial analysis and remote sensing to assess the current state of rural broadband access in Illinois. Specifically, the presentation will focus on methods and results that 1) quantify current cropland production as well as future potential production in rural areas currently with unserved or underserved broadband access; and 2) provide an assessment of current broadband maps in rural areas as compared to network connectivity at individual farming households collected through field data collection and surveys. Collectively, these methodologies and results may be used for policy advocacy and to inform the decision-making process as future broadband expansion initiatives are considered in the state.