Hartley to Update Infrastructure Mapping System

New GIS software will help city workers better pinpoint utility lines and infrastructure.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The city of Hartley, Iowa is transitioning from its outdated mapping system to the more advanced ArcGIS platform to better visualize and manage its underground utility infrastructure. The $19,729 upgrade, along with an annual $1,625 licensing fee, will provide city workers with more accurate data and interactive tools to locate and maintain pipes, cables, and other critical assets.

Why it matters

Hartley's current decade-old mapping system is becoming obsolete, putting the city at risk of losing the ability to effectively track and manage its infrastructure. The new GIS platform will give public works staff more detailed information and editing capabilities to reduce guesswork during repairs, replacements, and updates - ultimately helping to extend the lifespan of the city's utilities.

The details

The city council approved the transition to ArcGIS, which will be implemented by engineering firm Bolton & Menk. The new software will be more interactive and allow employees to update information much more easily compared to the current limited system. While not required, the city may purchase additional equipment to fully utilize ArcGIS's mapping and data management capabilities for utility lines and other infrastructure.

  • The city council approved the ArcGIS transition on February 9, 2026.
  • The current mapping system is over 10 years old and will soon be phased out.

The players

Bolton & Menk

The engineering firm that will handle the implementation of the new ArcGIS system for the city of Hartley.

Rachel Koch

A GIS specialist at Bolton & Menk who highlighted the benefits of using GIS technology to better manage utility infrastructure.

Nick Galm

The Superintendent of Public Works for the city of Hartley, who noted the current mapping system is "very limited" and expressed excitement for the ArcGIS upgrade.

Darla Meyer

A Hartley city council member who called the transition to ArcGIS a "no-brainer" and emphasized the importance of staff training to fully utilize the new system.

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What they’re saying

“Using GIS for underground utilities can really provide a lot of value to public works departments and local governments helping them maintain and lengthen the life of your infrastructure. When your staff knows exactly what and where it is, you can drill a hole instead of using an excavator bucket.”

— Rachel Koch, GIS Specialist, Bolton & Menk (hartleysentinel.com)

“Ten years in the website space is a pretty long time. It's looking a little dated in what it provides the staff. If you don't migrate to a new GIS platform, you're going to lose the ability to use your information.”

— Rachel Koch, GIS Specialist, Bolton & Menk (hartleysentinel.com)

“I'm not going to say they're required, but you're going to find a lot of benefit in being able to edit data with your own staff.”

— Rachel Koch, GIS Specialist, Bolton & Menk (hartleysentinel.com)

“There are a million things we'd like to use it for. The only way it's worth what you paid for is doing it.”

— Nick Galm, Superintendent of Public Works, Hartley (hartleysentinel.com)

“If we spend all this money and we get all this, I want the city guys to know how to do it so that if we run into a flood again or any catastrophe, the on-call guy can figure it out.”

— Darla Meyer, City Council Member, Hartley (hartleysentinel.com)

What’s next

Future training will be necessary once the ArcGIS system is implemented to ensure city staff can fully utilize the platform's capabilities.

The takeaway

Hartley's investment in a modern GIS mapping platform demonstrates the city's commitment to proactively managing its aging infrastructure and equipping public works staff with the tools they need to efficiently maintain and extend the lifespan of critical utility assets.