What is GIS ?


For those not familiar with the emerging field of GIS, or Geographic Information Systems, it's a term you and local governments are becoming increasingly familiar with. It's changing the way your local governments look at, and deal with the land and resources under its jurisdiction.

What is it? GIS is essentially a database for geographic data. A regular database could tell you a property owner's mailing address, but it could not tell you where that address is on a map, or its relationship to other properties. Is it near a park? Is it near a highway? That's where GIS steps in. But it's more than just maps - GIS can step into, and play a big role in public works, disaster preparedness, taxes & assessment, and just about every service your local government provides.

Want to learn more?

Back to homepage