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About GIS

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What is GIS?

In its most basic form, Geographic Information System (GIS) is a set of tools that allows the user to easily analyze mappable information that is stored in a database. A good example of this information would be a tax lot database that contains attributes of specific properties that could then be manipulated to suit the user’s needs. This could include an in-depth analysis of different tax lots affected by a natural feature (i.e. the 100-yr. flood plain) or simply plotting a map of the parcel boundaries. In either case, both the analysis results and map are products of GIS.

It is important to remember that no matter how the required data is presented, the map is only acting as a supplement to the mappable information used to create it, the way a picture in a magazine might help a reader better visualize the text of an article. The bulk of true GIS work is data oriented (usually statistical analysis and data maintenance) and visual representation of that data is considered a peripheral application.

How does GIS work?

When people look at a map, the spatial relationships between its different features can easily be determined. We can visually compare their locations to one another and draw simple conclusions based upon our comparisons. In GIS, the world appears vastly different however. The information a GIS sees appears in a database in which each record has a specific coordinate that accurately marks its location on the Earth. By maintaining a dynamic link between that information and its real world location, it is possible to create an “intelligent map” which conveys more information than is actually visible. For individuals who are concerned with efficiently analyzing the spatial characteristics of their data, this ability becomes an invaluable feature that makes GIS so appealing.

Once the desired analysis is complete and the user wishes to graphically display that information, it would appear in one of three geographic forms used by all GIS programs. These include:

  • Points—represent a single location on the Earth and could be a specific feature like the location of a fire hydrant or the location of a unique occurrence like a car accident or crime scene.
  • Lines—represent features that have a beginning and end. These could include street centerlines, rivers, lot lines, or sewer mains.
  • Polygons—appear on a map as a two-dimensional shape and represent information that has area. Polygon boundaries are made up of lines and when they are combined, they form a single entity. This could include a tax lot, wetland, or the service area of a reservoir.

Who uses GIS?

While not well publicized, GIS directly supports the efforts of numerous City departments, making many of their tasks easier and more efficient. Although Technical Services (TSS) performs the bulk of the City’s GIS work, city-wide dependence on it remains quite high and it is currently used in many departments.
Following is a list of some of our internal customers and examples of the service GIS provides:
  • TSS—online GIS use is high and includes maintaining zoning and City limits coverage, data set analysis and maintenance, map production, addressing, and as-built maintenance;
  • Community Development—online GIS use is medium-high and includes analyzing data sets to influence policy decisions and project mapping;
  • Operations—online GIS use is low and it should be noted that GIS use is expected to increase with the addition of new GIS software (Asset Management);
  • Police—online GIS use is medium and includes maintaining crime statistics and mapping;
  • Engineering—online GIS use is medium-high and includes database maintenance and mapping, Capital Project design support, and utility information;
  • Finance—includes annexation data, new development addressing, and changes to City limits data;
  • Mayor’s Office—includes data analysis and maps by request;
  • Neighborhood Office—includes maps of individual Neighborhood Group Districts and activities.
  • Citizens / Developers—products (zoning maps, City limits maps, and utility maps) are sold or supplied in a hard-copy format.

How is GIS used and what services can it provide?

  • Mapping services—All of our customers have access to this valuable service, which enables them to view the City’s data in graphical format, as well as customized maps, and analysis.
  • Database Maintenance—All map elements have data that needs to be maintained. We maintain databases, which are created for the City’s use and share information with other agencies to distribute this maintenance load.
Additional GIS services include addressing, complex data analysis, digital maintenance of City boundaries, zoning/comprehensive plan coverage, and producing mailing labels for any City notification. TSS is also in the process of digitizing its utility maps with the aid of a private consultant. City employees will soon have access to accurate digital utility maps for the first time.

Examples of how GIS is used by other agencies:

  • The voters of Ontario, California have a valuable resource on Election Day. They can call the local library to find the nearest polling place. Using GIS, a clerk can display the caller's closest voting location (based on their address), determine what precinct they live in, and even supply directions.
  • The City of Tacoma, Washington uses GIS to combat fires. By calculating the travel time from each station outward along city streets, it is then possible to locate the station closest to a fire’s location. The map resulting from this analysis shows fire service zones with accurate response times and allows dispatchers to quickly assign fire-fighting duties to the appropriate station.
  • In Cincinnati, Ohio, the Metropolitan Sewer District uses GIS to locate trouble spots in their storm sewer network. By tracking citizen complaints after heavy rainfalls and mapping where they live, it is then possible to analyze the relationship between the location of the complaint and the amount of rainfall. This allows them to see where preventative maintenance efforts could be applied, clearing gutters and storm drains for example.
  • The Salinas, California Police Department uses GIS to help track the activity of gangs. The officers are able to map the boundaries of known gangs and the locations of gang related crimes. The GIS acts as an early warning device, alerting policemen of existing trouble spots or potential trouble spots like the border between two gang territories.

In each case, intelligent mapping in conjunction with basic data analysis proved to be a success, and could easily be applied in the City of Beaverton.