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GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
What is a Geographic Information System (GIS)?
A Geographic Information System or GIS is an organized collection
of computer hardware, software, geographic data, and personnel designed
to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze, and
display all types of information regarding a location. Or, in simple
terms, it is a computer system capable of holding and using data
that describe specific places. Layers of information can be combined
to give you a better understanding of those specific places.
GIS is often referred to as a "mapping software," because
detailed maps are one of the visual products of a GIS system. However,
a GIS doesn't really hold maps or pictures, but rather a database
of information used to create visual outputs, such as maps.
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This is an example of a GIS system that holds a database
of information about parcels of land. A municipality can use
this information for tax purposes, zoning issues, etc.
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For every point on a map, you can store a large amount of information
that further describes that point. For example, the above map shows
individual parcels of land. Behind each parcel can be stored information,
such as ownership, value, property description, parcel size, zoning
information, etc.
With regard to the wet weather sewer overflow issue, GIS can be
an invaluable tool for communities. Recently, ALCOSAN communities
cooperated on an integrated GIS project, which involved converting
paper maps to a digital GIS format and incorporating the previous
mapping activities of municipalities to produce an integrated map
of more than 4,000 sewer lines throughout 83 communities.
The second phase of the project will involve adding more data to
the GIS database, including manhole locations, the size and current
condition of sewer pipes and other critical information. Many municipalities
have televised portions of their sewers to determine the condition
of the pipes. These video clips can be added to the database to
provide further visual information about the system. In addition,
other types of GIS maps, such as stream locations, slopes and soil
types can be overlaid for a more technical evaluation of the system.
Throughout the data-gathering process, it will be critical for
the data to meet specific standards or protocols so the information
can be integrated into one GIS system for multiple communities.
A detailed integrated GIS will help municipalities to prioritize
and collaborate on the repair and rehabilitation of the sewer system
throughout our region.
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