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1. What is geographic information services (GIS)?

GIS is a collection of computer hardware, software, and geographic data for capturing, managing, analyzing and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information (Source: ESRI).

GIS allows for the comparison of geographic data and information associated with those geographic areas. Questions like, “How many school aged children are within 1,000 feet of a proposed elementary school?” Can be answered with GIS.

GIS maintains data in “layers.” Each layer represents a certain type of feature: lines, points and polygons. Features have associated information. For instance, a road is a line feature that has information such as its name. Within each layer rules can be created in order to maintain specific characteristics and standardizations. Example, features within the land parcels layer should not overlap each other. Requiring this type of characteristic prevents technicians from overlapping lots on top of each other. The collection of layers is housed in a spatial database. Relationships between layers can be made at this level, providing even more detailed models which better depict real life.

To find out more about GIS visit GIS.com.

2. What is the Global Positional System (GPS)?

GPS (Global Positional System) is a passive, all-weather, 24-hour global navigation satellite system developed for and operated by the U.S. Department of Defense. The system is comprised of 24+ satellites, one master control station located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and hundreds of government and independent local reference stations. The local reference stations are used for post-processing data collected in the field to obtain maximum accuracy.

The GIS department gathers GPS positions for new development to ensure spatial accuracy when recording city assets. City assets include fire hydrants, water lines and associated valves, storm lines, sewer lines and land records, such as, parcel and subdivision boundaries. Spatially accurate data enable staff to locate assets in the future, especially if they become buried.

External links:

• American Congress on Surveying and Mapping
• National Geodetic Survey
• U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center