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Geographical Information System (GIS)
What is GIS?
A Geographic Information System, or GIS is an organized collection of computer hardware, software, and geographic data designed to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze and display all forms of geographically referenced information. Or, in simple terms:
A computer system capable of holding and using data to describe places on the earth’s surface.
Many computer programs such as spreadsheets, statistics packages or drafting packages can handle simple geographic or spatial data, but this does not necessarily make them a GIS. A true GIS links spatial data with geographic information about a particular feature on the map. For example, the centerline that represents a road on a map doesn’t tell you much about the road except its location. To find out the road’s width or pavement type, you must query the database. Using the information stored in the database, you could create a display symbolizing the roads according to the type of information that needs to be shown.
In short, a GIS doesn’t hold maps or pictures – it holds a database. The database concept is central to a GIS and is the main difference between a GIS and drafting or computer mapping systems, which can only produce a good graphic output. All contemporary geographic information systems incorporate a database management system.
A GIS provides the ability to associate information with a feature on a map and to create new relationships that can determine the suitability of various sites for development, evaluate environmental impact, identify the best location for a new facility, and so on.
It has been estimated that 90% of local government decisions are based on geographic data. The Town uses the GIS to generate ongoing and special data for a variety of Town duties. On going data that is generated would include :
- The creation of base maps for all pending Rezoning, Subdivisons or Board of Adjustments petitions.
- The creation of base maps for water and sewer requests.
- The maintenance of the Official Zoning Map.
- The maintenance of the Thoroughfare Plan.
- The maintenance of existing maps showing water, sewer, storm drains, topography, soils types and roads.
The Town also requires special data for specific projects - this might include but not limited to:
- The creation of maps outlining possible sites for development.
- The generation of maps showing special districts.
- The development of special areas for analysis.
- The creation of maps requested by Town personnel.
Citizen Use of the GIS
The Town of Fuquay-Varina is working hard to allow citizens easy access to a variety of maps and data applicable to the Town. The Engineering Department offers our citizens multiple ways in which you can obtain GIS maps and data.
- Citizens can pick up a select number of pre-made maps which are available during normal business hours at the Town Hall for a set price
- Citizens can request special maps to be created and data available to download from a CD
- NOW AVAILABLE! Citizens can visit and actively produce maps to obtain a multitude of information on the Town's utilities, including existing water and sewer, storm drainage, and access to subdivision As-Builts and photos, etc. This information is provided free of charge and is available via http://gis.fuquay-varina.org.
For more information on how to obtain maps and data, or for assistance with the new GIS web service please visit the following website http://www.fuquay-varina.org/engineering/mapping-669.asp or contact the GIS Technician, Brooke Bailey at (919) 753-1021 or gis@fuquay-varina.org
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Mayor's Message
