PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - John Heckler, Director

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) DIVISION

Adam Aull, Manager

What is GIS?

A GIS is a system of hardware, software and data that can manipulate, analyze and present information that is tied to a specific geographic location.  The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Division currently employs ESRI ArcGIS and ArcView software running on an NT network to continuously develop and maintain a computerized database of information and maps for the City.  This system represents a commitment on the part of the Mayor and City Council to employ technology and the use of common data with a level of accuracy needed to make important decisions for the future.

What can GIS do?

A GIS functions by combining information from several sources together and then mapping this information in order to give people a better understanding of the environment around them.  Another way of describing GIS would be that a GIS is a way of taking objects with physical locations (roads, houses, signs) and connecting information about the objects (pavement type, address, sign type) to the objects.   Analysis on this information is then done using GIS software and detailed maps of the information and objects are created for distribution and further analysis.

Our GIS database currently contains over 110 layers of general data and many more layers of project specific data.  This data includes the following: property lines and lot information, administrative boundaries, neighborhood boundaries, floodplain locations, building permit data, property status information, Zoning and Future Land Use boundaries, street inventory, traffic counts, and Census information. We are currently working to add the following data: sewer system and other city managed assets.  Some of this data can be retrieved in tabular or report form and almost all of it can be plotted on a city map.  For example, we can have the software to sort through the database and plot out on a map of the entire City, all the lots that are vacant around the city. We could also have the software determine the population of a ward or neighborhood area. 

What does the City use GIS for?

GIS is currently assisting several city departments on a variety of projects.  Some projects that we are currently working on or have recently completed include: Solid Waste collection route analysis, Building permit mapping, TIF District identification analysis, District #118 school boundary mapping, Census data analysis, Special Use Permit mapping, street inventory and maintenance database creation, as well as assisting DDI with the creation of a thorough Downtown Building Inventory.  At this time we are also working with the Public Works Department to bring GPS data into our GIS database for analysis by the Engineering Division.  

Products

The GIS Division is the City's one stop source for maps of all shapes and sizes used by all city departments and some other public entities.  If you would like to see what products we currently have available please visit the map page at the link below.

Map Page

If you would like a hard copy of one of our products please visit the GIS Division on the 2nd Floor of the Municipal Building, 17 W. Main St, Danville to purchase a printed copy.

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