AgdaPkt 2003-11-03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5Bi REPORT I To the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the City Manager November 3, 2003 Subject Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Recommendation Hear staff's presentation and proclaim November 19, 2003, as "GIS Day' Background Over the last several years the Planning Department has been working on some exciting technology to more effectively analyze trends and issues in Redwood City. This tool is a computer program called Geographic Information Systems or "GIS ". Simply put, GIS links data with visual maps to produce effective and easy to understand information that the entire city and general public can use. Staff will also demonstrate some interesting and exciting applications of this software at your meeting on November 3, and then ask thatthe City Council proclaim November 19, 2003, as "GIS Day" in Redwood City. Presented below is some information on GIS. What is Geographical Information Systems (GIS)? Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is a computer program which combines digitized maps of the city with data to help support management, analysis and display of information important to many departments in Redwood City. It is a means to convert raw data into a visual map. The use of GIS gives the City the ability to create maps, convert complex data into easily understood information, visualize scenarios, and help the city and general public to understand trends and issues. It is both an analytical and a communication tool. What are some of the applications of GIS in Redwood City? There have been numerous applications of GIS that cross over many City departments. Planning staff is using GIS to conduct land use analysis and to track changes to Zoning and the General Plan, and also to conduct public outreach. The Public Works Services Department is using the program to locate utility networks, prepare street cleaning maps, and will be using it to maintain street lights. Police is using GIS to track crime statistics. The Fire Department is interested in using GIS to provide aerial information to locate structures on a site before firemen respond to a fire. The Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department is mapping its parks and tracking their maintenance, and also putting together a location map of child care services. The Engineering and Construction Department is using GIS to locate and maintain the City's water, sanitary sewer and storm drain distribution system. The City Clerk has used GIS for election precinct maps, and the City Manager's office has used GIS for targeting mailings.