GEOGRAPHIC
INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS)
IT
and the Engineering Department are partners
in providing GIS services to City staff
and citizens.
The
City's Geographic Information System (GIS)
is a complex computer generated mapping
system that integrates graphics with multiple
databases that display the resulting objects
or areas as a map of the City of Des Moines.
Geographic characteristics of the City
along with thematic overlays are integrated
to provide utility, topography, building,
and administrative information regarding
property and parcels in the City.
GIS technology is invaluable in improving
internal management decisions throughout
the City organization. A variety
of data from various departments can be
integrated with GIS to produce accurate,
high-quality maps which help reveal trends,
display patterns and indicate relationships
for timely and accurate analysis.
GIS provides an opportunity for a more
efficient and effective City government.
The use of GIS technology is also invaluable
in improving City services to our citizens.
Future plans include extending GIS technology
to our citizens by making additional maps
and basic GIS tools available through
the City's Web site.
The
City and Polk County began development
of a comprehensive Geographic Information
System over ten years ago. Polk
County provides the base parcel property
information which is combined with databases
for water, sewer, zoning, and other City
information to produce a computer-generated
map detailing the various geographically
related information.
GIS
technologies are currently used in City
operations to design infrastructure projects,
identify area boundaries, and analyze
planning and zoning issues. Applications
include integration of property parcel
numbers with sewer lines, street lighting,
and paving projects.
Information
Technology is in the process of developing
a plan to integrate GIS capabilities as
a standard management tool throughout
the City organization. Applications
in development include map integration
with Fire Stations, Police Boundary Areas,
and Neighborhood Development.
Des
Moines City Manager Eric Anderson received
the 1999 Technology Leadership Award from
Public Technology, Inc. (PTI) for his
efforts in implementing advanced technology
at the local government level. His
keen interest in the use of GIS technologies
to improve City operations and management
decisions has led to a strong initiative
to disseminate GIS capabilities throughout
the City organization.
