Triad

March 2001 Published by Triad Associates

The Power of GIS Work Smarter and Faster with Data-Rich Graphics

W hat do land developers,

Land Development Consultants Project Management • Planning & Entitlements • Site Development Engineering • Landscape Architecture • Land Surveying

telecommunications companies, grocery stores, fast food franchises, facility management firms, banks, and law enforcement and other public agencies have in common? Their growing use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology as a powerful, cost-effective business management tool. Why do they use it? Simply said, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

What is GIS? GIS is a digital tool that stores, retrieves, and displays spatial (geographic) characteristics in both maps and tables. GIS has the powerful ability to “look through” multiple layers of data over large areas and to display results quickly. Commonly used GIS spatial data include survey control, tax parcels, street and utility networks, outlines of buildings and other structures, orthophotography, and environmental features (topography, hydrography, vegetation, etc.). GIS also maps zoning, administrative boundaries, and public safety features. GIS is a superior tool for keeping maps updated, finding and correcting map errors, and quickly populating databases. GIS applications generally apply computer hardware, software, spatial data sets, and human resources to an identified business need. GIS data is now routinely distributed as part of Web applications.

What can GIS do for you? For more information about Triad’s GIS Services, please contact Karl Johansen, [email protected] or George Buell, [email protected]

425-821-8448 1-800-488-0756

www.triadassoc.com

GIS systems allow you to query and view maps and tables at your desktop computer. GIS links and relates multiple databases from one or a number of sources into easy-to-interpret, interactive maps and tables for users. Examples include the creation of maps that show land that is both suitable and available for development, or the creation of an infrastructure map showing the status of roads and utilities along with scheduled maintenance. Combined with wireless and web tools, GIS is evolving into broad business solutions for both the public and private sectors. These range from public safety (dispatch, crime analysis, emergency preparedness) to planning/ development (permitting, development review), environmental planning and remediation (critical habitat inventory and analysis), infrastructure (maintenance management, billing, capital projects planning), facilities management, document management, and many others. The biggest advantage that GIS offers is access to a wide number of users. Data and applications can be shared across work groups, organizations, and offices with map browsers, PC-based GIS software, networks, and the Web. Countless hours of searching for answers to geographic questions can be saved. In most cases, GIS has significant productivity benefits for an organization by managing vast quantities of records, including documents, images, tabular data, maps, and other graphics.

GIS offers better business solutions GIS Terms and Definitions Attribute: a characteristic of a GIS map feature, usually stored in a relational database Browser: a GIS application that uses Web-based technology to distribute GIS data Data conversion: creation of digital GIS data, using one or more sources to populate a target data format Data maintenance: the editing and updating of GIS databases, including graphic, tabular, and related database elements

Quality • Results • Service • Trust

Geocode: the creation of map coordinates from other locational information, such as address ranges on a street network Image analysis: the computer processing of image characteristics to derive map features from digital data Metadata: documentation about GIS data that identifies source, maintenance history, mapping scale, attributes, and other characteristics of interest to the user Orthophotography: digital aerial photography that has been corrected to accurate ground control to remove various distortions Spatial analysis: any of a variety of user queries of the GIS database to identify map features or situations involving proximity, coincidence, magnitude, etc. Topology: logical relationships between map features stored in a GIS, including common end points, common edges, etc. When considering adding GIS to your organization’s capabilities, be sure to:

• Identify your need. Describe exactly what business needs you expect GIS tools to satisfy. This may be production of simple maps or tables for reports, or it may be management of work flows and records on a complex construction project. Identifying your objectives first will help tremendously with subsequent technical GIS steps. • Use available resources. A number of GIS information sources, including user groups, professional conferences, publications, videos, and Web sites, can help you plan your GIS. Experienced GIS professionals can provide basic planning advice, often at little or no cost. As much as possible, take advantage of past project experience to avoid reinventing the wheel, delaying your implementation, or making needless mistakes. • Commit to a realistic work plan. Based on your business priorities, develop a simple implementation plan that includes achievable steps and milestones. Address resource requirements such as staff, hardware/software, consultant budget, etc. Consultants can best help you with planning assistance or can do major tasks that you aren’t set up to easily handle. This might be development of data sets, ongoing database maintenance, or application programming. Tw e n t y - F i v e Ye a r s o f E x p e r t C o n s u l t i n g S e r v i c e s

Triad Associates Land Development Consultants 425-821-8448 1-800-488-0756 fax 425-821-3481 11814 115th Avenue NE Kirkland, WA 98034 www.triadassoc.com