So what is GIS?

GIS stands for Geographic Information System(s). Some refer to it as a "Smart map". A GIS is a combination of software, hardware, and people, working together to create, display, analyze and maintain layers of data with geographic locations.

Examples of GIS data layers include aerial photographs, streets, accident locations, buildings, parcels, wells, soils, and streams. These data layers are referenced to coordinate systems that allow the people to place each data layer in it's proper location on the earth’s surface.

These layers can then be overlaid and combined with eachother to create a map. These maps and data layers can be analyzed to help in decision making, address location, zoning, landuse planning, and much, much more.

Recent developments in GIS Technology now allow us to go beyond creating the traditional printed map and now anyone with access to the internet can create their own customized maps using the data layers they choose from the GIS.