• GIS
  • Geographic Information System, an invaluable tool for data visualization and analysis
    
    
• What is it?
  • One way to look at it is, a method of making maps smart by attaching data to every entity on them.
  • Another way to look at it is, an integration of tabular data and spatial data (called a geodatabase) coupled with computer software.
    
    
• What does it do?
  • A GIS allows users to effectively capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze, and display all forms of geographically referenced information.
    
    
• How is the data managed within a GIS?
  • GIS has thematic layers of information that contain groups of data such as tax parcels, school districts, sewer lines, roads, etc. Each layer is managed separately, allowing the comparison of different layers of information, or similar layers at different points in time. Layers can be tied to existing departmental or enterprise databases.
    
    
• How does it differ from a conventional database?
  • A conventional database enables you to answer a question such as, "What parcels in Sacramento are valued at $150,000 or more?", while a GIS will enable you to answer more specific questions such as, "What parcels in Sacramento along the American River are valued at $150,000 or more?" or "List all of the businesses that sell alcohol and are located within 1000 feet of a school?".
    
    
• What are some of the uses of GIS for Sacramento County?
  • Almost all local government decisions are influenced or constrained by some fact of geography. Some examples of how Sacramento County can use their GIS are to:
    1. Place service centers in locations that best serve the public.
    2. More efficiently assist County residents in response to localized emergency situations.
    3. Coordinate street work to minimize impacts to County residents and to traffic.
    4. Use as a community planning tool to best integrate environmental, cultural, and political restrictions.