Geographical Information System / Town of Munster, IN

You are here: Home»Departments»Office of the Town Manager»Geographical Information System

Geographical Information System

What is a Geographical Information System

A geographic information system, or GIS, is a computerized data management system used to capture, store, manage, retrieve, analyze, and display spatial information. Data captured and used in a GIS commonly are represented on paper or other hard-copy maps. A GIS differs from other graphics systems in several respects. First, data are georeferenced to the coordinates of a particular projection system. This allows precise placement of features on the earth’s surface and maintains the spatial relationships between mapped features. As a result, commonly referenced data can be overlaid to determine relationships between data elements.

What is the Purpose of a GIS

The local governments use GIS to improve decision making, service delivery, and citizen engagement. Since most government data is location based, equipping your organization with the latest in GIS technology provides the tools needed to make your community better. Operations run more smoothly, and citizens have more positive experiences. Citizens expect the Town to provide reliable, modern services. The Town Staff need innovative solutions to collaborate and deliver the best services to the public. Use maps and apps to improve communication with citizens and within your organization via the web and on mobile devices. With the public being connected more than ever before, the Town uses GIS to help stay connected with them. The Town as with all government is being called upon to be more efficient, transparent, and accountable. To achieve these goals, it's important to provide Town staff the right tools for effective collaboration, analysis, and data sharing. Use innovative GIS solutions that help you improve workflows and deliver the best services to citizens. Tools like GIS will help propel the Town of Munster into the 21st century. Location-based data, maps, and apps play prominent roles in today's world. The Information Technology staff position ia that a GIS is more important than it's ever been.