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GIS Coordinator Curtis Copeland
demonstrating a GIS application. |
The saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words” describes an important management and development tool the city of Branson uses on a daily basis, its Geographical Information System (GIS). Curtis Copeland, GIS Systems Coordinator of the Geographical Information Systems Division of the city’s Engineering Department describes GIS as an important tool for use in mapping Branson’s continuing development and future growth.
Copeland said, “GIS is a system of hardware and software used for storage, retrieval, mapping, and analysis of geographic data.” He went on to note that in general terms, although most end users, see the data reflected graphically as maps, graphs, diagrams, etc., it is important to realize that everything being seen graphically is based on data in a data base that is related to a particular geographical point.
Copeland said the data used for GIS could be, “Just about anything geographically related to the city of Branson or the surrounding area.” As to the specific types of data that could be used, either singularly or layered in conjunction with other data, he mentioned data bases related to zoning, mapping, voting wards, land ownership, business locations, tax districts, water and sewer lines, fire hydrant locations, public easements, trails, streets, and demographics etc.
When asked if the data stored in the data base could displayed in a useable graphic format Copeland replied, “Absolutely, the ability to take the data in a data base and present it in graphic form is what sets GIS apart from other mapping applications.” He went on to say that although the GIS end product looks the same as other mapping programs most of them are presented strictly from a graphical stand point. The difference in GIS is that maps are associated with a data base so you can actually do analysis and queries.
Copeland used the example of the city building a new road. They could use GIS not only to graphically show the proposed road but to show all the parcels of property along the new road and also generate a list of the names and addresses that the city needed to notify or contact in association with building the road.
The graphic result would involve the use of multiple data bases such as one containing the coordinates for the road and one showing property parcels associated with the road and their boundaries. In addition, the names and address of the property owners could come from yet another data base. Copeland went on to point out that in addition, if needed, other layers could be layered in to the graphic map such as topographical data, easement information, and water and sewer line locations.
Copeland described the application of GIS to problem solving in the city as being limited only by the amount of data in a digital format available for the system to use. He pointed out that thanks to the farsightedness and planning of City Engineer David Miller, the city began acquiring plans and mapping information in digital format since the early 1990s and that new data, either generated by the city or obtained from other sources such as Taney County, is constantly being added to expand both the scope and efficiency of the GIS.
Furnished Courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent.
