Text Menu

	Geographic Information Systems Town Hall, 3rd floor, 367 Main Street Hyannis, MA 02601	I.T. Director:  GIS Coordinator:   Telephone:  Fax:  Office Hours:	Dan Wood Jim Benoit 508-862-4624 508-775-3344 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m.

A geographic information system (G.I.S.) can be defined as a system of computer hardware, software, and trained personnel capable of assembling, storing, manipulating, analyzing, and displaying geographic information.  Geographic information refers to any information that has a specific location on a map including roads, buildings, property lines, utilities, natural resources, political boundaries, zoning lines, etc.  With a G.I.S. it is possible to combine geographic information from many different sources, analyze the relationship between the different layers of information, and output printed maps and reports that can be used to assist in decision making and planning efforts.  For example, a layer containing geographic information on property ownership and usage can be combined with a layer containing geographic information on sewer lines to answer a question such as: how many developed parcels less than one acre in size are located within 500 feet of a sewer main?  The answer to this question could then take the form of a printed list detailing owners and addresses of the specified parcels or a map highlighting the specified parcels in a particular color.

Common uses of the Town’s G.I.S. include printing site maps and aerial photographs, generating abutter lists and maps, and producing color coded maps based on a query such as the example mentioned above.  Some long-term applications have included geographic analysis for the wastewater facilities plan, mapping of traffic signs, mapping of shellfish grants, zoning analysis, and conservation trail mapping.