Strategy #59
Develop Geographic Information Systems
Use currently available and rapidly emerging technology to implement
and use
geographic information systems (GIS).
Background
Many departments currently collect information in databases. GIS integrates this data and translates it immediately into the spatial, or map-based, environment. Viewing, analyzing, and manipulating this data in a spatial environment allows the data to take on a new dimension. Actually, that dimension is not necessarily new. It has always been possible to translate information from paper to a map, drawing, or schematic plan; however, that process has been so time-consuming with past methods that it was prohibitive to do on a regular basis.
Actions
- Develop an integrated GIS plan that will support numerous layers of information and application, including collisions, traffic, schools, hospitals, and hazardous materials supplier locations.
- Assure strategies for accurate information in databases from which spatial information can be drawn.
- Consider using global positioning satellite (GPS) coordinates for location identification.
Benefits
- GIS allows available data to be efficiently queried for in-depth analysis.
- Analysis results can be printed on maps, which can reveal additional information.
- Photographs of terrain can be imported into the maps to further reveal highway configurations or terrain.
- Enhanced memory in small computer workstations and personal computers makes it possible for users to query the data, focus on specific areas, project eventualities, change scenarios, and perform analysis in minutes or hours that would have taken days or weeks in the past.
- Data obtained will assist with deployment and enforcement strategies.
Other Considerations
- Cost of the technology.
- Increased skills, expertise and training for personnel to support and operate.
- Accuracy and reliability of technology.
- Potential increase in support staff requirements, which may cause a reduction in existing personnel levels.
- Inter-connectivity with other systems and privacy issues of shared systems.