Dauphin County Department of Information Technology
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Factsheet

Description and Background
GIS is a system for capturing, managing, analyzing and displaying geographic information. Geographic information includes any information that can be placed at a specific point on the globe. Users can analyze data visually, with the interactive map display, or with software tools to find patterns and create projections. By examining how information relates to each other in a spatial context and analyzing those relationships, a GIS generates new information that can be used for decision-making.

Key Capabilities
A GIS can ingest many types of digital information, including satellite and aerial photography, existing maps and tabular data. Information that is not in a map-like form can be converted into layers of thematic information. The GIS can read information stored in relational database management systems, such as SQL server and Oracle. Information can be viewed as maps, charts, graphs, images or tables.

Image from United States Geological Survey

Applications
Because it can use information in multiple databases and formats, a GIS can curb data redundancy, increase data accuracy, and facilitate interdepartmental cooperation. GIS has been and can be used to analyze and solve many types of problems, from planning responses to natural disasters, to identifying locations for a new highway, and monitoring environmental quality. As GIS becomes even more prevalent and more information is placed into databases, the number applications will continue to grow.

Current Status
Basemap data has been generated for the county, including road centerlines and a tax parcel layers. The county currently is running several licenses of ArcEditor 9.0. By the end of 2006, both ArcSDE and ArcIMS will be installed on the county's network.

Point of Contact
Scott Evans at saevans@dauphinc.org (717) 780-6264
Megan Frascella at mfrascella@dauphinc.org (717) 780-6227