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Information Technology (IT) manages the Town’s information databases, Geographic Information System (GIS),
and Wide Area Network (WAN). IT staff are responsible for writing, maintaining, and updating software applications
as well as installing, upgrading, and repairing Personal Computers (PCs). IT also evaluates potential software and
hardware purchases before they are made to insure compatibility with the existing computer infrastructure. The
Town currently has 200 PCs in twelve locations networked together. The WAN allows employees to communicate through
email and share information and data files.
Geographic Information Systems
Visit our GIS Data Online - Click Here.
What is GIS?:
A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based tool that allows for the storage, editing, display, query,
and analysis of geographically referenced information. This information is sometimes referred to as geospatial
information. GIS technology is unique in that it combines database operations (such as queries, data sorts, and
statistical analyses) with visualization and spatial analysis functions that are associated with maps. These powerful
and wide-ranging capabilities distinguish GIS from traditional databases (which do not offer this geographic
visualization capability) and from computer-aided drafting applications (which do not offer advanced database
functionality). GIS is therefore a valuable tool used by individuals and organizations alike, from businesses to
universities to governments of all levels.
Many challenges we face in the modern world-such as crime, pollution, natural disasters, spread of diseases, natural
resource management, urban sprawl, etc.-often have a geographic component. Similarly, challenges faced by local
communities-managing growth responsibly, planning infrastructure improvements, attracting and siting new businesses,
routing emergency vehicles, etc.-also have a geographic dimension. GIS provides the capability to create maps,
integrate information, visualize scenarios, analyze trends, and to develop effective solutions.
What can a GIS do?
Questions a GIS can answer:
What exists at a particular location?
Find a location where this exists.
Uses both location and distance to find the differences within an area over time.
Where does one thing occur, where something else exists.
If we were to do this, what would the result be?
The Town's GIS aerial mapping project was completed and updated maps and data will be an important resource, not only
for revaluation, but for planning and engineering as well.
Current uses:
Property locations
Tax Maps
Abutter’s query
Thematic maps (maps based on values in Assessor’s database e.g. building & property values or ranges, etc)
Zoning Information, Soils Data, Historic Districts, Voter Districts, Land Use...
Anything that you use the tax maps or property maps for now – with the added benefit of the intelligence of the
database of the property.
Interested in purchasing maps or other GIS data? Click here for pricing.
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