geographic information systems

Geographic Information Systems

· What is a Geographic Information System (GIS)?

GIS is a system that links geographic locations to characteristics or attributes that describe the location. For example, we could find out the current land use and zoning (attributes) for a specific parcel (location). This information is presented on a graphical interface that allows the different data layers to be displayed and overlaid on one another. This interaction between layers allows us to see trends across locations. For example, we could find out the number of parcels that are within a certain watershed or discover how many parcels in the township are zoned a particular way. Over 80% of all information that the Township deals with involves geographic locations. Geographic data is important for voting districts, water/sewer infrastructure maintenance, watershed management, land use planning, zoning, and natural resource protection as well as many other possibilities.

GIS Layers diagram

Model of how GIS “layers” (i.e. Land Use, Streets, Districts, Parcels) information onto a map to help visualize patterns throughout the Township

Do we have GIS at the Township?

In 1999, the Township began extensive GIS development through a grant it received from the Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project. This grant was used to fund GIS software, training, data development, and a large format plotter to print maps. Now, this system has been fully integrated into the daily operations of the Township. It is used at the Township for everything from locating water and sewer lines to identifying potential wetlands and woodlands to helping residents locate property lines.

Example of a map produced through GIS. This map shows the potential wetlands and hydric soils throughout Van Buren Township.

· What kind of data does the Township have?

We are receiving data from many different sources. One source of our data is through our Rouge River grant. This grant allows for our storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water infrastructure to be digitized. It makes the information we gather from paper maps and Global Positioning System (GPS) field research -- which locates the exact coordinates of a location in the field with the help of satellites – into “layers” to represent where the storm sewers, sanitary sewers and other water infrastructure is in the Township.

We are also receiving data from the Wayne County GIS Department. From Wayne County, we are receiving digitized roads, aerial photos, parcels, and hydrology. Other data “layers” that we have access to are County soils, topographic maps, census blocks, wetlands, land use, and zoning.

For more information you can visit Wayne County’s GIS website.