GIS

What is GIS?

GIS is generally an abbreviation for 'Geographical (or Geographic) Information System'. A GIS is computer system that allow persons who capture information to input, store, update, analyse and display the information as geographic data.'” Basically any type of geographical data can be stored in a GIS. The data may be social, economic, political, cultural and environmental. One of the benefits of GIS is that it allows us to explore connections between data. For Local Authority use it means that Departments can share and view data, for example the Planning Department will be able to access roads, sanitary services and environmental data this is known as a corporate GIS.

What is the function of GIS in the council?

"To provide staff, members and customers of Longford County Council with a comprehensive, user friendly, Geographical Information System (GIS). To instil a sense of ownership of data with all communities in County Longford that will allow for greater public participation and hence providing more complete data that can be used for all policy making.

What future developments will GIS deliver?

GIS information is gathered from across several departments both inside and outside the council. It is hoped in the near future that coloured aerial mapping from the OSI will be made interactive with data from across all departments to deliver detailed mapping to the public over the internet. When complete citizens will be able to select any given area within the county and view such information as location of nearest water main, outlines of planning applications granted/pending in that area, water quality in the area to mention but a few.