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Geographic Information System (GIS)
*NEW* Go to the
GIS Mapping Service
The District has one of the oldest continuous
mapping programs in the country. Beginning in 1929 with paper maps drawn by hand
to the development of today's computerized geographic information system (GIS),
the MDC has stayed on the leading edge of mapping technology.
The MDC develops its landbase data through the
process of photogrammetry. This process, the ability to obtain reliable map
measurements by means of aerial photography, was introduced during World War II.
When photogrammetry became available for civilian use, the MDC was one of the
first mapping agencies in the country to adopt it.
- In the mid 1980’s, the MDC, seeing that
mapping would eventually rely on computers, began to obtain its photogrammetric
mapping data both in hard copy and in a digital, computer-readable format. The
MDC began investigating the use of a geographic information system (GIS) in
1986. We acquired our first two GIS workstations and software in 1988.
- By 1989, the GIS unit began converting or
"loading" the information from digital photogrammetry to eventually
cover our existing 570 large-scale topographic maps. This involves compiling
land, property and utility infrastructure information for each acre in the MDC's
156 square miles. Since then building, editing and maintaining the GIS database
has been a valuable and continual process. We now have digital data covering all
of our member towns and are working on building the database further to include
MDC lands throughout our watershed. The GIS/Mapping activity has multiple
workstations and servers, plotters, printers and scanners and a staff of eight.
This comprehensive and mature system is in demand as a facilities management
tool and is used to create and print out municipal street maps, utility maps and
other map products
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In 1994, with the help from a grant from the
State of Connecticut, the MDC distributed hardware, software, digital municipal
data and digital orthophotos files to each of its member towns. GIS software
training was provided to selected municipal staff too. In this way, MDC member
towns could utilize MDC data locally and begin development of other layers of
data of local interest for applications in property assessment, police and fire
safety services, bus routing, public works and more. MDC and town staffs have
jointly formed a Users’ Group. The group meets to share and exchange ideas,
information and goals regarding the implementation of GIS in the District.
The MDC GIS has also been linked to the District’s
business management software. This allows staff to locate a piece of equipment,
such as a hydrant or piece of pipe, select it on the computer screen using a GIS
generated map and then immediately open a work order or some other business
management tool, directly through that map on their screen.
The MDC also supports the Connecticut GIS User to
User Network. This Network is a voluntary state-wide association of individuals
and organizations that use GIS-based technologies and data in their day-to-day
operations. The Network's purpose is to connect users through workshops,
meetings and the Internet to share ideas, to learn about GIS activities, to
explore collaborative opportunities and to discover information resources - all
of which will promote a dynamic and innovative community of Connecticut GIS
users. For more information and registration procedures go to the Connecticut GIS User to
User Network.
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