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Map tool on display at open house today
Technology helps planners analyze local geography
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In support of National Geography Awareness Week, the Liberty County Assessors Mapping Department will host an open house today for GIS Day, which is a global event that promotes awareness of geographic information system technology and the contributions it makes in the fields of science, technology, information and the humanities.

GIS is a computer-based mapping tool that takes information from a database about a location — such as streets, buildings, water features and terrain — and turns it into visual layers. The ability to see geographic features on a map gives users a better understanding of a particular location, which enables planners, analysts and others to make informed decisions about their communities.

The interactive open house and map gallery — open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. today in the lobby of the Liberty County Courthouse Annex at 100 Main St. — will provide an opportunity for those interested in learning more about GIS to see its applications in action.

Staff will be available to answer questions and provide hands-on demonstrations of the Liberty County Property Information System, available at www.libertycountyga.com.

According to officials, GIS has been an invaluable tool for Liberty County. Since its implementation, the county has seen an increased number of property owners and developers needing maps. The county has been able to produce maps with multiple data layers on top of a color aerial photograph showing everything from parcel and lot lines to voting precincts and hurricane surge zones.

Going beyond Liberty County, GIS is used throughout the world to work out problems related to the environment, health care, land use, business efficiency, education and public safety.

The power supply directed to homes, the patrol cars and fire trucks that keep neighborhoods safe and the delivery trucks on the road all function more efficiently because of GIS.

This technology also can help businesses place ATMs and restaurants at more convenient locations, allow people to pull maps off the internet and help farmers grow more crops with less chemicals.

For more information about GIS Day, go to www.gisday.com, email scott.wall@libertycountyga.com or call 876-3568.

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