 To learn more about GIS and for a link to the new Internet mapping,
visit
www.co.logan.il.us/gis/.A geographic information system is a
digital map comprised of a limitless number of layers that can be
overlaid on top of one another to create a customized map of an
area. These layers are typically comprised of a database with a
spatial reference. In short, it attaches the "what" of a database
with the "where" of a map. Imagine being able to click on any
feature of a map to learn more about it. A GIS system can be a
useful tool for everyone from the casual user to the highly trained
professional.
Logan County's GIS took shape with a grant from the Illinois
Department of Transportation to assist the county with establishing
a GIS system. The grant money was directed through the county
highway department and was used to purchase aerial photography and
other data. This photography has become a base layer of the county
GIS.
Logan County worked with a specialized company from northern
Illinois to develop a parcel mapping layer for the GIS. This layer
is comprised of every land parcel within Logan County, drawn
accurately on a base map. This enables the assessor's office to
assess property with more accuracy. Combined with the new, digital
soils layer, farmland can now be assessed based on soil
productivity, using the number of acres of each soil type. This can
all be calculated electronically.
This parcel map can be overlaid with the aerial photography layer
and the roadway centerline layer to pinpoint health hazards, show
properties for sale, highlight vehicle accident locations or assist
emergency response teams in planning a route.
Logan County hopes to develop more layers, including municipal
boundaries, voting districts, enterprise zones, zoning districts and
school districts. The GIS system will allow a person to investigate
any area of the county simply by clicking their computer mouse.
[to top of second
column] |
The GIS system is primarily funded by a recording fee collected
by the county clerk's office. The GIS committee is comprised of
representatives from Lincoln, Atlanta, Mount Pulaski, Emden, the
Logan County Board, various elected or appointed Logan County
officials, Logan County Emergency Management Agency, Logan County
Regional Planning Commission, Lincoln & Logan County Development
Partnership, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. At this
time, the GIS committee is an advisory committee for the county
board, accountable for the GIS fund.
[Text from file received from
Logan County
Highway Department]
Past related articles
 |
