Geographic Information System

What is a Geographic Information System (GIS)

A geographic information system (GIS) integrates hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information.  Our mapping system allows us to view, understand, question, and interpret data in many ways in the form of maps and reports.

Current Activities

GIS is working closely with the Engineering and Water Works Departments in integrating the information that is coming in from the field with the already existing data into the City’s current maps.  This is quite a large project and we have our sites on finishing up by the end of the year.

History

The City of Jerome started electronically capturing and cataloging the City’s vast resources for mapping purposes in 1997.  Prior to that, a general map drawing of the entire city was updated through the Engineering Department.  This was beneficial to Engineering but did not have the flexibility to meet the demands of the other City Departments.

Starting with the existing Engineering files, combined with other available data from several different sources the initial City base map was formed.  The City then used utility grade GPS equipment to map street lines, hydrants, water meters, irrigation boxes, curb and gutter, street lights, street signs, parks, and many more of the City’s visible utilities.  GIS combined this prior mentioned information with engineering data of water and sewer systems and the lot dimensions from Jerome County’s parcel data.

In 2003 the City's first Aerial Photography for mapping and engineering purposes was flown.