About the Geographic Information Services Department
The Geographical Information Services (GIS) Department provides geographic data to help people locate, map, and analysis geographic information. The work involves creating and overlaying various layers such as parcels, addresses, aerial photography within computer software. The result is then made available to people via an interactive web maps, printed maps, and special software. Beyond just finding places, our work helps user make informed land use decisions and effectively manage emergency response services.
For example, in 2011 we worked with the Gunnison Basin Sage-grouse Strategic Committee to map priority habitat, which had never been adequately done in the past. After developing specialized software functions, we created the Habitat Prioritization Tool, which allows this group a means to immediately visualize changes to various weighting factors that are used to estimate Sage-grouse habitat location. The resulting mapped habitat is now being used by the County, as well as Federal and State agencies, to help manage the bird’s long-term survival.
Unlike most County GIS Departments, we also provide a variety of special project services for the County. Most notably we help to facilitate private land conservation in order to create a desirable long-term land use pattern within the County. Sample projects include ongoing support to the Gunnison Valley Land Preservation Board, the Ranchland Process (a conservation oriented development alternative), and the Residential Density Transfer program.
The Residential Density Transfer program, provides a means for land developers to get additional building sites in return for economically conserving far larger tracts of land located elsewhere in the County. This was a cutting edge approach developed locally and recognized nationally that provides several significant improvements over similar programs across the nation.
While the projects highlighted above were unique successes, the core of our work involves mapping data layers accurately and getting the information out to users efficiently and effectively. Much of our time is spent improving land parcels accuracy, especially in remote areas where little survey monumentation is available. We are excited to have the opportunity to work in an era when geographic data and software are constantly improving, allowing end users access to amazing geographic information.
Office Hours
Monday - Friday (except for holidays)
8:00 am - noon & 1:00 - 5:00
* Prior arrangements can be made for services during the lunch hour.
Office Staff
Contact Information
Geographic Information Services
200 E. Virginia Avenue
Suite #158
Gunnison, CO 81230
|
Phone: (970) 641-7620
(Voicemail is available 24 hours per day)
Fax: (970) 641-3061 |
|
| |
