GIS Department

GIS Definition
"What is GIS?" Simply stated, "GIS makes a map smart." Anything that occupies space geographically can be placed on a map. These map features can have information stored about them in a database and linked together by an identifier. This system is designed to store, update, analyze, display and manipulate spatial data.

Common Questions
GIS questions can now have answers quickly.

• Planners: Who owns this property? What is this property zoned? Where are the locations of new building permits for the past year? How much land annexed last year?
• Engineers: How many miles of new streets were built last year? Which streets were paved last year? Is this property in the flood zone?
• Citizens: What school district am I in? Does this property have access to water and sewer? How far is my house to the nearest fire station?

This is but a small sample of questions that are received and answered daily by the GIS Department. Even though the nature of all these questions is different, they all have one thing in common. Geography. Approximately 80 percent of local government's work involves a geographic component. Because of this, the City of Lebanon chose to invest in GIS technology.

System Strengths & Abilities
GIS has become a vital tool for many departments throughout the City of Lebanon. The system can store, analyze, and display spatial data in a way that identifies problems or patterns, supports decision-making, increases accessibility of data, and improves the ability to report information.

A GIS has the ability to provide an effective way to collect and manage geographical information that is crucial to the operation of City government.

Environmental System Research Institute Software
Lebanon City's GIS Department is currently utilizing the Environmental System Research Institute (ESRI) software. This allows the city to be compatible with the Tennessee State Base Mapping Program and with the Wilson County GIS.