For example, the County Highway Department currently has a database showing an ID number, condition, elevation, type, and other pertinent information that is relevant to all County owned bridges. Coles County GIS staff is currently in the process of mapping all bridge locations within the County using high-end GPS equipment. Once the points have been mapped, the information can then be tied to the existing database to give the Highway Department Engineer the opportunity to make decisions based on all of the available information. Not only will GIS help in decision making, but it ties two databases together, allowing the Engineer to make changes to only one database and not both. The GIS will help centralize data throughout the County.
Addresses are Geographic data – they are locations – and they are an essential part of the information the County manages. The Assessment Office and County GIS staff recognizes an immediate need to update and correct the existing address database. Once completed and implemented, the address database will provide a single source of addresses for the County, reducing errors and confusion. GIS provides a solution to the inefficiencies of address management that have beleaguered the County. When tools are available to access accurate information, County employees and department heads are able to make effective decisions.
GIS interacts with County Departments and assists in their communication with each other.
GIS Data Inventory
GIS staff manages large base map datasets as well as project related datasets that reside on the GIS server. The following list shows the data sets that are available on the GIS server and the varying levels of completion of each data set. Some data are maintained regularly, such as the parcel layer and street centerlines layer. Other data sets have not been updated in several years. This list does not show the last date each layer was updated, but GIS would like to develop a catalog showing the data available and the last edit date. This information would also be included in the metadata standards list for each layer.
Available Layers:
Cadastral Geodatabase (parcels, roads, water, lot lines, sections, etc.)
Orthophotography Completed ‘07
Coles County, Charleston, and Mattoon Land Use Completed ‘06
Bulletin 810 Layers Completed ‘06 Updated '10
Enterprise Zone Completed ‘10
TIF Districts Complete/Ongoing
Fire Protection Districts Completed ‘10
Critical Facilities Completed ‘06
GASB 34 Complete/Ongoing
Precinct and Voting Districts (Older layer needs migrating) Completed ‘11
County Board Districts (Older layer needs migrating) Completed ‘11
Mattoon Utilities Ongoing
Fox Ridge Completed ‘06
GIS Map Product Inventory
GIS has begun to develop an inventory of all map products generated on a regular basis in an effort to determine the scope of database migration efforts. Once complete, GIS can develop a data and map catalog that can be updated and published to the individual departments for viewing. When a map request is given to the GIS, they can cross reference the data catalog to determine the extent of work to complete the task.
Once data migration is complete, the level of effort required to produce map products will be significantly reduced. Upon implementation of the ArcIMS Internet site, some products may not need to be generated on the same schedule, or at all, as County users will be able to access GIS data and maps directly via their Internet browser. This migration will allow users access to up-to-date information and maps when they need them, reducing wait times for GIS map production.