02-03-1997 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City of Mounds View Staff Report Joint Powers Agreement for Ramsey County GIS User Group January 30, 1997 Page 2 • Geographic information systems make it possible to display the information in data bases on maps by linking the data to physical locations. The link most often used by counties and cities are the property identification numbers assigned to parcels by the County Assessor. Mapping often gives the data more meaning because it shows patterns and relationships. A map of code enforcement cases will show whether there are areas where these cases are concentrated much better than a listing of cases. Understanding patterns helps in developing policies on how to deal with issues and deciding where to focus resources. Cities also use maps to show the location of water, sewer and storm drain lines, snow plow routes, pavement management, comprehensive plan designations,zoning districts, parks and trails. It is much easier to update and revise maps which are in digital form on a computer than if they are hand-drafted. It is also possible to change the scale of these maps much more quickly and easily. Mounds View creates and maintains these types of maps. A geographic information system which produces computer-generated maps is a much more efficient way to do this work. Mounds View has been working to establish a geographic information system,and is close to completing a parcel-based map. Because of conflicting demands on staff time, however, it has been difficult to proceed beyond this very initial step to add layers of information and to link data collected in the various departments to the map. Joining the GIS Users Group would deliver an up-to-date parcel map which would also show physical features including buildings, road edges, and water bodies, with this information maintained and updated by Ramsey County. It would provide access to County property records and save the cost of subscribing to IRIS. Staff • anticipates that the comprehensive plan designations,zoning districts, land use and road names will be added to the parcel map through the 35W Corridor project. Participating in the Ramsey County GIS Users Group will further our efforts to establish a geographic information system for the City of Mounds View. Staff recognizes that there may be some question regarding the fees involved in joining the GIS Users Group. We have invited David Windle, GIS coordinator for Roseville and a key person in the formation of the users group, to attend your meeting to help in explaining the fee schedule. Recommendation: Schedule consideration of the Joint Powers Agreement for the Ramsey County GIS User Group for action on the February 10, 1997 meeting. Staff recommendation is for approval with modifications, if any, recommended by the City Attorney. Pamela Sheldon, Community Development Director C:\OFFICE\WPWIN\WPDOCS\SPECPROJ\GISMAP\USERJPA WS S