A geographic information system (GIS) integrates hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information.

GIS allows us to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports, and charts.

A GIS helps you answer questions and solve problems by looking at your data in a way that is quickly understood and easily shared.

How did GIS start in Emergency Services?

In late 2006, the groundwork was being set in place for the development of a GIS for use by 911 so that Franklin County could meet PEMA requirements and become Phase II compliant.  The South Central Task Force provided funding for software and hardware to get GIS started in Franklin County.  Data was downloaded from a variety of sources on the internet and then corrected based on the 2003 flight of the PAMAP aerial photos.  Additional data has been created primarily to support 911 and EMA functions.  Currently the focus is on obtaining address data and creating layers from that data that will enhance the maps used by the dispatchers.