GIS brings geographic data from surveys, plats, spreadsheets, GPS units and paper files together within a computer network that is available to employees, officials and citizens for the generation of visual maps and reports; for tracking permits, fees and licenses; and for modeling, projecting and analyzing geographic data trends.

Citizens are increasingly demanding better information showing that public policy decisions will result in greater efficiency, equity, community viability and environmental health. 

At least 70 to 80 percent of the average local government’s work involves land or
geographically related issues or tasks. Geographically related items that local governments deal with regularly: 

• Land Use Zones 
• Tax Parcels 
• Street Addresses 
• Water Meters 
• Sewer Manholes 
• Water and Sewer Lines 
• Pavement Markings 
• Fire Hydrants       
• Signs.... 

Local government is responsible for the long-term health, safety and welfare of
its citizens, and many issues cannot be boiled down to a simple calculation of
short-term costs and benefits. GIS enhances the ability of local governments
to look at the long-term effects of possible decisions. 

Visual GIS displays allow more people to understand issues and the large amounts
of information associated with them.