Feature — Office of Information Technology Outreach Services (ITOS)
Through developing and implementing geographic information systems (GIS) and training governments in GIS, ITOS helps make information more readily available and government operations more efficient.
Informed decision making requires ready access to useful, accurate data. This idea has driven ITOS in their collaborations with local, state, and federal governments as well as nonprofit organizations. GIS solutions produced and implemented by ITOS have improved operations in communities and become useful tools for policymakers across Georgia and around the world.
Systems using GIS technology organize geographically based data, such as transportation systems, land parcels, zoning, and tax records, in a practical format. The database systems allow users to access the information quickly and easily and to compare data trends. They can also produce maps, charts, and graphs along user-specified criteria.
Many of the GIS systems are Web-based, giving access to users online in many locations. With projects ranging from legislative redistricting to forest fire location maps, ITOS-created GIS applications serve a diverse set of needs and audiences. Examples include
- The Georgia 2000 Information System, an interactive website that provides extensive statistical data on demographics, economic development, health, and education in the state
- The Georgia Department of Transportation State Map Update, which integrated numerous hand-drawn, quickly outdated paper road maps by digitally converting and amassing them in a central database
- Georgia's Natural, Archaeological, and Historic Resources GIS (NAHRGIS), an online interactive catalog of Georgia's rich archaeological and historic resources
The local government team at ITOS specializes in the services and systems important to county and city governments in Georgia. ITOS has extensive experience in converting paper tax maps and AutoCAD drawings into GIS datasets. Integrating the new digital maps with the tax assessor's online, searchable database magnifies their value and utility. Governments save time and money with a tax database that can be visualized and queried like never before.
ITOS also provides customized training to government employees who use GIS technology. Training centers on integrating GIS data with preexisting data in local governments such as tax assessment records, permit records, road maintenance, addresses, and other electronic datasets.
ITOS has become a leader in Georgia and across the nation in GIS development. ITOS's innovation and assistance have earned it many awards. The latest national honor, a 2009 Special Achievement Award, was presented by the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) for outstanding contributions to society through the use of GIS.
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