Chester County incorporates the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in several departments and agencies (see list below) that use geographic data in their key business functions.  The County has implemented and maintains a strong GIS program, managed by the GIS section of the County's Department of Computer and Information Services (DCIS).  DCIS/GIS is responsible for:

• Critical address and E-911 related data development and maintenance activities.
  
• Cadastral (tax parcel) mapping and GIS map/data responsibilities.
  
• Land record modernization involving UPI (Uniform Property Identification) numbers.
  
• Maintaining basic tax map/record and other GIS layers, application development to make GIS useful and to support needed functions of County agencies.
  
• Distributing County GIS Data through its Data Distribution program and the GIS Consortium.
  
• Municipal and County Planning.
  
• West Nile Virus Surveillance.
  
• Subdivision and Land Development Review
  
• Open Space Planning

Geographic Information Systems integrate spatial data (maps) and tabular data (databases) through computer technology. It is estimated that about 80% of the information maintained by County departments is "geographically referenced".  The geographic location of many governmental activities is a natural framework for sharing data among the many functions housed at the County.  This geographic “common denominator” is also a simple, yet powerful, tool for organizing and building much of the automation used by government.  The geographic focus has lead to improved coordination among different agencies and levels of government. To date, there are about 15 County departments and agencies using GIS.

PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

DCIS/GIS has developed a strong framework for cooperating on issues of common interest.  Planning and growth management issues affect the cost of government services and quality-of-life standards.  Water management activities have impacts on all phases of the hydrologic cycle, including treatment, delivery, reuse, recharge and disposal.  Urban revitalization and redevelopment can also be greatly supported by GIS.  Public safety analysis often employs GIS and GIS data.  Tax assessment functions require a concerted effort by multiple jurisdictions to keep the tax roll current and accurate.

The County has made an effort to maximize the return on GIS investment by spreading its benefits, streamlining work processes and reducing redundancy.  The GIS base map is a representation of properties, places, things and events, and is now the “de-facto” map for most planning and management-type functions.  With many common denominators such as parcels, streets, addresses and ownership data, County departments and agencies can now use a centralized data source, thereby eliminating work efforts in gathering redundant data.