GIS and mapping at the ARC

What is GIS?

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a computer system for capturing, storing, validating, integrating, manipulating, analysing and displaying data related to positions on the Earth's surface. Typically, GIS is used for handling and producing maps of one kind or another. These might be represented as several different layers where each layer holds data about a particular kind of feature which is linked to a position on a map and a record in an attribute table. GIS is much more than maps. Users can query the data and present the answers in maps, tables and other graphic representations to virtually see the issues before them and then select the best course of action.

How does the ARC use GIS?

The ARC uses GIS across many of its departments and for many different reasons. It is used for storing large and small spatial databases, analysis in planning, cartography for regional plans and management plans, field capture using GPS, and web mapping to name a few.
GIS also has linkages to environmental databases, property rates information, stormwater management, heritage databases and asset management systems.