GIS is a computer-based mapping tool that takes information from a database about a location

RELATED LINKS: Geographical Information Systems AT least 70 percent to 80 percent of the average local government's work involves land or geographically related issues. This explains why geographic information and the associated management systems are an integral part of planning and implementing the vision of the City of Johannesburg. Read more Jozi's forward-thinking techies wow the world THE City's e-services department has been recognised for outstanding contributions to the corporate geographic information systems industry, with a Special Achievement Award from the ESRI. Read more Joburg launches map website JOHANNESBURG is using technology to bring its services to its people; it has launched a website where users can get geographic information and maps about the city. Read more Property database is online VALUABLE Johannesburg property and economic information is available online to the public, in two map-based databases. Much of the information is available free of charge; the rest requires a subscription. Read more E-Services E-SERVICES is a new initiative from the City to make your life easier by providing online access to a range of services for the individual and businesses in Gauteng. Read more

Celebrate International GIS Day with Joburg Johannesburg's Corporate GIS unit is planning a business breakfast as part of International Geographic Information Systems Day, when it will educate clients about this useful planning tool. November 2, 2006 By Anish Abraham GEOGRAPHIC information system (GIS) technology is used daily to solve problems regarding the environment, healthcare, land use, business efficiency, education and public safety. The City plans to celebrate International GIS Day on 15 November. It will host a function where current and potential clients will be made aware of the important contribution GIS is making in the City. According to Lesley Adams, the deputy-director for projects and customer services in Joburg's Corporate GIS directorate, GIS Day is a global event to celebrate the technology, which uses geography to bring countless benefits. GIS enables people to see geographic features on a map "Corporate GIS will be celebrating the 8th annual International GIS Day by hosting a breakfast for our top clients of the various GIS services, which include online maps, fax service, projects and customised mapping as well as the Land Information System." Clients will be introduced to the City's Land Information System and will see samples of the new aerial photography including Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) and Digital Elevation Modelling (DEM) data. Corporate GIS's clients include internal departments that use information to further development in the City, consultants and developers that use information to assist in infrastructure and services planning, students from local universities who use geographic data in their studies, and ratepayers who are interested in information regarding zoning, building line restrictions, density and height. About GIS "A GIS is a computer-based mapping and analysis tool that takes information from a database about a location, such as streets, buildings, water features and terrain, and turns it into visual layers that can be analysed spatially," Adams explains. This ability to see geographic features on a map gives users a better understanding of a particular location, in turn enabling analysts and others to make informed decisions about their communities. World-wide, the technology is used daily to solve problems regarding the natural and human environment. For example, banks can use the information from a geographic information system to find the most convenient location to place an automated teller machine; an entrepreneur can find the ideal spot to locate his/her business. Individual users and residents also benefit, as the technology allows them to obtain relevant maps and information from the Internet. "GIS Day serves to make people aware of GIS technology and the important contributions it is making in the fields of science, technology, information and the humanities," Adams concludes. Permission to use web site material Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as: Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website (www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency (www.joburg.org.za)"; If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original article on this website; The name of the article's author is acknowledged; The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill in this brief online form). Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 Print this Page E-mail this article to a friend Help using Joburg.org.za