Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system of computer software, hardware, data, and personnel used to capture, store, analyze, and display geographically referenced information. Simply put, a GIS combines layers of information about a place to give you a better understanding of that place.

The true power of GIS comes from being able to relate different spatial information and to reach a conclusion about that relationship. By analyzing and study spatial relationships, a GIS can reveal important information that leads to better decision making. Applications of GIS may include, but not limited to, parcels, sewer/water maintenance, land use, demographics, base mapping, infrastructure, tourism, and economic development.
 

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Global Position System (GPS)
A Global Position System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of satellites placed in orbit to transmit signal information to the earth. GPS receivers take this information and use triangulation to calculate the user’s exact location. GPS technology is used to collect the user’s position (latitude and longitude) and altitude. Once this position is calculated other GPS functions (speed, bearing, tract, trip distance, distance and destination, sunrise and sunset, etc.) can be performed. GPS data is most effective when uploaded and used in a working GIS.

Some GPS applications may include, but not limited to, asset inventory (signs, hydrants, trees, parking meters, bus stops), and water and sewer feature collection (manholes, valves, shut-offs).

The Northwest Commission utilizes ArcGIS 9.2, a color scanner for data input, a large format plotter and a color laser printer for varying sizes of output. The Northwest Commission also uses a Trimble GeoXH GPS for sub-meter data collection.

Please feel free to contact Matt Gilara, GISP to discuss any of the GIS/GPS services that we have to offer. The Northwest Commission’s fee for GIS/GPS services include, but not limited to, custom mapping (any application), GPS data collection, large format printing, and ArcIMS (Internet Map Server) web mapping.
 

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In an effort to unite Geographic Information System (GIS) users (and/or anyone interested in GIS technology) in northwest Pennsylvania, the Northwest Commission formed a GIS User Group in February 2005.

The Northwest Pennsylvania GIS User Group is a medium to share ideas, resources, and data. The User Group is also a medium to seek assistance/training, act as a vehicle for gaining a better understanding of GIS and related technologies, and to keep the GIS community updated. The User Group is also an excellent way to network with colleagues and increase knowledge.

The User Group meets quarterly with meetings consisting of (but not limited to): a presentation or two on topics of interest to GIS users, a presentation by a member of the user group, a technical presentation, and an information exchange session.

The Northwest Pennsylvania GIS User Group is an informal gathering and is open to anyone interested in GIS technology. Please contact Matt Gilara, GISP if interested in attending or presenting at a future GIS User Group meeting.