Updated 09/2011
Geographic Information Systems
Contents
- Introduction
- Basic GIS Information
- Washington County and City GIS Services
- Documents
- Washington State GIS
- Public Disclosure GIS Issues
- Related MRSC Pages
Introduction
Geographic information systems (GIS) are computer-based systems used to store, display, and analyze geographically referenced data, i.e., data identified according to their locations. GIS are also defined as computer-based mapping and information systems that enable the user to analyze geographic data in a variety of ways. GIS have a wide variety of applications for public works, planning and permitting, public safety, and other local government activities.
If you have information to share or are aware of other Web sites that we should link to, please contact Carol Tobin, Planning Consultant at ctobin@mrsc.org, or call (206) 625-1300.
Basic GIS Information
- GIS.com – The Guide to Geographic Information Systems - Introductory guide to GIS (provided by ESRI, GIS software developer)
- GIS Glossaries, ESRI
- Burien - IS/GIS Frequently Asked Questions
- Ferndale - Geographic Information System - Includes explanatory graphic
- Seattle - About GIS
- Thurston County - An Overview of GIS and Complementary Technologies - A slideshow presentation from WSEHA Regional Meeting and Training, 01/28/2005
Washington County and City GIS Services
The following are examples of GIS services offered by Washington local governments. These include interactive Web-based maps and maps and geographic data available for download. For a more complete list of GIS websites, see GIS Websites and Online Mapping Systems - Washington Cities and Counties, MRSC.
Internet GIS Viewer
- Ferndale - GIS Viewer
- King County
- Parcel Viewer - Interactive Property Research - Basic Assessor's data
- iMap - Interactive Mapping Tool -
- CensusViewer - Maps and tables of community census data indicators for 77 defined places in King County
- NWMaps - Access to map-based information from Bellevue, Bothell, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Renton, Sammamish, Shoreline, Snoqualmie, Tukwila and Woodinville, provided by eCityGov Alliance
- Pierce County
- Richland - Crime Maps (collaboration with CrimeReports.com)
- Seattle
- Department of Planning and Development
- DPD GIS - Interactive maps using Seattle GIS data and Microsoft Virtual Earth. Includes option to click a parcel to view the parcel data.
- DPD Activity Locator - View permitting activity in Seattle from July 2005 to present, using Microsoft Virtual Earth
- My Neighborhood Map - Services and crime statistics by area
- Department of Planning and Development
- Spokane
- Spokane County - SCOUT - Interactive mapping application
- Tacoma - govMe Map
- Walla Walla County - Interactive Map
Map Downloads
- Burien - Map Collection
- Federal Way - General City Maps
- Richland - Maps
- Seattle
- Zoning Maps
- Wind Load Factors - Resource for engineers designing structures for wind loads in Seattle
- Spokane County - GIS Maps
- Stevens County - Mapbook
- Walla Walla County
- Woodinville - View and Print Standard Maps (map disclaimer).
GIS Data Downloads
- Bellevue - GIS Map Data - Free dataset downloads from Bellevue's file transfer protocol (FTP) site
- Seattle
- Available Data Sets
- Ordering Custom Data
- Overview of GIS Data
- Standard Data CDs - Available for purchase. Primary GIS data sets have been compiled in shapefile format on a set of compact discs.
- Spokane - GIS Data
- Tacoma - GIS Analysis & Data Services Maps - Downloadable shape files for use in a GIS or drawing program.
Other GIS Services
- Bellevue
- Real-time Traffic Map (also linked with webcam images)
- Neighborhood Projects - Map directs to project information by neighborhood
- Edmonds - LiDAR Topographic Maps
- Seattle - Express Mapping Service - Simple, pre-designed maps available for purchase
- Spokane County - Regional Site Selector - Interactive map with information on available commercial properties, business locations, land based GIS information, demographic and market information
- Vancouver - Free Wi-Fi Hotspots operated by the city
- Yakima County - Center for Geographic and Statistical Analysis - A program to assist other agencies and organizations in the use of county geographic and statistical information
Documents
The following are sample GIS agreements, ordinances, RFPs, and forms from Washington jurisdictions.
- Bellingham - On-Call GIS Services Agreement (
), 2007
- Clark County - GIS Data License Agreement form ()
- eCityGov Alliance (includes Bellevue and other cities) - Request For Proposals, Geographic Information System Internet Mapping Platform and Portal (), 04/29/2010
- Federal Way - Indemnification/Disclaimer of Warranty
- Kirkland
- Kittitas County - Interlocal Agreement between Ellensburg and Kittitas County for sharing GIS Resources (
), 03/04/2008
- Lakewood - GIS Disclaimer to and Warranty by Users of GIS Data
- Walla Walla - GIS Data Request Form ()
Washington State GIS
- Washington State Department of Ecology Geographic Information Systems
- Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife - Maps and Data Products - Interactive mapping includes SalmonScape, GoHunt, Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) on the Web, and Marine Bird Density Analysis
- Washington State Department of Health Geographic Information Systems
- Washington State Department of Natural Resources
- Washington State Department of Revenue - GIS Data Downloads
- Washington State Department of Transportation
- Washington State Office of Financial Management - Get GIS Data
- Washington Geographic Information Council
- Washington State Geospatial Clearinghouse - Part of National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) national network
Public Disclosure GIS Issues
- Court Decision - Thomas Drummond v. City of Bellevue, King County Superior Court Case No. 93-2-22537-7 (1993). The city's GIS database systems were determined to be subject to full public disclosure and not a trade secret or subject to the Trade Secret Act
- Geographic Information Systems Data Requested for Commercial or Non-commercial Purposes (), in Public Records Act for Washington Cities, Counties, and Special Purpose Districts, Report No. 61 Revised, 11/2009
- Public Disclosure and GIS Digital Data in Washington (), David Rideout, Spokane County Public Works Department, Division of Engineering and Roads, Geographic Information Manager, WA-URISA Conference, 04/06/2004