Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is GIS?

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is defined as an information system that is used to input, store, retrieve, manipulate, analyze and output geographically referenced data or geospatial data, in order to support decision making for planning and management of land use, natural resources, environment, transportation, urban facilities, and other administrative records.

What are layers?

GIS uses layering to create custom mapping that can be queried to extract data. Data layers represent geographic entities of the earth and other physical features. These layers can be applied individually or in a mosaic to represent the area that needs to be viewed.

What is GPS and how is it used in GIS?

The Global Positioning System (or GPS) is a collection of U.S. Government owned satellites that provides highly accurate, worldwide positioning and navigation information. There are twenty-four NAVSTAR GPS satellites which orbit 12,000 miles above the earth, constantly transmitting the precise time and their position in space. GPS receivers which we use on earth, connect with three to twelve satellites and, from that determine the precise location of the receiver on earth. With the information provided by the GPS we can then store attributed information and visually place it in a database for reference and analysis.

What coordinate System does the City of Winchester use?

State Plane Virginia North Zone NAD83 (feet)