The information a GIS sees appears in a database in which each record has a specific coordinate that accurately marks its location on the earth. For individuals who are concerned with efficiently analyzing the spatial characteristics of their data, this ability becomes an invaluable feature that makes GIS so appealing. Once the desired analysis is complete and the user wishes to graphically display that information, it would appear in one of three geographic forms used by all GIS programs. Lines - represent features that have a beginning and end. These could include street centerlines, rivers, lot lines, or sewer mains.
Polygons appear on a map as a two-dimensional shape and represent information that has area.
Polygon boundaries are made up of lines and when they are combined, they form a single entity. This could include a tax lot, wetland, or the service area of a reservoir. While not well publicized, GIS directly supports the efforts of numerous city departments, making many of their tasks easier and more efficient. Mapping services - All of our customers have access to this valuable service, which enables them to view the City's data in graphical format, as well as customized maps, and analysis. All map elements have data that needs to be maintained.