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What is G.I.S. ?
A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer-based tool for mapping and analyzing things that exist and events that happen on Earth. GIS technology integrates common database operations such as query and statistical analysis with the unique visualization and geographic analysis benefits offered by maps. These abilities distinguish GIS from other information systems and make it valuable to a wide range of public and private enterprises for explaining events, predicting outcomes, and planning strategies.
History of GIS in Ontario
GIS came to Ontario, California in 1987. One person, in a back corner of the Engineering Department, started to audit and update the parcel and street layers that had been digitized by a consultant using Arc/Info, made by ESRI, Inc.
The next year, in the Planning Department, a demographic planner started to compile what would eventually be the landuse database from various sources. These two individuals, working interdepartmentally, became the foundation of Ontario's GIS. As other departments became aware of the potential of GIS, it became apparent that the GIS needed to be centralized. A new division under Administrative Services was formed and the staff was moved over.
Also at this time, the City moved from a Prime minicomputer platform to a network of three Sun Workstations. PCs using a new program called ArcView started to access the data.
Little by little, piece by piece, Ontario's GIS became a true Enterprise GIS. Today, many other agencies visit Ontario to see the theoretical possibilities as a reality.
Ontario can boast of an enterprise GIS environment where geographical data acts as a foundation for many relational business process applications. Further, geographical data is being integrated with the tabular data of multiple business processes. The "Master Address" file serves as a common link for applications in Police, Building, Planning, Fire, Business License, Code Enforcement with applications in Public Works and Housing coming soon.
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