GIS and planning and zoning

One of the most important features of GIS is that it can make planning and zoning much more manageable. Existing data layers such as soils, floodplain boundaries, and undermined areas, can be used to make decisions about appropriate future development. Planning and zoning is not about telling people what to do with their land, it is about avoiding expensive mistakes both for the developer and the unit of government.

What about google earth?

Google earth and google maps are very useful, free maps. You can take data either direction. Either use google earth as your base map, and darw on it, or upload your finished maps to google earth and use it as your background.

Who can learn to do this stuff?

The first time you turn on your GIS, it will look very foreign, but with a day or 2 of training, most people can learn what they need to know to get a good start. No special talent or education is needed. Just be willing take the time to learn. Also, keep in mind that even if you can't remember how to do something, the fact that the software is capable of doing something is the first step in the learning process.

Mapping my information

You can map the information you want to track in 2 different ways. One way is to use a good base map such as aerial photos or USGS topographic maps and trace your features onto those. Another way is to get a downloadable GPS and collect the data on site. Down load the data and display it on your base map.

Data available

It seems like there is more and more data available on line for free all the time. Illinois Geospacial Data Clearinghouse has lots of data. USDA is another good source.

Difficulty of using GIS

GIS's are not really difficult to start using. It is sort of like playing golf or fishing. Once you get started, there is lots of room for improvement. At first you will likely be most concerned with making nice looking maps. This is the easy part. Data analysis can be done by displaying certain data and also by by looking at numbers statistically.

What are maps

Maps are a representation of what is actually on the ground. As we move into RTK and Survey grade maps, the get close to being what is actually on the ground. The user needs to determine how accurate the maps need to be.