What is GIS?

GIS is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, manipulating, analyzing and displaying data related to positions on the Earth's surface. Typically, a Geographical Information System is used  for handling maps of one kind or another. These might be represented as several different layers where each layer holds data about a particular kind of feature.  

Each feature is linked to a position on the graphical image on a map and a record in an  attribute table. GIS can relate otherwise disparate data on the basis of common geography, revealing hidden patterns, relationships, and trends that are not readily apparent in spreadsheets or statistical packages, often creating new information from existing data resources

Hidden in most data is a geographical component: an address, postal code, census block, city, county, or latitude/longitude coordinate. With GIS, you can explore the spatial element of your data to display soil types, track crime patterns, analyze animal migration patterns, find the best location for an expanding business, model the path of atmospheric pollution, and make decisions for many types of complicated problems.

B-GIS Billerica Geographic Information System   

In 2002, the Department of Public Works Engineering Division managed the startup and development of the Town's GIS. The project was initiated in conjunction with EPA's stormwater mapping requirements under the Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. The Engineering Division contracted with GIS professionals for the Town's preliminary GIS data development, roadway inventory, zoning map, and a parcel map.

Over the past five years, the Department of Public Works has continued to expand its GIS data collection and services, recently adding both sewer and water infrastructure layers to our base-maps. We are currently in the process of updating our roadway inventory layers, which will enhance our ability to plan and develop roadway maintenance and improvements in the future.

In 2008, the Town of Billerica and seven other neighboring communities, in partnership with the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG), contracted Pictometry International Corp. to provide new orthoimages of the town. These photos were taken in April and November of 2008 and are currently in use by many town offices.

The Department of Public Works Engineering Division continues to expand and improve its GIS capabilities.  Look to our GIS web pages for updates and for new maps and images.

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact the GIS Analyst at (978) 671-1303 or click here to contact us by email.