First District assists governmental entities and nonprofit groups in the development and implementation of community/economic development projects. Applications are prepared and administered through many programs in order to implement various projects.

Services we provide:		GIS Data Available:
GPS data collection		Road Centerlines
Map digitizing and map generation		Section Lines
Comprehensive GIS planning and implementation		Contour Lines
Parcel mapping		Aerial Photos (DOQQs)
GIS data creation and integration		USGS Topographic Maps
Rural addressing and maintenance		Lakes and Streams
Internet Mapping		Aquifer & Flood Data

See examples of these products

What is GIS?
GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems, which is a computer program that can create and manage a geographically referenced database. Most information blocks (databases) contain information that can be located on the earth's surface; for example, a phone book contains names and addresses as well as phone numbers. A paper map can show locations, but a GIS can link all the phone book information to locations on a computerized map.

GIS layers can be stacked on top of each other. This means that if one agency is working on a hydrology map (lakes and streams) and another agency is creating a road map, the two overlaid will match up geographically. A user can create as many layers as they need.

The information provided in these map layers (called coverages) is a valuable tool for policy makers. For example, planning and zoning personnel could use a map layer containing structures combined with ownership parcels to assess property values. School districts can use a road layer combined with a structure layer to design better school bus routes. Rural water cooperatives can use a pipeline GIS layer to locate shut-off valves, or even probable leak spots.

How can we use GIS to help you?
First District is a GIS data clearinghouse with a wide variety of data available to entities in the private sector, county government and local government. This data ranges from road centerlines to geographically referenced aerial photos (called DOQQs). The District specializes in creating GIS data, which is done by digitizing paper maps, heads-up digitizing using other digital data as a reference, or even by utilizing Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology to collect data in the field. Assistance in GIS data analysis and printing of high quality thematic maps that can be easily reproduced is available at the First District; as well as experienced planners and executors of GIS systems to provide training for end users.