 | Vol. 4 No. 2 Fall 1996 |
| A Newsletter About New Jersey's Water Quality Programs |
From environmental consultants and planners to real estate appraisers and prospective homeowners, all types of people may be interested in the different uses of this sophisticated data. Someone looking to buy a home, for example, could view an area of interest showing wetlands, known contaminated sites, flood prone areas, schools, and industries. Businesses interested in expanding can choose locations that meet their needs, while simultaneously steering clear of environmentally sensitive areas or land unsuitable for development.
To use the information on the CD-ROMs, individuals or organizations need access to a tool known as the Geographic Information System or GIS. GIS is a computer mapping technology that provides the means to create a comprehensive visual inventory of a site along with the ability to query maps and associated data. This tool, coupled with the rich database developed by the DEP, enable the review of environmental factors affecting any geographic location within New Jersey.
The DEP has been using GIS for ten years and has established cooperative partnerships with many outside organizations. County governments, for example, are now adding local information to the network and helping to coordinate GIS efforts at the municipal level. At present, 18 of 21 New Jersey counties are using GIS, and the DEP plans to have all counties "up-and-running" by the end of this year.
Over the past several years, GIS has become more popular as a mapping and analysis tool. As a result, the DEP has established over 300 cooperative agreements with outside agencies, academia, industry, consultants, and non-governmental organizations. These agreements outline a framework for the two-way sharing of information and require certain minimum mapping standards. Planners, consultants, realtors, and appraisers are a few of the types of groups that can benefit by the increased availability and usability of this information.
Another group taking advantage of GIS technology is the environmental, nonprofit community, a sector historically left behind when it comes to acquiring new technology simply because of budget limitations. Now, through an innovative partnership with the software vendor, nonprofit groups can apply for free GIS software. As part of this partnership, the vendor, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), has agreed to donate up to 500 copies of ArcView software, a user friendly desktop mapping software. NJDEP has agreed to coordinate the program and make the software available. Any nongovernment organization interested in participating in this software donation program must obtain a computer, receive training, and agree to seek out partnerships and share data. For further information, contact the Office of Information Resources Management at (609) 777-1340.
The information available on CD-ROM is divided into three disks. Southern New Jersey (Volume 1) covers Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties. Central Jersey (Volume 2) covers Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Somerset counties. The Northern CD (Volume 3) covers Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties. In addition, each of the CDs includes a number of data sets that cover the entire state. A listing of the data sets on each CD and information regarding the hardware and software required to view and analyze this data is available from DEP's Maps and Publications Sales Office. The data provided on this 3 - CD-ROM set is fully compatible with the ESRI ArcView software.
Disks may be purchased for $30 each by mailing a check or money order (payable to Treasurer, State of New Jersey) to: Department of Environmental Protection, Maps and Publications Sales Office, CN417, Trenton, NJ 08625-0417. Please order by volume number and name. CDs may also be purchased in person by visiting the sales office located in the Carroll Building at 428 East State Street, Trenton. For more information, call the Maps Sales Office at (609) 777-1038. If you have any general questions about GIS, please call the GIS Help Desk at (609) 777-0672.