GIS Information Now Available on the Internet
Mapped
information on New Jersey's land use, streams, regulated facilities and
other features is now available at no cost over the Internet. Data stored
on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Geographic
Information System (GIS) are available through a new web page designed
to introduce the public to the many uses of GIS.
"With GIS everyone can have access to the same environmental
and demographic information on any area in the State, to see how different
geographic patterns are related to each other. Prospective homeowners,
students, officials and others interested in a local area can view a wide
variety of information to support wise decision making," said DEP Commissioner
Bob Shinn.
One of the functions of the web page is to introduce GIS
technology to those not already using GIS. The public can use GIS directly
on the Internet through interactive mapping applications. Two applications
are currently available. The first application displays mapped information
about two Watershed Management Areas -- the Rancocas, and the Upper Passaic,
Whippany and Rockaway. The second application displays the locations of
regulated facilities in each New Jersey county. The public also can use
GIS technology locally on a computer by downloading free GIS data viewers
from sites linked to the DEP GIS web page, and by downloading GIS data
from the web page itself.
A major goal of the web page is to give experienced GIS
users access to DEP's GIS data. Many New Jersey organizations have purchased
GIS software and DEP GIS data. DEP offers agreements for free GIS software
to nonprofit environmental organizations and county libraries. By making
GIS data freely available over the Internet, those experienced in GIS
will have immediate access to DEP's spatial information. The GIS data
will be fully documented, so the public will know if the information they
wish to use is current and accurate.
Other information included on the web page includes DEP's
GIS newsletter, meeting and workshop announcements, links to other state,
federal and educational GIS web sites, a question and answer forum, a
description of DEP's standards for GIS data, and information for ordering
DEP GIS data stored on CDs. Last month DEP announced the availability
of CDs that store new statewide aerial photographs compatible with GIS,
and having resolutions down to one meter. The photographic images are
divided into seven CDs for different areas of the state. These and other
CDs that store DEP GIS data are available for purchase for $30 each through
DEP's Maps
and Publications Office at (609) 777-1038. The web page
address is http://www.state.nj.us/dep/gis.
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