Geographical Information System

What is GIS?

GIS is generally an abbreviation for 'Geographical (or Geographic) Information System'. A GIS is computer system that allow persons who capture information to input, store, update, analyse and display the information as geographic data.'” Basically any type of geographical data can be stored in a GIS. The data may be social, economic, political, cultural and environmental. One of the benefits of GIS is that it allows us to explore connections between data. For Local Authority use it means that Departments can share and view data, for example the Planning Department will be able to access roads, sanitary services and environmental data this is known as a corporate GIS.

What is the function of GIS in the Council?

"To provide staff, members and customers of Sligo County Council with a comprehensive, user friendly, Geographical Information System (GIS). To instil a sense of ownership of data with all communities in County Sligo that will allow for greater public participation and hence providing more complete data that can be used for all policy making."