Frequently Asked Questions

A GIS is a computerized system for managing large amounts of information that is geographically referenced (related to a geographic location). A GIS integrates hardware, software, geographic data, database tables and personnel to efficiently capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze and display all forms of geographically referenced information.

A GIS can support many areas of work with virtually unlimited information compatibility. In addition to using GIS to create maps of Sidney, our GIS is used as a tool to support decision making areas such as planning, design, maintenance, repair and emergency response. It allows city staff to work faster with increased efficiency and accuracy while providing improved decision making capability.

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. A GPS consists of three parts: The 24 satellites orbiting the Earth, a portable receiver that you carry and the control center that is responsible for maintaining the satellites. A GPS receiver uses the satellites to collect position data on Earth (like latitude and longitude coordinates). You can output the data from the GPS to a file which then can be imported into a GIS. Once in the GIS, the data can be mapped to show the position of data. GIS uses GPS data to locate objects and collect information. The city uses GPS to locate objects such as street lights, signs, curbs, bus stops, etc. and brings that information into the GIS for analysis and mapping.