A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a network of computer software, hardware, spatial data, procedures, and personnel. This network is primarily used to collect, manipulate, analyze, store, and present information that is linked to a location on the earth's surface. The power of a GIS lies in its ability to uncover spatial relationships and patterns within data that may not be revealed using other methods.

Simply put, a GIS combines layers of spatial data with database information. This combined information pertaining to a place can give a better understanding of the location and its background. A city often looks at parcel maps combined with parcel profile information to quickly view where a property lies on a map in reference to its surroundings, owner information, address data, permits, crime statistics, square footage, zoning, land use, and so on. This type of analysis assists a city with citizen complaints, redevelopment opportunities or just a simple citizen mailing notification. Today, GIS technology plays an ever-increasing role in the decision-making process for a variety of governmental agencies, commercial businesses, and educational institutions.

The City of West Sacramento has chosen ESRI's ArcIMS platform for publishing and distributing GIS data through a web browser. Using ArcIMS technology, our city is providing a wide range of location-based data and services over the Internet. Public access to our GIS maps are provided by the city. The City of West Sacramento has standardized on ArcIMS 9.1, Macromedia ColdFusion, Microsoft SQL Server, and the ArcIMS ColdFusion Connector. For more detailed information pertaining to ArcIMS please visit ESRI's website.

The City of West Sacramento now supports our GIS Applications with Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher, Mozilla Firefox 1.5, and Opera 8.51. It is also suggested that Adobe Acrobat 6.0 or higher be installed, and a monitor resolution of 1024x768 or higher be used.

Public access to our GIS maps are provided by the city using our Internet mapping applications. Currently, digital GIS files of the city can be downloaded from the GIS Downloads page. Data can also be obtained by E-mail at gis@cityofwestsacramento.org or call 916.617.4520. Please ask to speak with the GIS Specialist.

The GIS program is centered in the Information Technology Division of the City Manager's Office. You may contact the GIS Specialist at gis@cityofwestsacramento.org or call 916.617.4520.