How is GIS Used in Land Development?
Geographic Information System:
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is used in land development to define existing locations and then present the design changes we make to show how they will occupy space in a project. It’s presented in map form. The native land characteristics (geographic data) are inserted and then the GIS software can present design suggestions spatially so that we can see what they look like on maps, complete with digital overlays.
Obviously this is computer driven software, so the engineer can insert any number of overlays to digitally show how they integrate with each other. If inconsistencies or design improvements can be made to fix potential problems or save on costs, the GIS can be invaluable. Whatever did we do before all this!
Where are GIS systems used?
The civil engineering firm and county/city planning departments are key areas in land development and they use GIS. Beyond that, almost any private business or industry that is interested in visualizing geographic details and how projected designs will occupy space can be a user. This combined process is called geospatial visualization. Being that the work product is in map form, the fundamental index of GIS is location-based and that means the first thing is to capture the exact latitude and longitude coordinates.
But how can I benefit?
Practical benefits of GIS:
The benefits of GIS fall into several areas that could benefit almost any industry, government, or business endeavor:
Enhance efficiencies that result in cost savings and improved profits.
Fact-based and integrated decision making.
Clear communication between departments and agencies.
Geographic data is stored permanently and is available instantly.
Historical design and decision pathways are available for review and modification.
In the very beginning I took a class from ESRI, one of the original innovators and learned about their ArcGIS System. Details on their product offerings can be found here:
ESRI:
https://www.esri.com/en-us/what-is-gis/overview
GIS in land development:
GIS is already heavily integrated into the government and civil engineering sectors. Even if a land developer is only mildly interested in the topic, he / she is going to be affected by it during project design and the entitlement process at a bare minimum. That’s good because the increased efficiencies and potential cost savings from GIS can make the land development process faster, more efficient and most of all, produce a better end product.
Stay safe!
Contact me at: ldr@landdevelopmentrealities.com
Blog photos courtesy of Unsplash.com - Thank you!
