FAQs • Cumberland County • CivicEngage

Do I use GIS in my daily life, and what are some examples?: Most every person has used GIS. If you have ever used Google Maps/Bing for directions or Google Earth to look at any part of the country, then you have used a GIS-based application. Additionally, many local governments, including Cumberland County, offer web based services on the internet to assist citizens.

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GIS

1. Can I obtain GIS data or a paper map of my residence from the GIS department?: Countywide GIS data, and paper maps of specific parcels are available for purchase from the Property Mapping Department. Information for parcels can be accessed through the Property Mapper portal. The Cumberland County Visitors Bureau offers a free county map with major roads.

2. What can I do if the interactive applications do not work?: The best thing that can be done is to wait 15 minutes and try using the application again. If the application works after waiting, it was probably stopped by our department for maintenance. If the application is down for an extended period of time, please notify our office (toll free) at 888.697.0371 x6419 and we will promptly look into the cause.

3. What does GIS stand for, and what does it do?: GIS is a subdivision of Information Management that is concerned with the spatial relationships of people, places, and things. The GIS Department creates and maintains the County's geospatial database and maps.

4. Who uses GIS?: In addition to the various levels of government that use GIS to advance business decisions and improve the delivery of services, many other fields take advantage of this technology. Professionals in fields varying from utilities, engineering, health care, environmental concerns, and business development make use of this technology.

5. How does Cumberland County use GIS?: GIS supports the Department of Public Safety by developing the information that is used in dispatch of emergency services. GIS has also supported Planning with development of a zoning layer to better manage the growth within the county. Planning also uses GIS to support economic development, recreation, and farmland preservation. Vector Control uses GIS to administer the West Nile and Gypsy Moth programs in conjunction with the state. Conservation District uses GIS to support the Chesapeake Bay program, soil erosion control, and storm water management. Finally, Tax Assessment uses GIS to maintain a visual record of the tax base of the county.

6. Do I use GIS in my daily life, and what are some examples?: Most every person has used GIS. If you have ever used Google Maps/Bing for directions or Google Earth to look at any part of the country, then you have used a GIS-based application. Additionally, many local governments, including Cumberland County, offer web based services on the internet to assist citizens.

7. Is aerial photography available for the County?: Yes. The county currently has 1-foot pixel resolution color photography. These pictures were flown by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in April 2007. In 2016, imagery was flown by EagleView Technologies (Pictometry). This imagery is 9-inch resolution color photography. It is available on the
Property Mapper.

8. How often is the GIS data updated internally?: The data is completely updated at least once quarterly. Layers that require weekly maintenance are updated more frequently. Road Center-lines and Address Points are generally updated every two weeks if possible. The tax parcel line work and related annotation is updated every week. New attribute information for the parcels is posted monthly.

9. Is census data available in GIS format?: Yes. It is a part of the data available for purchase from Tax Mapping. You can look for specific facts about your community on the
U.S. Census Bureau's American Factfinder.