How Local Governments are Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Local Governments are increasingly focused on providing visibility and transparency to their citizens. Geospatial information systems (GIS) has proved to be a cutting-edge tool in allowing officials to capture and analyze data in a geographical format. Map applications provide municipalities with a way to engage and report issues in real-time.
Community Engagement Data Feedback Loop
Municipalities rely on citizens to alert agencies on non-emergency items through 311 reporting services. Comcate software enables agencies to establish a feedback loop with citizens by reporting service requests through web and mobile friendly portal.
Citizens can use cell phone cameras to send in pictures of abandoned vehicles, overgrown weeds, potholes and other community problems. The Comcate SaaS application then files the submission as a service ticket with the proper department in the municipality. GIS data aids code enforcement officers by showing the owner, parcel information and address data provided by assessor information.
Additionally, GIS data empowers municipalities to assess programs more thoroughly with the use of up to date addresses and owner information as well as the use of custom location fields. Recurring patterns in the city are easier to find by showing clusters of cases on the map within an area based on address.
GIS Improves Public Safety in Communities
Gathering crime tips is made easier with GIS. For cases of potential animal abuse, a concerned citizen would be able to notify animal control officers or police officers to check in on an animal as well as receive a follow up on action taken in the case. This allows for better coordination between officers and citizens. Sending property owners communications is as simple as clicking a button with preloaded owner information thanks to GIS. Your data will no longer be in multiple systems, saving municipalities time to focus on building more effective programs.
How to Make GIS Data Actionable
Simply adding geographic data to software is only one part of the equation. The goal is to give enforcement officers tools to perform their jobs safely and effectively. Officers have the ability to view property records and tax data prior to a code enforcement action and walk into situations better prepared knowing owner information. Case histories are available for addresses so if there were prior violations or actions taken, officers have full access to address information.
Comcate’s Geospatial Information System (GIS) Solution
Comcate has developed an integrated geographic information system that integrates seamlessly with our code enforcement and animal control software. Cities such as Lincoln, CA (population: 47,388), Marion, SC (population: 6,466), and Arvada, CO (population: 118,746) currently use Comcate’s GIS solution to provide municipalities with pre-loaded property data and visual maps.
Learn how Comcate can help make government delivery simple, and offer a modern digital experience to help you increase transparency, efficiency, and performance across your departments. If you have any questions about implementing our software, please schedule a meeting with our team, or call us directly at (415) 632-1248.