1968leocomeeatabite wrote:jdlessley wrote:The first is local government GIS sourcing ---
What is this?
For our purposes in discussing verification of household locations
GIS (geographic information system) is used by local government agencies to show geographic, building, and other related data on one map. In some areas, local municipalities, counties, and other agencies use this computer system to map streets, buildings, houses, and other man made structures overlaid on natural features. Some of those agencies make these GIS maps available to the public through their web sites free to the public. These GIS maps are quite accurate and are a good source to precisely locate an address without having to physically visit the address.
Some governmental GIS maps are easy to use while others seem to require a degree in GIS programming to understand or use. In more dense population areas where the local government agencies have financial resources to invest in GIS technology the resources they provide online are quite useful. In the more rural or economically limited areas the availability of government GIS online resources may be totally absent. My experience has been good in many of the areas I have lived.
Whether or not you want to pursue using governmental GIS maps to help verify household locations is dependent on the availability, the ease of use of those local GIS map resources, or even your own technology savvy .