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WHAT IS GIS?
Can you name anything that does not have geography? GIS is a gateway to analyzing and displaying this geographic data. GIS
is a technology used to solve geographic problems
concerning issues that can be spatially represented.
GIS personnel can use this technology to visualize, analyze,
manipulate, and display data in many ways including scientific investigation, resource
and infrastructure management, and development planning.
When you are at home and want to turn on the television or take a shower,
chances are a GIS is helping to insure delivery
of the electricity and water flow needed. If there is a failure in power or
water, then there is probably another GIS application being used to solve the
problem. Do you have that perfect vacation all planned out, but can't seem to
find the quickest route to your destination? Well, you can use online GIS
services like MapQuest to find these
routes and map them for you in a user-friendly manner.
This site is hosted by the Virginia Tech Library Maps and Government Documents Division
and provides data distribution services for local government. The Town of Blacksburg's data
are provided in both AutoCAD and ArcView formats. Viewing AutoCAD drawings requires the use of Volo View,
which can be downloaded through the link on the left side of this window. Volo View gives users the capability of zooming
and panning around an image to visualize data in more detail. ArcExplorer is free software provided by ESRI,
enabling query and printing of ArcView files. To download this software click on
the ArcExplorer
option on the left. For more information regarding this site, please contact Ed Brooks
or Katherine Smith.
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