What is GIS?
A GIS, or a Geographic Information System, is a primarly computer based system that allows users to overlay different layers of information such as city streets, parcels, floodplains, and sewer and water mains to determine what, if any, relationship exists between these objects. Nearly everyone who has used the Internet has used a GIS. A couple of popular Internet GIS applications include Mapquest© found at www.mapquest.com and Expedia© found at www.expedia.com
How can GIS help me?
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What can we expect from GIS in the future?
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IS GIS GPS?
No. GIS and GPS are two different technologies, but compliment each other in the same goal; to accurately map all of the city's infrasturcture. GPS is a constellation of satellites that orbit the Earth, sending signals back to hand held receivers, which calculate your position on the Earth. This location is in the form of Latitude and Longitude coordinates (Garmin and Trimble, both manufacturers of GPS hand held receivers have websites with more in depth content on GPS on their websites, http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGPS/ and http://www.trimble.com/gps/ respectively.)
GIS uses these Latitude and Longitde coordinates in a computer program to accurately and precisely map out different features found in the real world.
Can GIS help me with property boundary disputes?
No. While GIS is an accurate technology, it is unable to determine property boundary locations in the city. You must hire a professional land surveyor to determine the location of your property lines.
Can GIS help me locating water taps, sewer stubs, and benchmarks?
We are constantly working on accurately locating all of your water taps and sewer connections. While we do not have a precise location for every connection, our databases are being updated constantly with new information. Please come into City Hall to ask to see our Water Atlas and our Sanitary Sewer Atlas, and help you determine where your connection is located.
NOTE: All connection to City Water Mains must be approved by the Public Works and Building Department. All connections to City Sanitary Sewer Mains and Storm Water Mains must be approved by the Public Works and Building Departments, and by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. Please contact City Hall for further details.
Do you have maps available for purchase?
Yes! We have several maps in a range of sizes. You can find a list and prices of the maps we sell below. All of our maps are available for purchase at City Hall during normal business hours.
We can also generate specific maps upon request. To make a special request, please come into City Hall during normal business hours to complete a Special Request form. Your maps and any data will be available at City Hall, during normal business hours, in paper form, 48 hours after the request has been made.
As of this time, the only special requested maps that we offer are Floodzone maps of one specific property.
- Floodzone Map (per property)
| $25.00 |
This map includes the latest adopted floodplain data available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The map will display an aerial photograph of the entire property, overlaid by any property boundaries, 100-Year Floodplain boundaries, 100-Year Floodway boundaries, and/or 500-Year Floodplain boundaries for the property if applicable. |
More information
If you have any questions, or would like more information on the city's GIS system, please contact the division at (708) 598-3400.
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