Ogle County GIS

FAQ

What is a GIS?

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is an information management system using geographic information (address, zip code, tax ID no., Twp. & Range, voter district, etc) to link digital maps to other digital maps, digital maps to data, and data to other data. For more detailed information see our 'what is gis?' page.

Isn't that and GPS the same thing?

GPS is short for Global Positioning System. GPS is a method of surveying by using satellites instead of levels and transits.

What information will be available in digital format?

The eight layers of information maintained by the GIS Committee will be digital orthophoto, parcels, soils, survey control, addresses, street centerlines, zoning/jurisdictional limits, and planimetrics (10' contours).

Isn't a GIS very expensive?

Creation of a GIS is very similar to purchase of a car. A buyer pays for features/options they feel are necessary. A Chevrolet with fewer options than a Buick will cost less than the Buick. A Buick with fewer options than a Cadillac will cost less than the Cadillac. Based upon input from potential users, a Buick was the GIS of Choice for Ogle County.

How will it benefit us?

-Maintain information in digital format, easier to update, manage, query
- Opportunity to examine existing data/information management systems
- Easier method of facility inventory: Water, Sewer, Streets
- Ability to link maps to perform analysis
- Analyze features to promote Economic Development
- Analyze features to plan development
- Analyze effects of 'what if' scenarios
- Promote regional planning and correspondence

What will it cost us to participate?

A fair share cost was calculated using the number of parcels within a municipality. The number of parcels was used to calculate this number since the parcel map is the most costly single layer.

What kind of reduced cost for use of the GPS equipment or GIS technical assistance is there for becoming a Foundation Member?

The rental cost of the equipment and the hourly cost of the technical assistance will be reduced by 50%. Initially, the technical staff would be available 50/50 between Foundation and Primary members.

What is the cost to become an Active Member?

The minimum annual cost is $1,000. The member will receive annual updates and GIS newsletter mailings. There are no voting rights available to an Active Member.

When will the annual billing take place?

In January each entity will be billed for that calendar year.

If we sign-up in June of this year, will the annual fee be prorated?

No. The purpose of the agreement is for several agencies to jointly cooperate to develop a better product, more quickly than any individual entity could on their own. The process of developing the product has already begun.

If we cancel our membership, how is the annual payment prorated?

Should your organization choose to cancel it's membership during a year, the organization will continue to receive the information agreed to in the membership agreement throughout the prepaid year. No reimbursement will be made.

What will it cost to keep this system updated once it is functional?

It is anticipated that the GIS Committee will have one or two full time employees. The cost for these employees and necessary digital updates is anticipated to be approximately $125,000 per year over ten years. Remember, a portion of the cost of the staff will be borne by the users of that staff.

Can't I just get this information already through FOI?

If the information you request is protected through privacy laws, or if it is possible to obtain, you can get the information you request in paper form.

What is going to happen to the project if not enough organizations sign up?

Currently the County Board has voted to fund the first year of the project up front with reimbursement from participating agencies to help offset initial costs. Should there not be enough participants to continue the necessary funding stream, the project will not be continued, or be continued at a vastly lesser degree.

Is now the right time for this with all the layoffs happening?

When would be the right time? We have discussed this off and on for 8 years. The technology has gotten better and less expensive over the years. In addition, the wireless 911 system will require the use of GPS technology. This 911 system is to be in place by 2002.

How have privacy issues been addressed?

All the information available from this project is already available to the public. The GIS Committee will monitor this item for further action as necessary.

Why do we have to pay to participate? We already pay County taxes.

A project of this type will be a benefit to any agency using it and a project of this magnitude is also expensive. By sharing the cost among all the potential users, the cost to implement such a beneficial project becomes bearable and can be implemented earlier.

Will additional layers be added to the Framework eight?

That will be a decision made by the voting members of the GIS Committee at a later date.

Ogle County Government