Geographic Information System
A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a powerful
geographic database and mapping software that can be used at all levels
of both the public and private sectors. It consists of a map (layer), a
database of descriptive information (attributes), and a set of software
for mapping and performing complex spatial analysis. The components are
combined to enable the user to analyze and understand the spatial
relationships that exist in a given location, and to communicate the
results through maps and reports. GIS can become a common ground for
accessing and sharing information.
COGCNV continues to expand its GIS database. In
addition to displaying general base map information such as roads,
railroads, hydrography, and town boundaries, the GIS database is now
capable of providing maps displaying specific information for all of the
towns in the Central Naugatuck Valley Region, including detailed maps
featuring land use and soil type information, natural resource
constraints, open space, sewer and water service areas, and zoning.
A survey was conducted to gauge local support for
having COGCNV function as a GIS resource center for the region. If
implemented, COGCNV would manage, maintain, and update each
participating town’s GIS maps and databases. Based on survey results,
there appears to be support for establishing a resource center.
The map layer inventory now includes:
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Municipal boundaries
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Highways and roads
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Local bus and JobLinks routes
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Railroad tracks
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Zoning districts
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Land use
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Open space
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Soil suitability for development
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Utilities
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Public sewer and water service areas
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Aquifer areas
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Contours
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Drainage basins
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Floodplains
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Streams and water bodies
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Wetlands
2002 Projects
COGCNV updated maps for the Long-Range
Regional Transportation Plan and the Regional Plan of
Conservation and Development. COGCNV’s GIS files were used by the
towns of Beacon Falls, Cheshire, and Prospect for their Plans of
Conservation and Development. Maps were created for the towns of
Bethlehem, Cheshire, Southbury, and Watertown for DEP Open Space
Acquisition Applications. COGCNV organized and cosponsored a GIS
training course for municipal land use planners.
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