The Office of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is responsible for the development, maintenance, access, and distribution of geographic information and related services. The Office of GIS works closely with various departments to continue the acquisition and development of new and useful data and GIS Layers.

A Geographic Information System is a system for management, analysis, and display of geographic knowledge to determine information. A map is only a single component of GIS-the power of GIS is in the information that can be determined with spatial relationships. A GIS is the combination of software, data, spatial information, and personnel that can produce information to best answer specific questions, and it also allows the user to share that information with others. By visualizing relationships, connections, and patterns in data, the user can make informed decisions and increase eficiency throughout the organization.

Please go to esri.com for more in-depth information.