Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GIS analyzes, organizes, stores and renders a rich body of information about a large variety of data in both graphical and textual format. This data is stored in layers that can be readily combined and superimposed on County maps to facilitate the planning, zoning, usage and governance of the valuable land resources in Howard County. This includes spatial indicators such as addresses, zip codes, topological features, census tracts and statistical zones. Such indicators are given location references that allow the data to be rendered in map form.

The GIS division provides data, tools, and technical assistance to almost every County agency. Technical assistance, programming and recommendations for standards are available to the many County departmental users who create and maintain data layers that are critical to their mission.

The extensive new GIS website makes a large variety of maps and mapping services available at:

http://www.howardcountymd.gov/maps