NCJ Number
132275
Journal
Nine-one-one Magazine Volume: 4 Issue: 3 Dated: (May-June 1991) Pages: 26-28
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Geographic information systems (GIS) combine visual displays with data presentation and offer police agencies and other public safety organizations the opportunity for better management and control of resources, more timely and accurate information, the elimination of duplication and redundancy of records, and cost savings due to greater staff productivity.
Abstract
These systems link geographic information such as a street address with other information such as a history of recent incidents at that location or a list of hazardous materials known to be at that site. Users may query the database flexibly and receive answers in the form of maps, tables, text, or images. Prices of these systems vary, depending on the performance and uses. Many of the larger systems are more suited to the needs of an entire city or county than to those of a single agency. The cost of converting paper mats and data files into an electronic format must be considered in the planning. Careful planning, attention to security issues, and the use of a pilot project are all needed during the development of a GIS program. Photographs