What is 'GIS', anyway? The term 'GIS' is an abbreviation for 'Geographic Information System'. A GIS is used to visualize and analyze geographic features and data related to them. This is accomplished using specialized computer software and data. The term GIS has become loosely used to
encompass software, data, analysis, and maps related to computerized mapping and geographic analysis.
Dakota County's GIS efforts began in 1987 the collection and organization of parcel maps. At the same time, a partnership was formed with the eleven major cities in Dakota County and with the Dakota Electric Cooperative to contract for aerial photography to be flown in order to create maps all roads, buildings, water, and other physical features. Other geographic data were also collected from a variety of existing maps and government sources. These included the Dakota County Geologic Atlas, the National Wetland Inventory, the Soil Conservation Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States Census Bureau, and others.
This information is available now at Dakota County for use in a variety of applications including planning, analysis, and other map-related functions. The software also allows for other information that has a geographic element to be integrated and relationships with other geographic data analyzed. The Office of GIS makes the data available in many different ways, including through this web site. Data can also be obtained in person at the
Western Service Center in Apple Valley.