05/26/2016
NEW CITYWIDE
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
WEBSITE AVAILABLE
Sarasota, FL: A new website featuring an array of detailed information about the City of Sarasota including the location of utility lines, bike paths, neighborhood associations, emergency shelters, and more is now available on the City of Sarasota website www.SarasotaGov.com. To get started, click the round ‘GIS’ icon on the left side of the homepage.
Known as GIS, this geographic information system provides extensive information in a layered mapping format at no cost. The Utilities Department, in cooperation with the Information Technology Division and other departments, developed the website in order to increase staff efficiency and improve asset management.
“It’s similar to Google Earth – but, the user can search for information specific to the City of Sarasota,” said Susan Blake, Infrastructure Information Coordinator with the Utilities Department. “As we were developing this GIS site for City of Sarasota staff to use, we considered how the public could use it as well. We receive quite a few phone calls from construction contractors, engineers, and architects wanting information about the size of water lines, fire hydrant locations and other utility issues. So, this information being easily accessible on the internet will be very useful for staff and the public.”
Multiple search categories, called layers, are available including: Utilities, Public Works, FEMA/Emergency, Neighborhoods, and Community Interest. Within each layer, more layers provide further detailed information on the map.
“Layers upon layers of information are available,” said Ms. Blake. “Just within the Utilities category you can locate the potable water, reclaimed water, and wastewater networks, manholes, laterals, lift stations, water meters, fountains, and a lot more. City of Sarasota crews working in the field with a mobile device will be able to retrieve information without having to return to the office. So, this will result in a more efficient use of time.”
As new information becomes available, the website will be updated. Plans also are in the works to add more ‘Community Interest’ layers.
For more information please contact Susan Blake, Infrastructure Information Coordinator: 941-365-2200 ext. 6212.
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About the City of Sarasota: Distinguished by Google as a Digital Capital in the U.S., the City of Sarasota is a diverse community located on Florida’s Suncoast with 53,000 year round residents, several internationally recognized cultural arts venues, stunning sunsets along Lido Beach, a 45-hole municipal golf course at the historic Bobby Jones Golf Club, and Major League spring training baseball with the Baltimore Orioles. Learn more about us at www.SarasotaGov.com
www.SarasotaGov.com
