A Geographic Information System is best described as a computer system that analyzes and displays geographically referenced info.

The City of Ripon has been using California CAD Solutions Inc.’s GIS program to provide database information on a map.

Earlier this month, the Ripon City Council approved an amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with California CAD Solutions to incorporate public works maintenance activities as part of the GIS program.

The cost to add the maintenance activity software module along with the water valve maintenance to the GIS program was for the amount “not to exceed” $11,000 – the maintenance activity extension will be paid via the Water Operating Fund.

“Currently, the City’s GIS program displays parcel ownership, parcel size, tax assessment, and building size,” said Public Works Director James Pease in his Sept. 10 staff report. “Additionally, the GIS program displays utility information of the City’s water, sewer, storm, and street light infrastructure.”

He noted that the additional services provided with the initial scope included training staff on the new program coupled with training the I.T. Department staff on updating monthly property ownership information from San Joaquin County.

The GIS program has other capabilities.

Public Works staff, Pease said, would like to add overtime in order to track and plan for various utility infrastructure maintenance activities.

“Having this type of information available as part of the GIS program will improve the efficiency of the public works operations by eliminating hand written logs and utilizing a program that automatically flags the user when an activity is scheduled,” he added.