The city of Southfield recently launched Destination
Southfield, a collection of Geographic Information
System (GIS) -based sites that provide up-to-date interactive maps and
information about city services, parks and polling locations at http://maps.cityofsouthfield.com/destinationsouthfield.
The city of Southfield has become one of the first communities in the
country to take advantage of Environmental Systems Research Institute’s (ESRI) new ArcGIS for Local Government common information model. ArcGIS for Local
Government includes a series of maps and apps built on a common information
model that are designed to work together across various city departments. This new GIS-based Internet mapping portal has
been integrated into the City’s existing GIS infrastructure to provide a wealth
of geospatial information, including core GIS tools, templates, and
applications. These new interactive maps and layers will help the City improve
operations and communicate more effectively with the public while saving both
time and money. Destination Southfield will also help to promote the growth of
existing business and attract new investments into the city while providing
vital information to citizens. Residents and nonresidents alike are now able to
view property ownership, zoning, voting districts, refuse and recycling
information and many other commonly used data layers.
The City of Southfield GIS Group most recently deployed
the apps and maps gallery template, Destination
Southfield, which includes the City’s existing application “City Map
Viewer” as well as the new applications “Polling Places” and “Parks & Rec
Finder” with future plans for additional apps to be added in the coming months.
The
City
Map Viewer application provides a wealth of geospatial information
to residents and businesses, supporting interactive public service delivery
around the clock. Resources like the City’s Map Viewer reflect the type of
investments Southfield is making to ensure a vibrant business climate
exists. This site helps promote the growth of existing business while
also attracting new investments into the city by providing vital information to
the community. Residents and nonresidents alike are now able to view property
ownership, zoning, voting districts, refuse and recycling information and many
more commonly used data layers 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.
The Election Polling Places application helps
citizens to locate their election polling place and obtain information about
current elected officials. This application is typically used by citizens
during an election season, although it can be used throughout the year as well.
To locate a polling place, simply click on the map or enter an address in the
search box. The polling place and respective voting precinct will then be
highlighted on the map and relevant information about the polling place will be
presented in two tabs at the bottom of the application. The application will
also provide directions from the searched address to the associated polling
place location.
The Park and Recreation Finder application
helps residents locate a park and obtain information about recreation
activities in the community. This application is typically used by residents in
a community; however, it can also be used by visitors to locate a park or
recreation area near them, or one that offers the activity they are interested
in. To locate a park, simply enter an address or activity in the search box.
The park(s) or recreation area(s) will then be highlighted on the map and
relevant information about available recreation activities are then presented
to the user.
For more information, contact GIS Coordinator Sally Price at
(248) 796-4814 or e-mail sprice@cityofsouthfield.com.