What is GIS?
A geographic information system (GIS) is comprised of computer hardware, software, data, and people to collect, organize, and analyze data spatially in a map. Each collection of data is stored in a table and displayed as a graphic layer. These layers can be viewed individually or in relation to other layers.
View an example of layers (PDF)
How does CPS use GIS?
CPS currently uses GIS to assist with a variety of tasks: school site selection, tracking development, attendance zone adjustments, analyzing student demographics, creating bus routes, and generating digital floor plans. At the Map Center, you can see the following two types of GIS applications: (1) the attendance zone maps are static maps generated from GIS, and (2) the address lookup tool is an interactive map site that allows users to see where their residential address and assigned schools are geographically located.
The following links to see how Chesapeake Public Schools is using GIS:
Wall-size map of the attendance zone for Carver Intermediate School (PDF)
Chesapeake Public Schools GIS Web Apps
What are some other GIS sites?
If you are interested in learning more about GIS, below are some additional websites for you to explore.
https://onlinegrad.syracuse.edu/blog/gis-data/
Syracuse University GIS Resources
www.esri.com
ESRI makes the software that CPS uses for GIS.
www.gis.com
ESRI sponsors this Intro to GIS site.
Map Center website
This is the Chesapeake Public Schools Map Center web page.
https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/government/city-departments/departments/Information-Technology-Department/gis/maps.htm
The Map Gallery for the City of Chesapeake’s GIS Department.
https://www.google.com/earth
Google now has software you can download to explore aerial and satellite imagery.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/unlikely-history-origins-modern-maps-180951617
An article from the Smithsonian about the unlikely history of the origins of modern maps .
www.gisday.com
Join us in our annual celebration of GIS Day!