GIS at the CPDC
What is GIS?
A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer aided mapping and spatial analysis environment, consisting of computers, hardware, software, spatial data, and users. GIS uses computers and software to leverage location in data analysis, taking the numbers and words from the rows and columns in databases and spreadsheets and putting them on a map, in geometric relationship to other features on the face of the earth. Placing data on maps, for example, can highlight where a retailer's customers live or the locations of multiple leaks in water systems for water authorities. It allows examination, understanding, questioning, interpretation, and visualization of data in ways not possible when data is merely compiled in a spreadsheet or a graph. With data on a map, more questions can be answered. Users can ask where, why, and how, all with the location information on hand. This facilitates better decision making by including geography and spatial analysis in the process.
How does the CPDC use GIS?
GIS is used at the Commission to support transportation and environmental planning, economic development, demographic and economic analysis, redistricting, and ad hoc mapping and analysis for various state, regional, and local organizations and agencies.
The CPDC also provides consultation to member localities that are undertaking GIS development projects, have GIS questions, or want to know what is happening in GIS at other federal, state, regional, and local agencies.
What kind of data does the CPDC use?
While the CPDC produces little original data, it has compiled spatial data covering the Crater District from a wide variety of federal, state, local, and private sources.
Click below for a listing of spatial data held by the CPDC. Unless restricted from doing so by license or other agreements, the Commission will share its data with those requesting it.
| Data Source | Features |
|---|---|
| Virginia Department of Transportation
Digital County Map Series |
VDOT Maintained Roadways (Cartographic) Highways (Cartographic) Hydrology Landmarks Rail Power Transmission Lines Political Boundaries |
| Census Bureau TIGER Line Files |
Census Blocks (90 & 00) Census Tracts (90 & 00) Block Groups (90 & 00) County Boundaries (90 & 00) Designated Places (90 & 00) County Census Divisions (90 & 00) Voting Districts Hydrography (Arc & Poly) Roads Rail Lines Landmarks (Point & Poly) Traffic Analysis Zones Urban Areas Consolidated Cities School Districts (E, M, S & U) CMSA/MSA Congressional Districts (106th & Current) State Legislative Districts (Upper & Lower) |
| Geographic Data Technology Community Update Program |
Streets
(GIS Network) Highways Hydrology Rail Institutions Landmarks Parks Political Boundaries ZIP Code Boundaries Recreational Features Census Blocks |
| US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) |
Soils Data (Somewhat Raw) |
| US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)
National Wetlands Inventory |
Wetlands |
| Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) | Water & Sewer Lines (diam> 8+ inches) Water & Sewer Facilities Available Industrial Sites Available Industrial Buildings Enterprise Zones General Aviation & Commercial Airports Public Grade Schools Higher Education Institutions Landfills Hospitals DOQQ & Quad Grid Indices Public Golf Courses State Correctional Facilities |
| US Geologic Survey (USGS) | Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quads (1994) Digital USGS Topographic Quad Sheets |
| National Geographic Society | TOPO! High Resolution USGS Topo Quad Sheets |
| Virginia Geographic Information Network (VGIN) | SPOT 30m Satellite Imagery (Captured '98 - '01) |
| Federal Communications Commission (FCC) | Licensed Cellular Communications Towers |
| Prince George County | County boundaries Easements Zoning Parcels RMA & RPA Hydrography Septic pump out areas |
| Greensville County | 1" = 200' Urban Color Digital Orthophotography 1" = 600' Rural Color Digital Orthophotography Althletic & recreational fields Bridges & overpasses Cemeteries Driveways Building footprints (1"=200') Building points (1"=600') Election districts Jurisdictional boundaries Landmarks Landfills Land use Railroads Magisterial districts Wetlands Parcels Parking lots Rights of way Road Centerlines (with address ranges) Runways School districts Soils State legislative districts Storage tanks (above ground) Subdivisions Traffic analysis zones Utility easements Utility towers Zip code boundaries Zoning districts Water and Sewer lines Fire hydrants |
Who do I talk to at the CPDC about GIS?
Mark J. Bittner, GIS / IT Manager
1964 Wakefield St
PO Box 1808
Petersburg, VA 23805
804.861.1666
mbittner@craterpdc.org
