GIS and Information Technology

GIS Applications

MVPC’s GIS Program offers a well-rounded suite of applications to address municipal needs. With our overarching goal of providing technology-based solutions we have four primary methods to engage our audience. We offer MIMAP, customized mobile applications, story maps and Pictometry imagery, all integrated, synchronized and managed by the organization’s GIS staff.

MIMAP

MVPC envisioned an easier and more efficient way to access GIS data so we created MIMAP (Municipal Information Mapping Access Program). MIMAP is an internet-based GIS service that enables the user to access the wealth of GIS data archived at MVPC and through the state’s GIS office. Through this system, specific addresses are quickly located and information is retrieved. MIMAP provides a portal to access information such as assessment records, building permit history, Board of Health filings and orders of condition from Conservation Commissions. MIMAP also links to Pictometry imagery and Google streetview and has been an extremely popular program with nearly all MVPC communities enrolling annually.

Mobile Applications

Mobile Applications keep the data you want at your fingertips while out in the field. Whether you are using a smartphone or a tablet, mobile data collection allows you to create and edit data anywhere. There are many different uses for this technology, below are some examples of how MVPC has assembled mobile systems for our communities.

Department of Public Works (DPW)

MVPC has assembled a suite of mobile applications to manage city and town infrastructure for water, sewer, and drainage (stormwater) systems. These mobile applications allow staff to inventory the locations of system components and to record characteristics of each feature. Pictures of system features can also be stored and these systems can assist in day to day infrastructure management.

Regional Stormwater Application

Recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements for municipal stormwater permitting have created a high demand for a system that allows electronic recording of information. To better assist communities in maintaining compliance with EPA, MVPC created the regional stormwater management application for the Merrimack Valley. This mobile application is connected to reporting capabilities in MIMAP which allows users to generate work summaries for regulatory compliance.

MAMP with Pictometry

Figure showing Town of Newbury MIMAP with Pictometry imagery activated

The (name of) technology has been really helpful for our staff because it is easy to operate and reliable, The GIS folks from MVPC are always ready to help if we have any issues.

Utility Operation and Maintenance Applications

The GIS Program at MVPC has developed system to support the operation of utilities including the municipal electrical network, a restaurant inspector to help manage the elimination of fats, oils and grease for the sewer utility and a water system flushing application to manage unidirectional flushing for water departments. These are just a few examples of how mobile technology can lead to more efficient operation of utilities and better transparency with the general public.

GPS Vehicle Tracking

Merrimack Valley communities are under increasing pressure to maximize the efficiency of their operations. One newer technology municipalities are implementing is GPS (Global Positioning System) vehicle tracking. The new vehicle-based GPS tracking devices help manage vehicle routing during snow events but also provide real-time positioning that managers can use to better respond to emergencies. Because the GPS devices connect to vehicle information systems, they can also be used to alert preventative maintenance needs and provide input on vehicle performance.

Pictometry Oblique Imagery System

MVPC leads the country in acquiring and utilizing oblique angle aerial imagery. We proudly stake our claim to be the first regional agency nationwide to acquire Pictometry imagery for regional deployment. This imagery provides a unique, oblique-angle view from all four points of the compass. Many of our municipalities find Pictometry images to be an invaluable tool in their daily functions. From planning to public works, the ability to visualize and analyze any location, using unique views and angles, from the computer desktop is a unique resource.

Oblique refers to the angle at which an image is captured. Unlike traditional satellite (top-down) imagery, the planes capture high-resolution images at a 40-45 degree angle, rendering structures and objects easier to identify and analyze. By capturing images at this angle, Pictometry imagery reveals greater detail, enabling users to see different views of structures or areas and notice relevant details such as street lights, fire hydrants and other municipal infrastructure and is used as the base map for MVPC’s mobile applications.

Story Maps

MVPC story maps utilize text, high-resolution images, videos, mobile applications and interactive maps to tell the story of projects in the Valley. The themes come from a variety of disciplines including Annual Reports, Trail Mapping, Park & Ride Lots, Traffic Count locations and our most recent Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program. Find our story maps in the resources section of this website.

Interactive Storymaps

Storymaps are just one of the tools highlighted in our Resource Center.

MVPC’s GIS staff are trusted technology experts for the region.