Current Projects
- Geographic Information System
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Since 1992 the Schenectady County Department of Economic Development and Planning, with help from an Environmental Protection Agency grant, has been expanding its Geographic Information System (GIS). Our GIS, the Schenectady Internet Mapping System (SIMS), has grown into a state-of-the-art system with an extensive list of computer-generated data layers. SIMS is an important tool for County administrators - providing assistance with information requests, creation of maps and demonstrations for various projects. Through SIMS, the Department assists the County's E-911 system, Board of Elections, Public Health Services, Office of Real Property, Emergency Management Office, Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board, Watershed Board and other County agencies. The GIS staff also provide technical assistance to local municipalities, public organizations and private businesses within Schenectady County. Some of the issues studied with the GIS are economic development, land use and zoning changes, natural resource inventories, agricultural preservation and riverfront development. A public GIS application known as SIMS Lite is available, providing access to most of the data layers developed. This application can be accessed at http://www.simsgis.org/lite.
The GIS also provides a depository for historic and current digital aerial photographs and maps. Available maps include original maps created for specific planning studies, such as the Aquifer Protection Zones (PLATE 1), Agricultural Districts, Parks Inventory and other municipal-based maps. Some of these maps are available for distribution and may require a fee.
Related Links:
Cornell University Geospatial Information Repository
New York State Dept. of Transportation
- Environmental Advisory Council
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For more information, contact Charles Davidson, 518-388-4775
- Great Flats Aquifer
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The Great Flats, or the Schenectady Aquifer, is a unique groundwater resource and is one of the most productive aquifers in New York State. The Great Flats Aquifer serves as a reliable source of high quality drinking water for nearly 150,000 residents of both Schenectady and Saratoga Counties. On an average day, approximately 25 million gallons of water are withdrawn from the aquifer by the five Schenectady County municipalities listed below:
City of Schenectady
Village of Scotia
Town of Glenville
Town of Niskayuna
Town of Rotterdam