Posted on March 05, 2007:
The Commissioners of Leonardtown are making preparations to begin computer based mapping of its public utilities and other assets. The Town, with the use of a dedicated computer workstation, GPS receiver, and software purchased through a generous grant from the Department of Homeland Security, plans to establish a GIS (Geographical Information System) for the Town. Its first task will be the mapping and data collection of a fire hydrant system with the assistance of students from the James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, under instructor Christiana Daley, who are currently enrolled in the GIS elective class. Each student will be issued a traffic safety vest and a handheld GPS receiver, along with letters of explanation for interested or curious citizens. This cooperative effort will hopefully be the start of allowing students to hone their GIS skills in real world conditions while assisting the Town coming into the 21st century in asset management. Information that will be incorporated into the resulting GIS database, such as age, condition, and maintenance history, along with exact position, will eventually be part of a computer based system that will enable the Town to not only locate easily, but best manage these extremely important assets. GIS is recognized as the cutting edge in infrastructure management for municipalities and plans for its expansion to cover other areas, such as the water and sewer systems planned for this summer. Further information can be obtained from the Town’s Capital Projects Coordinator, Mark Grant at 301-475-9791. |