Enabling an Informed, Engaged Public
Web-based mapping can provide an easy, low-cost solution to data access challenges. It is an ideal
method of providing information to a large number of people around the clock. Web access can also
reduce the amount of time government employees spend filling simple information requests, freeing
them up for other tasks. The challenge with new online technology is promoting its existence,
educating the public on its uses and benefits.
Wayne County and the City of Richmond introduced a website for viewing GIS map layers. When
Wayne County officials decided to promote community awareness through "GIS Days," they planned a
number of activities, including an open house, a front-page article in the local paper, and presentations
to elementary school students. The events had a tremendous impact on the public's use of the site. The
number of new visitors increased 1,200% per week. And over the next 6 months, the average number of weekly
logins was up 150% compared to the prior 6 months.
As a result of GIS Days, members of the public learned the value of online GIS, and integrated it
into their lives and business practices. One case typifies the results. A local engineering firm
attended the open house in Wayne County. After learning about its potential, the company requested
copies of the GIS data from the County. It is now used in their Hagerstown office, where it has
become an important decision-making tool for development projects.
According to one Wayne County Commissioner, "GIS has always provided answers to our questions. In this
time period we need to be making decisions with the most information available."
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