Accessing and Utilizing Luzerne County’s GIS Data and Mapping Services

Your Guide to Luzerne County GIS: Maps and Data Made Easy

Luzerne County’s Geographic Information System (GIS) offers a wealth of information about the area, presented through interactive maps. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to access and use these valuable resources, from finding property lines to requesting custom maps.

Getting Started with the Map Viewer

1. Access the Portal: Open your web browser and go to the Luzerne County GIS portal: gis.luzernecounty.org.

2. Initial Pop-up: You may encounter a “PLEASE READ THIS FIRST” window. Review it for important information regarding site usage. (Screenshot of pop-up window)

3. Navigating the Map: Use the “Extent Navigator” to zoom in and out, similar to other online map platforms. (Screenshot highlighting Extent Navigator)

4. Searching for Locations: Enter an address or place name in the “Search Bar” to pinpoint a specific location. (Screenshot highlighting Search Bar)

Exploring and Understanding Data Layers

1. Accessing the Layers List: Locate the layers list, typically found on the side of the map viewer. (Screenshot showing Layers List)

2. Turning Layers On and Off: Click on a layer’s checkbox to toggle its visibility. For example, activate the “Parcels” layer to view property boundaries or the “Roads” layer to see road networks. (Screenshot showing how to toggle layers)

3. Understanding Data Representation: Each layer corresponds to a specific dataset. The “Parcels” layer displays property lines, the “Zoning” layer reveals zoning regulations, and so on. (Screenshot showcasing different layers and their corresponding features)

4. Example Use Case: A real estate agent could enable the “Parcels,” “Zoning,” and “Schools” layers to gain a comprehensive overview of a property and its surroundings. (Screenshot of this combined layer view)

Requesting Custom Maps

1. Finding the Request Form: Look for a “Data Request” or “Map Request” link on the Luzerne County GIS website.

2. Filling Out the Form: Specify your requirements, including the area of interest, desired layers, and output format (digital or printed). (Screenshot or mock-up of the request form)

3. Understanding Potential Fees: Custom map creation may involve a fee. Consult the Luzerne County fee schedule for current pricing. (Link to the fee schedule, if available)

Troubleshooting Tips

• Map Not Loading: Refresh the page or check your internet connection.
• Missing Layer: Ensure the layer is enabled in the layers list.
• Search Issues: Verify the spelling and formatting of the address or place name.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: Is Luzerne County GIS data free? A: Accessing the online map viewer and basic data is free. Custom maps and specific data requests may incur fees.
• Q: How often is the data updated? A: Update frequencies vary by dataset. Refer to the metadata for each layer for specific details.
• Q: Can I download data? A: Data download availability depends on county policies and specific datasets. Look for a “Download” option or contact the GIS department for assistance. (Contact information for the GIS department)

Other Useful Resources

While the Luzerne County GIS portal is the primary source for local data, additional resources like CountyOffice.org and NEPA GIS may offer supplementary information. (Remember that these are third-party resources.)

Free GIS Resources: Options Beyond Luzerne County

Luzerne County provides several free GIS access points:

• Online Portal: Access property lines, owner names, and parcel IDs via gis.luzernecounty.org.
• Public Terminals: Use courthouse terminals for free access to basic and premium datasets during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:15 PM, excluding holidays).

Beyond Luzerne County, explore free options like QGIS, GRASS GIS (open-source software), online GIS platforms (with limited features), and public data sources like OpenStreetMap. See the table below for a quick overview:

Understanding GIS Data Collection

GIS gathers two main data types: spatial (location) and attribute (characteristics).

Spatial Data:

• Coordinates: Latitude and longitude pinpoint locations.
• Vector Data: Represents features as points, lines, and polygons.
• Raster Data: Uses a grid of cells (pixels) to represent continuous data like elevation or temperature.

Attribute Data:

Provides descriptive information about features:

Luzerne County leverages GIS to manage and provide public access to diverse data types, enhancing community understanding and informed decision-making. While much is understood about current GIS capabilities, future advancements might introduce new data types, further enriching possibilities.

Google My Maps vs. GIS: Choosing the Right Tool

While Google My Maps is useful for basic mapping tasks, it’s not a full Geographic Information System (GIS). My Maps excels at creating and sharing simple maps but lacks the analytical and data management power of a professional GIS.

Luzerne County PA GIS exemplifies a true GIS, providing public access to a wide array of geospatial data, including parcel information, physical features, and more. They also offer hardcopy maps, custom map creation, and data sales. For simple tasks, My Maps suffices. However, complex projects, especially those requiring spatial analysis, demand a dedicated GIS platform. Future research may blur the lines between these tools, but for now, understanding their distinct capabilities is essential. Similarly, Macomb County GIS, although not directly related to Luzerne County, can provide further context on the functionalities and applications of a robust GIS system.

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Lola Sofia

Hello, My love for writing is rivaled only by my passion for in-depth research. While many may skim the surface, I dive deep, seeking the hidden gems of information that give a story texture and depth. Every word I write is backed by hours of exploration, ensuring that my work is not just compelling, but also meticulously accurate. Join me on a journey where every piece is a deep dive into the realms of knowledge and storytelling.

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