What is GIS?Tulalip Map Layers

Geographic Information System (GIS) is a collection of computer hardware, software, and geographic data for capturing, storing, updating, manipulating, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically-referenced information.

Source: Dictionary of GIS Terminology, ESRI Press

All geographically-referenced information can be displayed on a map in the form of layers. Each layer depicts information about a topic of interest in a way that is user-friendly and easy to analyze. Therefore, maps can be utilized to improve decision-making processes through the visual representation of GIS data. 
(Click on image to enlarge)

How Is GIS Used?

Because a large part of the data we use on the Tulalip Reservation is linked to a geographic component (an address, a parcel, a road, etc.), GIS solutions will greatly contribute to the efforts to streamline operations. Utilizing GIS technology enables Tulalip departments and Board of Directors to extend the capabilities of the Tribes' existing information infrastructure. Consequently, we will be able to cut costs, enhance services, and allow various departments to operate as collaborative Tribal entities.

What Does the GIS Center Do?

The Tulalip GIS Center strives to improve decision-making processes, resource utilization, and cultural preservation through the efficient distribution of information (GIS data) among Tribal departments. These goals are realized through the creation of a central repository for validated GIS data that all departments can access easily, quickly, and securely.

The GIS Center Data Flow diagram below shows what the TDS GIS Center does. Raw data is received from both external data sources (left) and from internal data sources (right). The raw data is verified, cleaned, checked for errors and inconsistencies and is corrected. Approved data is stored in the enterprise database on the TDS server. The approved GIS data is offered on the GIS Center website. The TDS GIS Center manages and maintains GIS servers, GIS databases, GIS software, the GIS Center website, and all GIS data.

Many services are provided to the Tribes by the TDS GIS Center. These include data collection, document scanning, digitizing, map creation, plotting and database design and implementation. We also provide Custom reports and maps, custom applications, and training.  Please visit our GIS Services page for more information.(Click on image to enlarge)

Integrated Data Flow Diagram