Greene County to get upgraded mapping systems
WAYNESBURG – The Greene County Commissioners awarded a $74,000 two-year contract to Pictometry International Corp. to upgrade the county’s mapping systems during their regular meeting Thursday. The program, which utilizes digital oblique and orthogonal pictures to map the county, will essentially replace old aerial photographs of the region, with the new, high-resolution photographs capturing every inch of the county from the air.
The photos, which are taken from angles rather than straight down as is common with aerial photographs, allow for a more realistic view of a given area, rather than shots from directly above, which often cast shadows and don’t depict other aspects of a region.
According to county budget director Scott Kelley, the program will play a pivotal role in nearly all aspects of county government with officials in planning and development, assessment, transportation and emergency services all eager to take advantage of the system.
“This is a really god price for what we are getting,” Kelley said. “This is something that can help in many situations and has many uses.”
Kelley used the example of an emergency situation in an area at night; the county can access the photographs of the region and specifically map out the routes needed or the area that needs to be cordoned off, depending on the case.
Kelley said additional topography maps and the county’s touted Geographical Information System will be integrated with the color photos to create an extremely accurate account of the county, measuring buildings and streets to within inches of precision.
He also used an example of a fire in the middle of the night and firefighters scrambling to find a hydrant. Kelley said the maps could pinpoint the closest hydrant to within feet of its actual location from the fire.
And Kelley and Chief Assessor H. John Frazier said the program will help with assessment needs, accurately capturing homes and properties across the county.
Kelley said the program will capture images from two sides of every area in the county, with images collected from north, south, east and west for urban and populated areas.
The photos will provide measurements of angles, distance, area, height and width of any structure or property and will allow county officials do comparative land-use studies and examine the proximity of new development to existing homes or buildings.
The pictures will be taken during winter, when all the leaves have fallen, but prior to the first snow of the season, Kelley said.
“I think this is a great opportunity for the county and will provide a valuable tool for many of our departments,” Commissioner Pam Snyder said Thursday. “In the end it will help us save money by cutting things like transportation costs and help with planning and assessment. It is a good thing to move the county forward.”
The program will be completed and available to all county departments early next year.