The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Applications and Mapping Services Unit was formed in late August of 1992 as a branch of the former EMA/Public Works/Survey - currently known as the OC Public Works (OC Public Works)/OC Survey.

This unit uses advanced analysis concepts and methods to identify geographic patterns and relationships in the data, and to answer questions about the reality they represent.  Results are presented in visually appealing exhibits that use an array of advanced cartographic methods to display large and often complex numerical findings.  Examples of the list of clients requesting GIS analysis and/or mapping services include:

The Orange County Board of Supervisors OC Public Works Executive Management Management Services Operations and Maintenance Flood Program Design Transportation OC Community Development

Environmental and Project Planning Services Current Planning Services Building Inspection Services Integrated Waste Management District Orange County Transportation Authority Housing and Community Development Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) The Private Sector

Projects

The following items are examples of principle GIS analysis and mapping projects, which require quality control and maintenance of thematic data sets currently existing in the GIS application database:

•      County, State, and Federal Representatives Mapping
•      SONGS Emergency Planning Map
•      OC Waste & Recycling - Franchise Area Mapping
•      OC Sheriff - Code Enforcement Mapping
•      Health Care Agency - Clinics Mapping
•      Housing & Community Services - One Stop Partner Locations
•      OC Flood - Flood Channel Mapping
•      LAFCO - South County Unincorporated Communities Mapping
•      California Coastal Cleanup Mapping
•      Housing & Community Services - Census Tract Analysis and Mapping
•      Operations & Maintenance - Construction Permit Mapping
•      City of Mission Viejo - Streets and Facilities Map
•      Housing & Community Services - Foreclosures and Notices of Default Mapping
•      Orange County Hazard Mitigation Plan Mapping
•      OC Flood - California Coastal Zones Map
•      Orange County Green Vision Map
•      OC Agricultural Commission - Sudden Oak Death Map
•      Master Plan of Regional Riding & Hiking Trails
•      Voter Precinct Mapping
•      OC Public Defender - Case Map Exhibits

Additionally, GIS staff members work closely with the OC Sheriff - Emergency Management Bureau in times of natural disasters by providing 24 hour GIS support during an incident, as well as, extensive post incident mapping and analysis.  Staff members work on-site at the county Emergency Operations Center when needed.  GIS staff members have been called to work the Santiago Fire Incident in 2007, the Freeway Complex Fire in 2008, heavy rain/flooding in January 2009, and the Huntington Beach Channel Oil Incident in 2010.