Geographic Information Systems

The City of Kennesaw’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team plays a critical role in how the City understands, manages, and plans for growth. By building and maintaining accurate, up-to-date spatial data, the GIS team supports informed decision-making across departments and helps ensure that City services are delivered efficiently and effectively.

From emergency response and infrastructure management to planning, development, and environmental monitoring, GIS provides the foundational mapping and data tools that keep the City connected and operating smoothly. Whether it is ensuring 911 address accuracy, maintaining parcel and street data, or supporting zoning and stormwater analysis, GIS helps turn complex information into clear, actionable insights.

The City’s GIS resources are also available to the public through interactive maps, downloadable data, and web applications designed to make local information more accessible and transparent.

What is GIS?

The terms Geographic Information System (GIS) and Geospatial Information Systems are sometimes used interchangeably but their definitions differ:

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Historically rooted in cartography, this term focuses on creating and maintaining digital representations of features on the Earth’s surface such as street centerlines, parcel boundaries, and zoning layers. It is primarily concerned with “where things are.”
• Geospatial Information Systems: This broader term includes a wide range of data sources such as remote sensing, satellite imagery, real-time IoT sensors, and spatial analytics. It focuses on how, when, and why things interact in space.

Key Services and Functions

• Public Safety and Emergency Services: Supports Emergency 911 dispatching through accurate address integration so first responders can locate incidents quickly and efficiently.
• Infrastructure and Environment: Maintains the City’s stormwater utility inventory and supports infrastructure planning and environmental management.
• Planning and Development: Provides property and spatial analysis to support zoning, permitting, and responsible community growth.
• Boundary and Base Mapping: Maintains official jurisdictional boundaries and foundational map layers such as streets and parcels that support all City GIS data.
• Data Integration: Incorporates external agency datasets to provide a comprehensive regional view and improve data accuracy and coordination.

Why GIS Matters

GIS works behind the scenes every day to support essential City services. From ensuring a 911 call is routed to the correct location to helping planners evaluate future development, GIS enables smarter decisions through spatial data.

By leveraging geospatial technology, the City of Kennesaw is committed to data-driven decision-making, transparency, and building a more resilient and well-planned community.