May 19, 2010 -- The City of Baltimore has chosen Applied Geographics (AppGeo) to help it enhance and expand the current BaltimoreCity.gov website by adding an improved Web mapping capability.  

 “Showing City information in its geographic context will make that information more useful,” said Samantha Corbin, EGIS Supervisor, Mayor’s Office of Information Technology.  “We’re working with AppGeo to add new mapping capabilities that will serve our residents, businesses, visitors and City staff. “

AppGeo is designing the GIS website to dynamically generate maps based on user queries.  The maps will allow the user to see specific locations, neighborhoods and areas along with a variety of descriptive information supplied by City departments.   In keeping with the City’s current overall website design, the mapping capability will be tailored to the type of user.   For example, residents or businesses will be able to discover and see on a map what City services are available to a residential address or commercial property, such as trash pickup, or recycling.  Visitors and tourists will be able to map tourist destinations and find out details, such as their hours of operation and the location of nearby facilities. Residents, businesses and visitors will all benefit from maps that show which streets are affected by a snow emergency or other event.  

“Baltimore is committed to using its website to support City government and the public,” said Heather Cabral, GISP, AppGeo Project Manager.  “Their approach recognizes the different needs and interests of website visitors who do not want to deal with a complicated interface to see their required information on a map.”

The design process that is currently underway involves collaboration with several City Departments and with the City’s GIS staff to incorporate their ideas for map-based information presentation.  In addition, the design involves determining a methodology that will allow each department to keep its information current.  Palura Systems is assisting AppGeo with the application design process.  Through this project, Baltimore will significantly advance the utility and usability of its current mapping website.

About Applied Geographics, Inc.

Applied Geographics, Inc. (AppGeo, www.appgeo.com) has been providing high quality GIS services and innovative solutions to government and private sector clients since 1991.  AppGeo empowers its customers to put GIS to work through the practical and intelligent use of geographic data and applications, improving work flows and increasing beneficial services for people in organizations and communities throughout the nation.   AppGeo provides a full range of GIS consulting services: GIS strategic and implementation planning, data development, custom applications, training, cartography, implementation assistance and technical support.  AppGeo services are available through a variety of state blanket contracts and nationwide through its GSA IT Schedule 70.