GIS technology available to you

by Katie Ritchie

Have you heard of geographic information systems (GIS)? It’s a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing data. Grounded in geography science, GIS serves many practical purposes. Lexington County uses GIS for economic development projects; emergency services like fire, law enforcement, EMS and emergency management; HUD grant requests; zoning and more.

Several GIS maps are available online for free. When you visit https://lex-co.sc.gov/departments/planning-gis/gis-disclaimer/online-mapping you may view many maps. There are useful ones like the map displaying Lexington County recycling station locations. There are fun and educational maps, too which are sure to delight history buffs. The three maps I’ll be sharing all display a map with each point of interest marked, a photograph for each point, and a description.

The Lexington County Historical Tour map shows Lexington County’s Historical Markers. They provide a description of where you might track down each marker yourself. When you click that description, it takes you to the historical marker database. The marker database offers more photographs and details. This offers a window into its history and the significance of the specific marker.

The Lexington County Museum tour map showcases 34 historic structures. Visiting the museum this way doesn’t give the viewer a look at the interior of buildings or exhibits. It is a great supplement for an in-person visit. It might also serve as an alternative for those who can’t visit in person due to mobility or health issues.

There is also a Lexington County Heritage Tour. This GIS map has a blend of historic and modern landmarks in Lexington County. This map showcases antique and modern photographs of some locations.