Analysis and Map Services

The MAPC GIS lab is responsible for the implementation and ongoing support of a region-wide Geographical Information System (GIS). The lab provides outreach in the form of leadership, management, coordination, training and support for GIS resources and activities for the 101 member communities in our region. Responsibilities include data development, manipulation, transformation and analysis, programming and map production. The GIS lab also implements and maintains a regional GIS data library, manages, coordinates and supports GIS resources and activities for communities and various organizations.

Mapping Services

MAPC offers a continuum of mapping services. The most appropriate approach depends on the mapping project's audience, purpose, and budget. Our services include:

• Custom Maps using Desktop Mapping Software: Created using our in-house databases or client data, we create large-format maps of any portion of the region. These services are provided on a fee basis, and range widely in cost according to the complexity and time required.
• Interactive Web Maps: Basic maps can be created using Adobe's Flash language. These are easy-to-use and highly customizable.
• MetroBoston DataCommon Online GIS Tool: A custom, fully-functioning online GIS tool that utilizes existing DataCommon data and client data, the DataCommon puts sophisticated mapping in the hands of anyone with internet access.
• Custom Map using the MetroBoston DataCommon: Any user can create a custom map using the MetroBoston DataCommon mapping tool, which includes many common types of data and produce maps ranging from 8.5 x 11 to 34 x 44 inches.

MAPC GIS specialists are also responsible for data creation, manipulation, transformation and analysis, as well as programming and map production. For more information on MAPC's GIS services, please contact Susan Brunton at (617) 451-2770, ext. 2066 or at sbrunton@mapc.org.

Analysis Services

The Data Services Group also provides advanced statistical and geospatial analysis on a fee or contract basis. To discuss your requirements, contact Holly St. Clair, Director of Data Services, at hstclair@mapc.org, or 617-451-2770, ext 2014.

Pictometry Oblique Aerial Imagery Technology

Pictometry Oblique Aerial Imagery Technology, developed by a private company for government and commercial use, allows users to locate, view, and measure features such as buildings, land areas/parcels, and hydrology from several directions and at different scales. The Pictometry software and aerial imagery data has proven to be beneficial to assessors, planners, engineers, conservation commissions, public safety and decision-makers. For an overview of how government agencies are using Oblique Aerial Imagery technology, please visit the Pictometry website.

Oblique Aerial Imagery Available Courtesy of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation (EOT)

In April of 2008, Pictometry International once again conducted a flyover of the entire state that provided five-way aerial imagery for all public sector agencies in the Commonwealth. (EOT) is once again providing municipalities with Pictometry's oblique aerial imagery FREE of charge. The imagery, which consists of 4 oblique views (north, south, east and west) and one NADIR (straight down) view, may be viewed through Pictometry's Electronic Field Study (EFS) software version 2.7, which is also available FREE of charge to all municipalities. EFS has an unlimited license and may be installed on any municipally-owned desktop computer or laptop.

To download the User Guides for the Pictometry EFS software, please select the links below:

EFS 2.7 Quick Guide
EFS 2.7 Release Notes

If you wish to learn more about the Pictometry Oblique Aerial Imagery Program and MAPC's exclusive Oblique Imagery Technical Assistance Program, please contact Susan Brunton at 617-451-2770, ext. 2066 or at sbrunton@mapc.org.