Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

The City of Red Wing’s Geographic Information System provides land base information through the continuous development of citywide mapping in conjunction with the Goodhue County Land Survey/GIS Department. Here you will find our products and services such as traditional maps and a link to the County’s online interactive map.

What is GIS? A simple way to explain Geographic Information Systems is that it is a way to do ‘computer mapping.’ GIS refers to a specialized work environment that uses desktop software for query, analysis, and map production. A GIS Program for the City of Red Wing was drafted in response to a survey of potential uses by city departments that was conducted by consultant Short, Elliot and Hendrickson in October 2004.

Some examples of GIS already being used within city departments include:

  • Updating the tax parcel dataset
  • Data support for Fire Department Study
  • Creating site maps for the Planning Department
  • Crime Analysis
  • Creating maps for the Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Action Plan

View the GIS Development Plan (2005)

City-linked version of the Goodhue County Online Mapping Site

City Maps (PDF)

Goodhue County User Group Agreement

History

Starting in November 2006, Goodhue County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) staff contacted representatives from each of the municipalities within Goodhue County as well as the Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC) and Goodhue County Cooperative Electric. Goodhue County proposed to form a county-wide GIS users group, which would include a cost-sharing agreement. The group of representatives continued to meet and discuss the initiative until early summer in 2007. County staff then presented to different councils and boards from August through October regarding the Users Group formation and the cost-sharing agreement. Agencies participating in the Users Group initiative have signed a two-year term of agreement. The 2010-2011 contract for the Users Group license agreement officially takes effect on January 4th, 2010.

Objectives

  • To provide better service to the public by enabling elected officials and management the ability to make more informed decisions based on a wealth of public information which can be processed and displayed by GIS technology.
  • To grant each participating agency access to Goodhue County GIS datasets in order to enhance services to its residents.
  • To foster a stronger GIS relationship between Goodhue County and participating agencies.
  • To assure uniformity and accuracy of data created and used throughout the county.
  • To reduce the duplication of effort and expense related to GIS projects, including data collection and data maintenance.

Membership Benefits

  • Shared cost of current and future GIS data acquisition
  • Better collaboration regarding future GIS projects and/or data acquisition
  • More efficient distribution of updated Goodhue County GIS data, including parcels, orthophotos, 2ft contours, street centerlines, and others
  • Access to County GIS personnel for special projects or online mapping site updates
  • Shared cost of agency-specific online GIS mapping sites, maintained by Goodhue County
  • Access to GIS data and/or functionality in addition to what is currently available on the Goodhue County's public online mapping

GIS Links

Data Disclaimer
The City of Red Wing assumes NO liability for the accuracy or completeness of their maps OR any responsibility for any associated direct, indirect, or consequential damages that may result from their use or misuse.