GIS

Escambia County, Florida, leverages Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to manage and analyze spatial data critical for decision-making, urban planning, emergency services, and development activities. In this article, we explore the purpose and functionalities of Escambia County's GIS, the key services it offers, and how these tools play a vital role in enhancing the county’s efficiency and services to its residents.

What is GIS and Why Is It Important to Escambia County?

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a technology used for capturing, storing, analyzing, and managing spatial and geographic data. In Escambia County, GIS facilitates the management of various projects and helps both public and private sectors make informed decisions by providing critical data visualizations. Whether it's assigning new addresses, mapping out evacuation routes for natural disasters, or assisting with urban planning, GIS is integral to the county's operations.

By integrating GIS with other local agencies, such as the Escambia County Property Appraiser and the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority, the county ensures the seamless flow of information across various departments, enhancing the services they provide to the public.

The Role of the GIS Division in Escambia County

The GIS division is part of the Development Services Department in Escambia County. This division is tasked with the management of the county-wide enterprise GIS and the technical aspects of GIS data. The department plays a pivotal role in planning, managing, and executing GIS-related projects, ensuring accurate and timely updates to the county's spatial data.

Key Functions of GIS in Escambia County

Mapping and Data Collection: GIS is used to create and maintain detailed maps that represent various features of the county, such as parcels, zoning districts, and water bodies.

Addressing and Property Information: GIS is also responsible for the assignment and verification of addresses across Escambia County, which is crucial for ensuring effective emergency response services.

Emergency Management and Disaster Response: GIS tools play an essential role in planning and implementing evacuation routes, identifying flood zones, and assisting emergency management teams during natural disasters.

Land Use and Zoning: GIS data is utilized for zoning regulations and land use verifications, supporting local developers and planners in ensuring compliance with county regulations.

Development Review: GIS assists with property lookups and development review processes, helping county officials to evaluate the potential impact of new projects on existing infrastructure and land usage.

These tasks make GIS an invaluable tool for local governments, developers, utilities, and other agencies that rely on precise and up-to-date geographic data.

Accessing GIS Data and Tools in Escambia County

Escambia County provides several GIS tools and services to its residents, developers, and businesses. The GIS division ensures that this data is easily accessible to help inform public decisions and facilitate better planning for various stakeholders.

GIS Maps and Property Lookup

One of the primary tools available is the Escambia GIS Map, where users can explore interactive maps displaying a variety of data layers such as flood zones, evacuation routes, zoning, and more. The Property Lookup Tool allows users to search for property details, including information on zoning, land use, school zones, and emergency management areas.

By using the Property Lookup Tool, residents and businesses can gain insights into specific properties, making it easier to make informed decisions about potential investments, building projects, and other land-use activities.

Addressing Services in Escambia County

The Addressing Division plays a crucial role in assigning and verifying addresses throughout the county. This ensures that addresses are consistent and follow the required standards, which is essential for emergency services and overall administrative functions.

To request a new address or verify an existing one, residents and developers can fill out the Address Request Form and submit it to the GIS department. The division also processes new street name petitions and changes to existing street names to improve the county’s address data. This process helps maintain the integrity of the county’s address system, which is critical for public safety and emergency services.

GIS Fee Schedule and Data Access

Escambia County charges fees for access to certain GIS data and maps to recover costs associated with the staff, equipment, and media required to fulfill requests. The fee schedule is designed to ensure transparency and is outlined in detail in the GIS Fee Schedule.

The GIS division offers various formats for data, including Arcview shapefiles, Geodatabases, and aerial imagery, making it accessible for use in different planning, development, and analysis scenarios.

How GIS Benefits Developers and Urban Planners

For developers and urban planners in Escambia County, GIS serves as a powerful tool for site planning and land-use analysis. With the ability to access precise geographic data, developers can better understand environmental factors, land use regulations, and infrastructure conditions that may impact their projects.

The Development Review service, provided by the GIS division, offers essential insights into zoning, land use, and compliance requirements, helping developers ensure that their projects align with county regulations.

GIS and Environmental Management in Escambia County

Escambia County’s GIS division also plays a role in environmental management by mapping out natural features such as wetlands, flood zones, and stormwater ponds. These maps are instrumental for both developers and environmental agencies when assessing the impact of new developments on the environment.

One of the tools available for environmental research is the Flood Information section of the GIS website. This feature provides updated flood zone information, which is crucial for assessing the flood risk of a given area. By consulting the GIS maps, residents and businesses can better understand their vulnerability to flooding and make more informed decisions regarding property investment.

Contact Information for GIS Services in Escambia County

For those seeking additional information about the GIS services available in Escambia County, or for specific inquiries, the GIS division can be contacted directly.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Division
Phone: (850) 595-4509
Email: gis@myescambia.com
Address: 3363 West Park Place, Pensacola, FL 32505
Website: Escambia County GIS

Additional GIS-Related Departments in Escambia County

Development Services Department
Phone: (850) 595-3475
Email: developmentservices@myescambia.com
Address: 3363 West Park Place, Pensacola, FL 32505
Website: Development Services

Planning and Zoning Division
Phone: (850) 595-3475
Email: landuse@myescambia.com
Address: 3363 West Park Place, Pensacola, FL 32505
Website: Planning and Zoning

Addressing Division
Phone: (850) 595-4509
Email: gis@myescambia.com
Address: 3363 West Park Place, Pensacola, FL 32505
Website: Addressing Services

Escambia County GIS FAQs

How can I access GIS data in Escambia County?

Escambia County offers a range of GIS tools to residents and businesses. One primary resource is the Escambia GIS Map, where users can interact with various data layers such as flood zones, evacuation routes, and zoning information. The county also provides detailed maps and data formats such as shapefiles, Geodatabases, and aerial imagery, which can be accessed through the GIS division. For more specific property data, the Property Lookup Tool allows users to search for information related to parcels, zoning, school districts, and more.

What is the process for requesting an address in Escambia County?

The Addressing Division of Escambia County is responsible for issuing new addresses and making changes to existing ones. To request a new address, residents or developers must complete the Address Request Form and submit it to the GIS department. It’s important to note that certain requests, such as street name changes or adjustments to address order for emergency services, may be subject to a $20 fee unless they relate to development reviews.

How do I obtain detailed property information through Escambia County GIS?

To access property-specific information such as zoning, land use, and emergency management areas, the Property Lookup Tool is an essential resource. This tool allows users to search by parcel number or street address and gain insights into the county’s infrastructure and safety information, helping residents, developers, and planners make informed decisions.

What are the fees associated with accessing GIS data in Escambia County?

Escambia County's GIS division charges fees to recover costs associated with processing and distributing GIS data. A standard DVD containing countywide IMAGiNE base layers is priced at $250. Additional fees may apply for customized data or specific map requests. These fees are detailed in the GIS Fee Schedule.