What is GIS?
A geographic information system (GIS) is an arrangement of computer hardware, software, and geographic data that people interact with to integrate, analyze, and visualize the data; identify relationships, patterns, and trends; and find solutions to problems. The system is designed to capture, store, update, manipulate, analyze, and display the geographic information. A GIS is typically used to represent maps as data layers that can be studied and used to perform analyses. (ESRI Knowledge Base)

In what coordinate system is El Paso County geospatial data?
Most El Paso County GIS data is projected, with feet measurements, into the Colorado Central Zone State Plane coordinate system in the 1983 North American Datum (NAD83). This coordinate system reduces the amount of area and shape distortion that is common to other global-based projections. Therefore, measurements such as acreage, and overall map shapes are as close to reality as possible.

What is the resolution of the terrain data?
The terrain data is comprised of millions of points of elevation data taken approximately every 10 feet across El Paso County. The elevation points are accurate within 6 inches horizontally, and 1 foot vertically. The best data available from the USGS is a 10-meter resolution (33 feet), so by comparison, El Paso County terrain data is much more representative of the earth’s surface.

How old is the El Paso County aerial photography?
The historic 1-foot resolution aerial photography was taken, by aircraft, in May and June of 2003. The current aerial photographs were taken in the spring of 2005. This newest photo features 1-foot resolution in unincorporated El Paso County, and 6-inch resolution in the City of Colorado Springs.

Does El Paso County GIS data replace the need for surveyors?
No, definitely not. While we pride ourselves in maintaining a high level of real-world representation in our datasets, they are not to be used as a replacement for on-site surveying. Floodplain, elevation, property line, and slope calculations for legal and engineering purposes, for example, should always be performed by a certified surveyor.

How long will it take to get data?
Licensed data request typically take two to three weeks from the start so that all of the license agreement signatures can be obtained and data gathered and packaged for delivery.

Can any changes be made to the language of the license agreement?
The language of the geospatial data license agreement remains as-is in order to protect the nature of the document as it was originally intended.

Is the license agreement really necessary for the data release?
Yes, the BOCC has directed us to classify each data release by customer type and use the corresponding license agreement in each case.

Where did all of the standard maps come from?
These are a collection of standard, simple themed maps that have been created over time to fulfill departmental and public requests. These maps are available both internally within El Paso County and for sale to the public.

How can I get a copy of one of the standard maps shown?
Please contact the El Paso County Help Desk for more information on how to obtain your own copy.