New and Improved Mapping Technology Almost Ready for Release!!!

The Office of Geographic Information Services is pleased to unofficially release a new "beta" version of the new on-line mapping site for Erie County. This site uses new "ArcGIS Server" technology enhanced by the "Geocortex Essentials" development software for publishing maps to the Internet.

With the release of this beta version, we are finalizing the transition from our old system to this new ArcGIS Server/Geocortex Essentials technology. The planned decommission of the old ArcIMS-based mapping system is scheduled for the end of March. Until that time, we will be working on making improvements to the new application as well as developing an improved GIS portal to the site and updating the Help/Instructions pages.

You can try the new version at: http://gis1.erie.gov:81/Geocortex/Essentials/Web/viewer.aspx?Site=ErieCountyNY&reloadkey=true

Please send us your comments by E-mailing them to: gis@erie.gov.

NEW FEATURE: 2008 Aerial Orthophotography!

The Erie County Office of GIS is pleased to announce that the latest aerial photography from the New York Statewide Digital Orthoimagery Program is available on the Internet Mapping Service!! These aerials are provided by the NYS Office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Coordination. The most notable improvement to this new image series is that while they still have the same resolution as past issues (1ft in urban areas, 2ft in rural), they are all in natural color. No more black and white photos!! The new aerials are scale-dependent just like the earlier version so zooming in to the required scale is still necessary.

Please provide us with your comments or questions regarding the new Aerial Photography by E-mailing them to gis@erie.gov.

Problems Accessing the Mapping Services?

If you are experiencing a problem, try the following two steps. First, in Internet Explorer, go to TOOLS, then INTERNET OPTIONS, then click on the buttons to Delete Files (empty cache), and Delete Cookies. This empties out any past versions from previous visits and allows the page to load fresh. Secondly, make sure that you DO NOT BLOCK POP-UPS. This is important because query results and the print page are displayed in pop-up windows. Blocking pop-ups will result in the system to hang. These two steps should resolve 99.9% of access problems.

General Description of Internet Mapping System

INTRODUCTION: The "Erie County Internet Mapping System" (ECIMS) provides public access to the most popular digital maps in the Erie County's Geographic Information System (GIS). Through this interactive system, users can create and print their own maps and locate information on a variety of subjects. Property parcels, roads, parks, schools districts, and environmental data are examples of the types of maps included in the Internet Mapping System.

USERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO REVIEW THE "HELP/ INSTRUCTIONS" PAGES PRIOR TO USING THE MAPPING SYSTEM.

Clicking on the "Internet Mapping System" button on the left side of the screen will open a new browser window and start the mapping application. Use the Taskbar, which is at the bottom of your computer screen showing all open applications, to switch back and forth between the Help page and the mapping application.

To facilitate your use of this system, please note the following:

• Use the "CONTENTS" buttons to the left of this screen to access the "Help/ Instructions" page, to start the interactive Internet Mapping System, to contact Erie County's GIS Staff, or to view demographic data. Digital Map Data is currently unavailable.
• The Mapping Application requires Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0. Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 can be downloaded for free by clicking here. Users of Netscape and older versions of Internet Explorer may encounter difficulties with several of the functions, including the support of frames.
• "Maximize" your browser window to fill the computer screen.
• The "Internet Mapping System" transmits large files between your computer and the central server. This can take time, especially on a slow modem connection to the Internet. Be Patient! At times, it may appear that the system has stopped - but, usually, the system is just working on transmitting a lot of data to your computer. Queries on the parcel layer, in particular, can take several minutes on a slow modem since the server is working on a database of 350,000 records and transmitting the results back to the user in a table and on a map.
• Please note that the map or table that is displayed on your computer is an image - it does not have any links to the actual databases. There are no connections between the user and the actual data, and the system cannot be used to alter the data in any manner.
• To create a "bookmark" in your browser for the Erie County Internet Mapping System, create the bookmark for the Introductory page,  rather than the Internet Mapping System (IMS) application page. Directly bookmarking the IMS page will capture parameters in the URL which may not allow the application to start.

The ECIMS is maintained by the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, Office of Geographic Information Services, with "Information Technology" assistance from the Erie County Division of Information and Support Services. The Office of Geographic Information Services also maintains the Erie County Geographic Information System, using ArcGIS software products from ESRI.

This Internet Mapping System has evolved from its initial release in the fall of 2000. Additional layers of maps and improved user interfaces are anticipated in the future. Users are encouraged to check back frequently to see these changes. If you have comments, questions, or suggestions about the Internet Mapping System, please contact us using the "Contact Us" link on the left side of this page.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Several of the basemaps used in this application were obtained through the County's membership in the New York State GIS Data Sharing Cooperative. The "Major Roads", "Roads", and water features layers are copyrighted by the New York State Office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Coordination. The "Parcels" layer is copyrighted by Erie County.

The system runs on ArcIMS^® software developed by ESRI, Redlands, California.

DISCLAIMER: The GIS applications accessed through this web page provide a visual display of data for your convenience. Every reasonable effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the maps and associated data. Erie County makes no warranty, representation or guaranty as to the content, sequence, accuracy, timeliness or completeness of any of the data provided herein. The user of these applications should not rely on the data provided herein for any reason. Erie County explicitly disclaims any representations and warranties, including, without limitation, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Erie County shall assume no liability for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the information provided regardless of how caused. Erie County shall assume no liability for any decisions made or actions taken or not taken by the user of the applications in reliance upon any information or data furnished hereunder. To be sure of complete accuracy, please check with County staff for updated information.

The use of these applications indicates your unconditional acceptance of the above disclaimer.