GIS

The Geographic Information System (GIS) for Franklin County, Ohio, offers a powerful tool for real estate appraisers, local governments, businesses, and citizens alike. As one of the most advanced tools for mapping and analyzing geographic data, GIS plays a pivotal role in property appraisal, planning, zoning, and many other aspects of county management. This article provides an in-depth exploration of Franklin County's GIS resources, focusing on its development, applications, products, services, and how citizens and professionals can leverage these technologies for their benefit.

Understanding the Role of GIS in Franklin County

Geospatial technologies have revolutionized the way local governments manage and analyze data, particularly in counties as large and diverse as Franklin County. The Franklin County Auditor’s Office operates the GIS program, which is integral to managing property data, assessing taxes, and supporting other vital services. Introduced in 1987, Franklin County's GIS has grown into a comprehensive system that combines mapped data with tabular information, allowing officials to efficiently appraise real estate, track parcel boundaries, and deliver services.

Key Benefits of Franklin County’s GIS

Accurate Property Appraisal: GIS technology enhances the accuracy and efficiency of real estate assessments by using digital maps, satellite imagery, and various data layers.

Public Accessibility: The public can access a wealth of property data, including aerial photos, property boundaries, and zoning information, through various online platforms like the Franklin County Auditor's Property Search.

Streamlined Planning and Zoning: With precise geographic data, local authorities can make informed decisions about urban planning, infrastructure development, and zoning regulations.

The Evolution of Franklin County's GIS

The Franklin County GIS has continually evolved, becoming a robust tool that serves not only the Auditor's Office but also other county agencies, local municipalities, businesses, and the general public. The system was initially designed to manage property data for over 430,000 parcels of real estate, but its capabilities have expanded far beyond that.

Building the GIS Infrastructure

Franklin County's GIS infrastructure relies on a comprehensive layering concept that allows for efficient data management and analysis. Key components include:

Aerial Photography: Orthophotos, planimetric maps, and 2-foot contour maps have been used to create a detailed digital representation of the county.

GPS and Satellite Control: The GIS system uses high-precision GPS and satellite data for accurate geographic positioning and mapping.

Data Layers: Over 60 data layers have been developed, with the potential to grow to 512 layers. These layers include critical property features, such as paved driveways, zoning districts, and parcel boundaries.

This extensive database helps maintain up-to-date records that are crucial for both property appraisers and the public, ensuring transparency and accuracy in the county's real estate assessments.

Key GIS Products and Services Available to the Public

Franklin County GIS offers a variety of products and services tailored to meet the needs of government agencies, private enterprises, and individuals. These resources include both digital data and physical maps, available for public use at various locations.

Access to Property Search Tools

The most popular GIS application for the public is the Franklin County Property Search Tool, where users can access detailed property data. Key features include:

Property Ownership Information: View the owner’s name, property address, and other relevant details.

Aerial Imagery: Access high-resolution aerial images of properties dating back to the early 2000s.

StreetSmart: A street-level photography tool that provides detailed views of neighborhoods, aiding users in visualizing properties and their surroundings.

Tax Information: Review property tax assessments and changes in property value.

Custom Mapping Services

In addition to standard property maps, Franklin County GIS also provides custom mapping services. These include:

Zoning Maps: Maps showing the zoning districts across the county, vital for land-use planning and development.

Topographic Maps: Detailed maps showing elevation changes, useful for construction and environmental assessments.

Property Plots: Custom maps that display specific features of properties, such as dimensions, floodplains, and building sketches.

Data Downloads and Web Reporting

For users who require bulk data, the GIS system offers nightly data updates that can be downloaded from the Franklin County Auditor's GIS Data Portal. Users can download historical and current data, which includes property tax details, parcel information, and more. Additionally, the Web Reporter tool allows for easy extraction of tabular data for geographic analysis.

Aerial Photography and Orthophotos

Franklin County GIS provides high-quality orthophotography for use in property assessments, urban planning, and environmental studies. These photos are taken at various scales, with the highest resolution being 12-inch ground pixel resolution, ensuring precision in mapping and analysis.

The Importance of GIS in Property Appraisal

The primary purpose of Franklin County’s GIS is to support the appraisal process for over 430,000 properties within the county. GIS allows the Auditor’s Office to maintain accurate and detailed records for each parcel, ensuring equalized taxation across the region. The system enables the Auditor’s office to:

Efficiently Store and Retrieve Data: GIS technology simplifies the process of storing vast amounts of property data and makes it easily accessible to staff and the public.

Enhance Data Accuracy: By using detailed aerial imagery and property maps, the GIS ensures that property boundaries, land use, and tax assessments are accurate and up to date.

Support Real-Time Updates: Data is updated nightly, ensuring that users always have access to the most current information, whether they’re appraising property values or conducting land-use planning.

How Local Agencies and Private Sector Use GIS

In addition to its use in property appraisal, Franklin County’s GIS serves several other functions across different sectors. The GIS system is used by:

Local Governments: To plan infrastructure projects, track public services, and manage emergency response efforts.

Private Industry: To assess properties, manage real estate investments, and analyze market trends.

Educational Institutions and Nonprofits: To conduct research, perform environmental assessments, and support community projects.

For example, the Franklin County Engineer’s Office GIS Department utilizes GIS to manage road networks, public utilities, and other infrastructure. This collaboration between different departments ensures that GIS data is used efficiently across all sectors.

Franklin County GIS: A Vital Tool for Public Transparency

One of the standout features of Franklin County’s GIS is its commitment to transparency. The GIS system not only supports county operations but also allows the public to easily access and understand how decisions about property appraisals and taxes are made. This openness fosters trust and ensures that taxpayers are informed about how their properties are assessed.

How GIS Supports Community Development

GIS plays a pivotal role in Franklin County’s community development efforts. By providing detailed information about land use, zoning, and property assessments, the system helps local governments make informed decisions about where to invest in infrastructure, housing, and public services. This ensures that development is sustainable and meets the needs of the county’s growing population.

Department Contact Information

Franklin County Auditor – GeoSpatial Technologies (GIS):

Phone: 614-525-4663
Address: 373 S. High St., 21st Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Website: Franklin County Auditor GIS

Franklin County Engineer’s Office – GIS Department:

Phone: 614-525-3068
Address: 970 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Website: Franklin County Engineer

Franklin County Economic Development & Planning – GIS Manager:

Phone: 614-525-7457
Address: 373 S. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215
Website: Franklin County Economic Development

Franklin County GIS FAQs

How can I access property information in Franklin County using GIS?

You can access property data through the Franklin County Auditor's Property Search tool. This online resource provides detailed information on property ownership, tax assessments, and aerial imagery for parcels in the county. Additionally, you can utilize the Parcel Viewer to explore various property data, including lot dimensions and building sketches, or access historic aerial photographs dating back to the early 2000s.

Can I download GIS data from Franklin County?

Yes, Franklin County GIS offers data downloads through the Open Data Portal. Users can download both current and historical property data, including parcel details and tax information, on a nightly basis. For bulk data extraction, you can also use the Direct Download feature or the Web Reporter tool for specific geographic analysis.

What are the custom mapping services available?

The Franklin County Auditor's GIS department provides custom mapping services that include property maps, aerial photography, planimetric base maps, and topographic maps. You can request specialized services such as custom reports, geographic analysis, or maps with specific features and symbology tailored to your needs. These maps can be printed in different scales and sizes, depending on the user's request.

How does GIS support the property appraisal process in Franklin County?

The GIS system in Franklin County plays a critical role in supporting property appraisals by maintaining accurate and up-to-date records for over 430,000 parcels. It combines detailed mapping with tabular data, including aerial photography and property boundaries, to ensure the accuracy and fairness of property tax assessments. This system also helps the Auditor's Office manage the ongoing appraisal process efficiently.