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1. What is GIS?

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are systems of hardware, software, and procedures to facilitate the management, manipulation, analysis, modeling, representation, and visualization of geo-referenced data to solve complex problems regarding the planning and management of resources.

It is the ability to produce a map image that sets GIS apart from other database systems. Perhaps more simply, a GIS gives you tools to answer questions about a location (geographic information). You can combine layers of information stored in a database that may include addresses, aerial photographs, dates, and other numerical values.

2. Can I download the data?

Many of the City's GIS datasets are available for download in either GIS or CAD format. An interactive website is available at http://maps.nbtexas.org/gisdownload. Use the Data Extract tool to draw your area of interest, specify the datasets and format you would like, and then click the Extract button. When the process is complete, the site will display a dialogue box for you to save the ZIP file.

3. Can I download imagery?

The City of New Braunfels does not store imagery data in a format readily available for downloading. Instead, we are focused on using the latest GIS server software to publish imagery services for the public to consume on-demand into their own GIS map documents.

ArcGIS Desktop users can extract an imagery tile approximately one-mile square by accessing the City's imagery services (see FAQ topic), adding the desired service into their map document, and then following these simple steps:
1. Select the imagery service from the ArcMap table of contents.
2. Right click on the imagery layer and select Data > Export Data...
3. Select the Data Frame radio button in the Extent section
4. Note the output location on your local harddrive
5. Select your desired image format, compression type, and compression quality
6. Click Save.

This will create a copy of the image extent on your local computer. The highest resolution imagery is limited to a one-mile tile for performance reasons.

4. How do I access the City's map and imagery services?

Anyone with ESRI's ArcGIS Desktop software can use the internet to access the City's map and imagery services for inclusion in their ArcMap documents. You do not need to have a copy of the imagery on your own harddrive.

To access our imagery and other map services:
1. Open ArcCatalog
2. Click on GIS Servers > Add ArcGIS Server
3. Select “Use GIS Services” and click Next
4. Enter the URL “http://maps.nbtexas.org/arcgis/services” and click finish. This will create a connection called “arcgis on maps.nbtexas.org”.
5. Open the connection and open either the Maps or Imagery folder
6. Select the desired service and add to your ArcMap document.

CAD users will need to use the ArcGIS for AutoCAD software plug-in developed by Esri and use the same URL to similarly configure it based on their particular system.

5. How do I use this data in AutoCAD?

To improve accessibility to both GIS and CAD users, the City is focused on providing on-demand services available through the internet. Any of the City's GIS map or image services can be integrated into AutoCAD by using the ArcGIS for AutoCAD software plug-in developed by Esri. If, however, you need to have a local copy of data, refer to the FAQ items on downloading.

6. What projection is the City’s data stored in?

North American Datum 1983 (NAD83), Texas South Central Zone 4204, Feet.

7. What is the difference between GIS and a traditional map?

Both GIS and traditional maps represent the real world. One way of thinking about it is that the GIS is the data while the map is the picture. The end result of GIS analysis is often a map, or cartographic output, but it is only one of many output types. Once created, a traditional map cannot be changed. However, as an integrated system, a GIS allows users to ask new questions of a database and visualize answers.

8. What is different about the City of New Braunfels Interactive GIS website from other similar websites?

First and foremost, it is designed as a communication tool. Most similar sites allow users to view data. By using the Markup Tools, Project Save, Email Map, and Create PDF tools, the City of New Braunfels’ site allows users to draw on the image and send that to others. It provides a new medium for the citizens of New Braunfels to communicate with City staff and each other.
City of New Braunfels Interactive GIS