SPRINGFIELD – Effingham County government features an interactive map that points the way to a wealth of helpful information.

The Geographic Information System (GIS) Department regularly updates an online map that allows citizens to plug in geographic, social, political and environmental digital information to answer practical questions. It’s a one-stop, easy-to-use system designed for all county agencies and citizens to protect public health, safety and welfare.

“Realtors, developers and the general public use it,” GIS Manager Pam Melser said. “We even have polling locations and voting precincts in there.”

With a mouse click, citizens can learn who represents them on the board of commissioners, the Effingham County Board of Education and in the Georgia General Assembly and Congress. Information about county boundaries, roads, Emergency Medical Service units, fire districts, police districts and patrol areas, property line references, railroads, stream and river lines, and utility data are also just a few clicks away.

“The information is updated on a bi-weekly basis,” said Melser, who is joined in the GIS Department by technician Danny Frazier.

GIS information updates include annexations, zoning changes, address points and more.

“The address points are really important for E-911,” Melser said. “E-911 uses this to help in responses.”

The map can be found at https://www.effinghamcounty.org/190/Interactive-GIS-Map.

“It supports public knowledge and information. It’s a great resource,” Melser said.