Planners unveil high-tech GIS map detailing county growth

Just south of Florence, purple dots bloom like flowers in a field. And east of Corvallis looks like a red polka-dot farm.

The colorful markers are sprouting on a new map, created by the county planning department, that shows each subdivision that is currently being proposed within county boundaries.

For every developer who submits a subdivision, a dot goes on the map: Purple marks major subdivisions (five or more lots), while red and orange signify smaller developments.

With growth laid out in map format, it’s not hard to see where growth is occurring in the valley – it’s everywhere. But Florence is growing the fastest, at least according to the number of proposed developments.

Planning staff got the idea for the map a few weeks ago, compiled all the necessary data, and using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, placed the information in a database that can be updated regularly, according to County Planning Director Patrick O’Herren.

The project took a bit of legwork, but now citizens can see where new developments are being planned in their area, O’Herren said.

By DANA GREEN Staff Reporter

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