Monmouth County to share GIS data with Upper Freehold.
By: Scott Morgan
UPPER FREEHOLD Last week, technology became the township’s ally.
Through an agreement with Monmouth County, Upper Freehold will now share GIS (Geographic Information System) data to measure the present and future state of the township.
The GIS uses computers to store maps and other geographical data that can be used for planning, emergency response and tax assessment information.
According to Township Committeeman John Mele, who spearheaded the interlocal agreement, the township will have access to GIS data obtained by the county through aerial photography. This data, he said, provides an extremely accurate picture of the township’s layout, from roads to structures to environmentally sensitive zones, which comprise a continually updated inventory.
For example, Mr. Mele said, the Emergency Management Office will be given detailed readouts of all township roads so that it can decide the best and quickest route to trouble. Mr. Mele said current information about traffic tie-ups (monitored by the county), floods or other disruptions can be provided so emergency crews can steer clear of possible trouble spots.
Also, township tax officials can keep an accurate headcount of buildings and land in town, he said.
But that is only the present.
Mr. Mele said township officials will be able to use this existing information to better plan for Upper Freehold’s future.
"It’s a great tool for planning," Mr. Mele said.
He said township planners can better identify areas ripe (or, conversely, ill-suited) for development. And on the safety side, Mr. Mele said, information can be used to monitor traffic problems over time, such as which areas or intersections might be especially prone to accidents or what times lend themselves to heavier traffic flow.
The information also will be used to categorize types of structures and septics as well as depths of wells, he said.
"This is very important for us," Mr. Mele said. "If we’re going to build an inventory, the time to do it is now."

