Gallatin Plan - GIS Partnerships for Effective Community Long-Range Planning

Author: R. Dale Beland
Organization: Gallatin County, Montana

311 West Main Street- Room 200
Bozeman, MT 59715
USA

Phone: (406) 582-3130
Fax: (406) 582-3135
RBeland@co.gallatin.mt.us

As one of six NSDI Community Demonstration Projects nationwide, Gallatin County's master plan update process is based on use of GIS technology to enhance and maximize community involvement in long-range planning. A unique partnership of federal agencies and local government is key to this program.

A gateway to Yellowstone National Park, Gallatin County enjoys a high quality of life. However, infrastructure, open space, and agriculture are threatened by sprawl.

GIS technology, made possible by partnerships with federal agencies and Esri, has provided integrated databases and spatial modeling tools for effective visualization of alternative futures.