Rutherford County

In 2004, Rutherford County selected Fugro EarthData to update and increase the accuracy of its GIS base map, which provides critical information for planning, economic development, and other applications that support the county's infrastructure. Using all-digital technologies, Fugro EarthData acquired 6"-pixel-resolution imagery to produce over 3,000 natural-color digital orthophoto tiles with 3D breaklines for topographic mapping and lidar data for generating the digital terrain model (DTM) used to produce 2' contours countywide. Combined, the orthophoto base map and lidar data drive all geographic-based county and city decision-making. Using the GIS under a data cooperative agreement, cities upload and access their parcel mapping through a central server that disseminates the data. The GIS also supports programs for emergency management, storm water management, and transportation networks.