CAD / GIS: are responsible for maintaining and providing accurate record drawings to the Engineering Services Division and consulting Engineering firms. These drawings reflect existing utilities and conditions and are used to aid in the design of various utility and developer projects. In addition, CAD / GIS also are involved with the Engineering staff in the design process for projects done "in-house". Other services include the development of graphic presentations, special application maps, signs and banners for City functions and many other graphic services for Departments City wide. We also serve the needs of the citizens of West Palm Beach by providing record information upon request. All Easement Consent forms, necessary for fence/wall installation, etc., are checked for possible utility conflicts as part of the approval process.

The City, by reasonable estimate, owns in excess of 75,000 drawings related to roads, sub-surface infrastructure, and architecture. To date, approximately 29,000 drawings have been scanned (converted to electronic images) and then cataloged into the Fastlook database. This gives us the capability to locate and produce a drawing or track historical activity in any location using any one or more of 18 paths. When all City drawings are entered into Fastlook, this database will increase accuracy and save a substantial amount of time and money. Drawings can simply be opened up on the computer screen and printed as needed.

CAD / GIS use AutoCAD 3D Map and GIS Support Specialists use ArcView and ArchMap software to create and update City maps. Data is input from our Geographic Information System (G.I.S.). This system will eventually integrate all points above and below ground into one spatial database from which we can run queries on pipes sizes, lengths, material and location.