Data Services

Aerial Photography

Do you need help locating a business site or an accurate base map for your Geographic Information System (GIS)? Would an aerial photograph improve your presentation? DVRPC's aerial photography may hold the answer. Whatever your profession… developer, attorney, banker, architect or engineer, DVRPC's aerial photographs will serve your needs.

Our photographs cover the entire 3,833 square mile Delaware Valley Region, date from 1959, and are updated in 5-year increments.

Since the year 2000, photography is available digitally on CD-ROM, in TIFF or MrSID formats, by county or municipality. The imagery has a pixel resolution of 1.5 sq. ft., a positional accuracy of +/- 5 feet, and is designed for use at a scale of 1"=200'. Black and white digital imagery “tiles” each show approximately 1.6 square miles. Paper prints of individual tiles are available in two convenient scales, 1"=200' and 1"=400'. Digital photography for 2005 will be available in color, with a pixel resolution of 1 square foot, and a scale of 1" = 200'. Historical black and white photos from 1995 or earlier are available at 1"= 400' and 1"= 800'.

Demographic Information / Forecasts

Translating the meaning of demographic and economic information into a useable form that can be interpreted for many purposes is a major function at DVRPC. The Commission takes assorted collections and analyses of Demographic and Economic Data from various sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, and the Pennsylvania and New Jersey State Data Centers, and then provides a wealth of data and analysis for the nine counties and 352 municipalities in the DVRPC region. DVRPC's Regional Information Services Center also provides data for a 28-county extended data service region.

We don't have a crystal ball… but DVRPC's planners do rely on state-of-the-art methodology to estimate and forecast population, employment and other data to the year 2030. DVRPC's forecasts are used for transportation planning, air quality analyses, and a wide variety of land use and economic studies. Regional and local data can be downloaded for your use at www.dvrpc.org/data.htm.

Maps

Maps showing land use, infrastructure, natural resources and demographics are available for the entire nine-county region, or for your local area. If you don't see what you need, just ask about our custom mapping options. Also, check out our online mapping program at www.dvrpc.org. The Online Mapping aspect of the Regional Information Network contains features and data for the nine-county Philadelphia metropolitan area. With this system, you can interactively view geographic features, create and print your own custom map and access information about certain features. Online mapping includes special applications for Economic Development with available sites and buildings for development, as well as a Conservation Planning application that includes a wealth of natural resource data.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GIS is an important planning tool used to inventory, manage, analyze and present spatial data. The use of GIS leads to more efficient and improved decision-making. Natural and built features throughout the region are captured and maintained in DVRPC's advanced GIS system. Using aerial photography, DVRPC has developed GIS files portraying land use every five years since 1990. Other data includes municipal, census and transportation analysis zone boundaries; transportation features such as roads, rail, and trails; environmental features including lakes and rivers, parks, and proposed open space; and economic features such as business parks, employment centers, and shopping centers. GIS data, including 2000 Land Use and Natural Resource Data, are available on CD through DVRPC's Resource Center. Additional GIS data may be available to suit your needs.

Data Bulletins/ Publications

DVRPC regularly produces free data bulletins and analytical reports that identify and track trends and conditions in the region. The Commission also issues publications that are available for purchase in the following areas of interest: Regional Population and Employment Data, Regional Transportation Data, Housing Data and Policy, Land Use Data and Policy, Long-Range Plan Reports, Environmental Management, Regional Policy Analysis, Land Use Planning Studies, Transportation Plans, Transportation Policy and Research,Travel Demand Studies, and Traffic Counts and Surveys. A visit to DVRPC's Mapping and Publication Counter will provide a wealth of information to those seeking the true meaning behind what can often be a confusing assemblage of numbers and information.

For more information or to order DVRPC services, data, maps and publications, please contact 215-238-2828, or visit our website at www.dvrpc.org/data.htm.