HAMILTON — Butler County will launch a Web site July 22 that will allow users to quickly obtain information about parcels of property through layered maps with zoom features and aerial photographs.

        The county has spent five years and $2 million so far on this Web project — called the Geographic Information System (GIS).

        Todd Housman, Internet coordinator in the auditor's office, gave the county commissioners a brief demonstration Monday of how the site will work.

        Users can zoom quickly from a county map to a single parcel of property and obtain such information as the owner's name, the property's dimensions, soil type, the appraised value, the latest sale price, the outlines of buildings and the school district.

        Besides giving the public easy access to property information, the Web site is designed to assist the county's economic development efforts.

        The map will show exactly where the county's fiber-optics network runs as well as the location of 250 pieces of available commercial property.

        “It will be a very advantageous tool in economic development,” Commissioner Courtney Combs said.

        The Web site, which has not been given a name yet, will make it easier and less expensive for businesses considering moving to Butler to obtain vital information needed to make their decision, he said.

        The map also will display school district lines and congressional district and ZIP code boundaries.

        The Web site has been developed under the direction of Auditor Kay Rogers' office. But the GIS committee that has worked on this project for the past 18 months includes the county engineer's office, the county economic development, building and zoning and environmental services departments. Hamilton, Fairfield and Middletown officials also have participated.

        About $1.5 million of the $2 million spent on this project has been for aerial photography.

        Over the next few months, the Web site's map will be expanded to include rivers, lakes and streams, land contours, bridges and culverts, Mr. Housman said.

        “There are many more things we're going to do,” he said.

Archbishop apologizes in letter to Catholics
Special grand jury created
Taft, others object to drug-law change
County aims to be ready for disaster
Man rescued from 20-foot OTR cistern
Mounties could be coming to West Chester
Xavier bringing services together
CPS quest for another supervisor under way
Land for school acquired
Board approves Highlands' new field
County brainstorms creative solutions to tight '03 budget
Fairfield Schools avoid '04 deficit
Firefighters ready for challenge
Paul Voinovich, brother of senator, dies
Site gives lowdown on Butler
Tristate A.M. Report
3 Ky. journalists dispute contempt ruling
Ft. Thomas kids to pay more to play sports
No danger seen in listing Covington Landing
Nonprofit effort exceeds goal
Richest nets least for committee
Still no budget, no resolution
Three schools stand out in state
Waterway pollution worsening
HOWARD: Some Good News
RADEL: Covedale Theater