GIS/Tax Mapping The web-accessable Geographic Information System (GIS) was established in 2005 as cost effective solution to providing multiple users the ability to access, navigate and query tax mapping data. The system provides a valuable tool for more efficient and effective access, linking, analysis, and maintenance of information for and about the county and its citizens.  Maintenance of the property descriptions, taxpayer name and address records, property maps, and aerial photography for all 14 townships within the county is an important function. The project was completed through cooperative agreements between the county, townships and the Institute for Geospatial Research and Education at Eastern Michigan University.   A geographic information system allows you to link information (attributes) to geographical or spatial location data, such as people to addresses.  A GIS map contains many layers or geographic objects such as rivers, lakes, roads, parcels, etc. You can choose to combine different layers depending on what questions you need to answer.   The GIS department works in tandem with the Equalization department to maintain tax parcel maps and legal descriptions within the county in addition to handling all outside requests for maps and information.