One of the firm’s principal specialties is the provision of Geographic Information Services (GIS).  GIS represents computerized mapping which is integrated with database management.  The firm is the leading New Jersey planning consultant firm utilizing this technology.  

Geographic Information Systems offer great promise in public and private sectors in: 

• Improving analytical studies;

• Understanding changes and trends more quickly and efficiently;

• Increasing accuracy; 

• Improving productivity; 

• Enhancing record storage and data permanence; and

• Increasing profitability.

These services meet a host of needs with speed and accuracy never thought possible. Within the public sector, geographic information services can:

• Develop design programs for downtown areas, historic districts and other core areas of the community utilizing photographs, movies, aerial photographs and three dimensional visualization;

• Assist environmental commissions in the preparation of natural resource inventories and detailed impact studies;

• Aid planning boards in the development of master plans and housing programs in far greater detail than ever before;

• Assist boards of education in maximizing transportation routes and developing more cost-efficient programs;

• Improve the level of expertise to the engineering profession in developing comprehensive drainage studies and other engineering studies;

• Aid elected officials in better understanding demographic changes in the community and responding to specific needs such as requirements for accessibility under the Federal Americans      

• Disability Act, safe streets, housing needs, tax savings, etc.

• Assist communities in maintaining and updating all maps and data base information including the zoning ordinance, land use regulations, traffic information and crime statistics.

Geographic information systems also have tremendous potential within the private sector.  Kasler Associates, P.A. anticipates that corporate clients who establish and operate businesses at various locations can better utilize these services to monitor demographic trends, establish market areas and select sites for future development.

Businesses that utilize these services include oil companies, supermarkets, convenience food establishments, banks, eye-care centers, and multi-locational businesses. These services can provide greater assistance to the parent company in monitoring and adjusting to the changing market and environmental conditions. Through this technology, Kasler Associates, P.A. can provide management with specific information concerning sales, profitability, market penetration as well as data concerning physical attributes such as square footage of buildings, neighborhood characteristics, local zoning and regulating requirements, assessed values of real.

Kasler Associates, P.A. utilizes color infrared photography in its’ GIS program to supplement site plan reviews as well as Master Plan programs.

Springfield, NJ

Municipal Use of G.I.S.

The Borough of Old Tappan, New Jersey has utilized its newly created Geographic Information System to analyze existing conditions relating to the amount of impervious surface within the front yard area.  The municipality is contemplating revising its zoning ordinance to limit the amount of impervious surface within the front yard.  Analysis of current conditions would not be possible without the use of a G.I.S.

Rockland County Psychiatric Center

The Town of Orangetown, New York had the right of first refusal when the Rockland County Psychiatric Center site became available for purchase.  Through the use of GIS, the municipality was able to delineate wetlands and e-mail them to Kasler Associates, P.A.  The firm was able to then buffer the reservoir and wetlands reducing the amount of developable land and hence reduce the bidding price for this property.

Morristown Master Plan

In 2003, the Morristown Planning Board adopted a comprehensive master plan that culminated a two year in depth master planning program.  Through the use of GIS, the Township was able to analyze the existing land use pattern and zoning ordinance on a lot by lot basis.  This gave the municipality the ability to study the zoning requirements as they relate to the lot development within each of the zones and illustrates conformance or nonconformance.  This ultimately resulted in the creation of a new zone within the municipality that more closely echoes the existing land use patterns in the area.