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

Geographic information systems offer great promise in the public and private sectors in terms of:

•    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 systems meet a host of needs with speed and accuracy never thought possible. Within the public sector, geographic information systems 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 and other engineering studies;

 

•   aid elected officials in better understanding demographic changes in the community and responding to specific needs such as safe streets, housing needs, tax savings, requirements for accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

           

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

 

 

The use of geographic information systems offers tremendous opportunities within the private sector.  Kasler Associates, P.A., anticipates that corporate clients who establish and operate businesses at various locations (i.e., franchise operation) 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 other 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 estate, etc.

Kasler Associates, P.A. utilizes the latest in GIS technology including the most current software and databases.

 

 


ArcGIS - Copyright 2009 Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.

 The firm maintains a large GIS database which is constantly updated and upgraded.  The firm’s data base contains the entire 1990 and 2000 Census of Population and Housing which includes summary tapes 1A and 3A.  The firm also maintains enhanced Tiger files for the entire country, which provides street centerlines with the ability to search for specific addresses.

 

Kasler Associates, P.A. also maintains the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s database of more than 25 elements including, but not limited to, the following: Color infrared photography, Basins (Watersheds), Climate, Congressional Districts, County Boundaries, Dams, Flood Prone Areas, Geology, Geographic Place Names, Iron Mines, Land Use, Legislative Districts, Municipal Boundaries, Public Open Space, Pineland Boundaries, Reservoirs, Rivers and Streams, Sand & Gravel Mines, Solid Waste Landfills, Water Supply Management Areas, and Wetlands.

Kasler Associates, P.A. utilizes color infrared photography from 2002 in its GIS program to supplement site plan reviews as well as Master Plan programs.  If warranted, and available, the firm also utilizes low level aerial photography to vividly and accurately depict individual sites, areas and neighborhoods.

 

Aerial 

Springfield, New Jersey

Aerial

Municipal Use of GIS

 

Morristown Master Plan

 

Morristown

 

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.

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 has revised its zoning ordinance to limit the amount of impervious surface within the front yard based upon the analysis of the existing conditions.  Analysis of current conditions would not be possible without the use of a GIS.

 

Old Tappan

 

 Rockland County Psychiatric Center

  

Rockland County

The Town of Orangetown, New York had the right of first refusal when the Rockland County Psychiatric Center site became available for purchase from New York State.  Through the use of GPS (Global Positioning Systems), the municipality was able to more accurately delineate existing wetlands.  Kasler Associates, P.A. was able to then buffer the reservoir and wetlands to ascertain a more realistic development potential for the site.