Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a technology utilized by Lacombe County to gather, store, update, manipulate, display, query, analyze and map all forms of geographically referenced information. A typical GIS includes computer software, computer hardware, geographic data, technical staff to manage and process the data, and a number of end users that utilize the data.

Data is a critical component of a functional GIS, and this data typically exists in either a vector format (points, lines, annotation or polygons) or in a raster/image format. The geographic datasets commonly used and maintained by Lacombe County include:

• Land ownership polygons
• Digital airphoto/orthophoto images
• Road network lines
• Township boundary polygons
• Section boundary polygons
• County boundary polygons
• Urban municipality polygons
• Emergency response polygons
• Land use zoning polygons
• Electoral division polygons
• Hydrological polygons and lines
• Watershed boundary polygons
• Farmland polygons
• Soil polygons
• Residence location points
• Contour elevation lines
• Administrative location points (Waste transfer stations, churches, schools, halls and golf courses)
• Recreational District polygons
• School division ward polygons
• Cadastral linework and text (Cadastral data displays block lines, lot numbers, road limits, right of way limits, and other information found on plans of survey from Land Titles)

GIS can help visualize trends, patterns and locations that help the decision making process. The power of GIS lies in its ability to overlay multiple datasets for analysis, identify the spatial relationships between features, and produce intelligent maps and reports to make more informed decisions. Lacombe County uses GIS and related technologies to more effectively and efficiently address problems that arise, aid in the development of management plans, and monitor the natural, cultural, economic, and physical resources of the County.

The Global Positioning System, most commonly know simply as GPS, is a network of 24 satellites that continually orbit the earth at an altitude of over 19,000 kilometres. Each satellite travels at approximately 11,000 km/h which allows it to circle the earth every 12 hours. The satellite constantly travels along a very precise path, and if the satellite veers off this path, small rockets guide the satellite back into place.

The way GPS works is that each satellite continually transmits a signal down towards earth. A GPS receiver is able to lock into this signal and then it performs a number of distance calculations and through triangulation a relative ground location can be determined. A minimum of 3 satellites must be able to communicate with the receiver to calculate a precise latitude and longitude location on the earth's surface. The locational accuracy of a position depends on the quality of the GPS receiver used. Survey grade receivers provide sub-centimetre accuracy, mapping grade receivers provide metre accuracy, and recreational grade receivers provide accuracy down to about 10 metres. As with any technology, the accuracy of these receivers is always improving. Lacombe County currently utilizes GPS in its Agriculture, Public Works and Mapping departments.