(GIS) today that should make life easier for everyone involved in planning processes.

Approximately 150 architects and Government employees are expected to attend today's official launch of the new database technology at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

Kevin Mayall, a planner in the Informations Systems area of the Department, said the new system combined an advanced tracking database with a 3D map.

The new GIS will also be able to generate all the necessary paper work for any given application as well as the minutes and decisions of Development Application Board meetings.

The Planning Department's previous GIS was at least last ten years old and the new system, which has been in development for the past year and a half, is an improved version.

"It's a database that is able to track the planning application, all events during the approval process, as well as provide a visual 3D sites,'' said Mr.

Mayall.

Canadian company Atlantic Geographic Research Institute, a software development firm that deals specifically with GIS, worked closely with the Planning Department during the development of the software.

The process of developing the software has made it very user friendly and cut the time needed for retraining in half.

"It was a very inclusive process,'' Mr. Mayall said. "The company that developed the software had an interview with every one of the staff.

"We had a say in not only what the software did, but also the look and the feel of the system.

"It reduced the retraining time because we were already familiar with the content of the software.

"It was just a matter of someone taking us through the specific tasks and operations.'' The hardware for the new GIS was provided by MicroSystem Inc. and has given the Planning Department the opportunity to refit the entire office with a new computer system.

"Because of the new system we were able to provide every employee with their own computer and the whole system is now networked. Everyone is more self sufficient,'' said Mr. Mayall.

It is expected that the new GIS will help to improve the Department's efficiency.

"It helps to reduce ambiguity,'' said Mr. Mayall. "When some people refer to a property they may say Number Seven, North Shore.