Colorado, the eighth largest state by area in the United States, has more than 100,000 square miles of land reflecting a wide range of characteristics. The Great Plains support flat, dry land that slopes upward to meet the Rocky Mountains. The Colorado Plateau is characterized by its hills, deep valleys, plateaus, and flat-topped mountains. The Intermontane Basin houses forested hills, plateaus, and a lush supply of sagebrush. Then, of course, there are the Rocky Mountains, which contain massive peaks, rivers, and streams, that flow down both sides of the Continental Divide. With such dynamic land, Colorado's state and local government and regional agencies must meet the distinct needs of each area.

GIS technology enables data collected from these different sources and more to be combined into one central database for quantitative analysis of landscapes and regions. Land and resource managers use this information to plan for the preservation and restoration of areas that are under urban strain. The state's planning agencies use GIS to analyze land information, which helps them construct development plans that avoid possible geological hazards such as landslides, flooding, and other natural disasters. Local governments in Colorado can use GIS to balance the needs of different communities.

More information about how GIS is used to manage environmental resources is available at www.esri.com/environment on the Web. For more information about GIS in communities, visit www.esri.com/localgov on the Web.