Geographic Information Systems is the creation, management, analysis, editing and storing of geographic data, organized into a usable format or display. GIS combines layers of information about a location and overlays them to give the user a better understanding of that location. The result is a more efficient organization of information which supports the decision making process. The City of Rifle uses GIS everyday for several applications and to assist such Departments as Planning and Building, Public Works, Utilities, Emergency Services, Finance and Administration.

The City makes every effort to provide its employees and citizens with the most accurate data and information available. Most maps are updated as data changes or becomes available. Maps produced by the City GIS department are meant to assist the work and interests of its employees, outside agencies, as well as its citizens, however, they are only meant to be used as thematic tools and should never be used in place of surveys or legal documents.