A new digital system for accessing the geographical information in Warwick was launched Tuesday in an effort to maximize usability among residents for online property data.

Visitors can research information about a property by inputting an address into the search engine and selecting various options to see tax maps, land-use data, the tax assessor's database, FEMA flood insurance maps, aerial orthophotography, elevations and street maps.

"The new GIS system will not only help simplify access for those looking for specific land-use and property information, but it's another way we have been able to improve city services," said Mayor Scott Avedisian. "This new, free system will improve efficiency and accuracy and will do so in a streamlined way."

The geographical information system known as MainStreetGIS is used in more than 35 communities throughout New England, according to MainStreetGIS President William Tingle.

The cost for the City of Warwick is $47,900, plus the annual $3,500 fee and a $3,900 updating charge starting in the coming year.

"It's much less than having someone drawing the maps by hand," said Mayor Avedisian, during a presentation of the mapping system.

According to a release, the GIS is a system that merges cartography, statistical analysis and database technology into a layered format, which helps the user visualize, analyze and interpret data by relationship, patterns and trends.

The process to digitize the plat maps took about a year, explained Tax Assessor Christopher Celeste who worked closely with Dan Geagan of the planning department.

"Through this GIS, we've kind of rebuilt how the plat maps are," said Celeste. "Instead of just having blank around the edges, we gray out the abutting plats so that people can actually see the next parcel."

The mapping data program could soon be used by the police and fire, explained city officials. And at some point, a mobile app could be added.

"Think of each parcel as a file cabinet," says Janine L. Burke-Wells, the executive director at Warwick Sewer Authority. "Each department has a drawer. You can get sewer connection information, water connection information...anything that we have in that filing cabinet will be available."

A practical homeowner use of the GIS, suggested Avedisian would be to inform residents of a neighborhood block party. The system that is accessible off the city website enables the user to not only identify the names and addresses of a selected area, but can be used to print off mailing labels.

The web-based mapping site is interactive; a myriad of options on the tab located on the left side of the website allows the user to select or deselect layers, depending on their interests.

The GIS system will help visitors, residents, developers, business owners, real-estate professionals, and engineers who are looking for property and land-use information, say city officials. It is linked into Google Earth that allows the user to get an on the ground look at the area as well.

Without even going to the neighborhood the the user-friendly mapping system can give a potential homebuyer an appraisal of the property value in any given neighborhood.

"Without even a scratch or sniff," Burke-Wells added.