Knox County engineers say GIS speeds responses, helps volunteers and guides stream restoration

Kevin Scarboro, an Administrative Assistant with Knox County Engineering and Public Works, told listeners the department relies on its GIS system to route service requests and speed repairs.

"Using GIS, I can quickly look up an address, determine which crew to route the request to, and provide faster service to the community," Scarboro said. He said the system lets staff switch between base maps to identify pipes, check whether a road is due to be paved and determine if a problem is on or off the right of way. Scarboro noted KGIS aerial photographs are updated every two years, allowing staff to review historical site conditions.

The department’s in‑house GIS team, Scarboro said, maintains datasets for stormwater, roads, traffic signals and development sites and uses survey tools to improve data accuracy for planning and repairs. "Our engineers rely on this data to identify and resolve issues and to plan for updates and improvements to our infrastructure," he said.

An unidentified colleague who spoke midway through the presentation recalled that the office once used paper and laminated maps, which produced errors and made it harder to serve residents. "When I first came here, we didn't have digital maps," the colleague said, crediting the shift to digital GIS with reducing mistakes and helping prioritize limited paving and maintenance resources.

Scarboro also described how GIS supports community engagement. The stormwater compliance team uses apps and maps to recruit volunteers for Adopt a Stream by showing available streams and simplifying the application process. He pointed to an interactive story map documenting long‑term water‑quality monitoring at Connor Creek in Hardin Valley, saying collected data will inform stream‑mitigation projects.

As an example of on‑the‑ground results, Scarboro highlighted a recent stream bank restoration at Loves Creek, which he said illustrates collaborative work between EPW and other agencies to improve watershed conditions in Knox County.

Scarboro closed by encouraging residents to consult KGIS maps on the county website for more information about projects and local infrastructure.

The presentation was informational; no formal motions or votes were recorded.