Based on an Environmental Systems Resource Institute (ESRI) ArcGIS Platform

ArcInfo 9.x:
ArcInfo is the most comprehensive GIS package available from ESRI. it is our most advanced and complete GIS data creation, update, query, mapping, and analysis system. This is were all of our critical layers are created and maintained. The basis of our high precision and accuracy standards are dependent upon this software. Amherst has been using ESRI products for over fifteen years.

ArcView 9.x:
ArcView is the worlds most prevalent desktop GIS software package currently available. We use this software package mainly for mapping and application development. Users throughout many departments have increased productivity while saving time and money.

ArcGIS Server / ArcIMS 9.x:
ArcGIS Server provides a centralized data management system. ArcIMS is a powerful web based GIS software package that allows Amherst to disseminate information over the internet. Most of our layers are available to the public for free! All that is needed is an internet connection, an internet browser, and acceptance of our GIS data disclaimer agreement upon entrance to the site. This is a well received tool from Residents, Businesses, Utility Companies, Schools, and others.

Pictometry:
This company provides detailed aerial photography. Its images are taken at a 40 degree angle from low-flying airplanes. Its Electronic Field Study software allows a variety of measurements to be taken directly from the image. These include height, distance, area, elevation and bearing. This is licensed through Erie County.

Dialogic Communications Corp - GeoCast:
GeoCast is a emergency notifications system used in the Amherst Police Department. Using GIS data developed and maintained by the Town, an employee can select an area of interest in Amherst and make 1000s of phone calls per minute in that specific area. These messages can be either a pre-recorded or "on-the-fly" message notifying the selected area of potential emergencies, or public notifications. These notifications can include HAZMAT incidents, weather warnings, missing persons and more.

Misc. Software:
We implement many other tools to create, maintain, and analyze our geospatial information. These include open source applications and technologies.

Trimble:
Amherst incorporates the Trimble 4800, ProXR, and GeoXH GPS models into our geospatial technologies. These units can capture (features of interest) coordinates between centimeter and meter accuracy depending upon the unit model (4800 - high accuracy) (ProXR / GeoXH - medium accuracy) and other variables such as time lapse capturing a feature and satellites available at the time of capture.

Hewlett-Packard 1050C Plotter:
This unit is a large format plotter from Hewlett-Packard that is used to print out hard copy maps of our digital data. It can plot maps, images, graphics, GIS, and CAD work at a high rate of speed, resolution, and in a multitude of sizes.

Servers and Workstations:
The Town uses many different servers and workstations to create, host, distribute, and use our GIS data. These computers vary from: high end, dual processor, large memory, large hard drive machines to: an average computer that a Town resident may have at home to view, and use our GIS data on the internet.