Maryland GrowthPrint

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GrowthPrint?

GrowthPrint is designed to complement existing mapping efforts, such as GreenPrint and AgPrint, and is used to initially highlight areas currently identified by local governments and targeted for infill and revitalization efforts through existing state programs. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis, MDP mapped existing programs, including Sustainable Communities, (which is comprised of the former Community Legacy Areas and Designated Neighborhoods, BRAC Zones, and designated Transit Oriented Development), Enterprise Zones, and Targeted Investment Zones within PFAs. GrowthPrint will evolve to include areas where local governments want to focus their efforts toward new development, redevelopment and/or revitalization but are not currently using state programs.

The GrowthPrint interactive website allows users to view the GIS layer representing the cumulative state programs, as well as the individual layers that make up the separate programs mentioned above. Through a GIS overlay process, areas where programmatic geographies overlapped were identified and given a GrowthPrint designation.

What is GIS?

• A geographic information system (GIS) integrates hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information.
• GIS allows us to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports, and charts.
• A GIS helps you answer questions and solve problems by looking at your data in a way that is quickly understood and easily shared.
• GIS technology can be integrated into any enterprise information system framework.

Source: http://www.esri.com/what-is-gis/index.html

What is a Priority Funding Area (PFA)?

Priority Funding Areas are locally designated growth areas that are primarily comprised of existing communities and places that meet minimum density, water and sewer service, and development capacity thresholds and are areas where local governments and the State want to target investment to support future growth.

Source: Maryland Department of Planning (MDP)

What are the datasets in which GrowthPrint is comprised?

http://mdpgis.mdp.state.md.us/growthprint/DataDictionary.pdf

What does my GrowthPrint designation mean for me?

The GrowthPrint designation is initially a compilation of representative geographies where the state and local governments are focusing redevelopment and revitalization efforts.

Can Local Governments submit additional GrowthPrint areas?

Yes. MDP will work to maintain and update the GrowthPrint site with new State and local program geographies. Additionally, through PlanMaryland, local governments will be able to identify areas that are not currently beneficiaries of state programs, but may be areas where local governments want to focus their efforts toward new development, redevelopment and/or revitalization.

Why doesn’t my house fall within a GrowthPrint designation?

The GIS analysis for GrowthPrint involves geographic locations that fall within a State recognized PFA. If your house is in a PFA, it could still not be in a GrowthPrint area if it is not located in an area where the State has existing programs targeted for infill, redevelopment or revitalization. If your house is outside of a PFA, it would not be eligible to be in a GrowthPrint area.

What is Smart Growth?

Smart Growth supports established communities and locally designated growth areas where there are existing and planned facilities, like roads, transit, water and sewer, and other public infrastructure, and aims to protect rural areas. The Priority Funding Areas Act provides a geographic focus for the State's investment in growth-related infrastructure. Smart Growth has four straightforward goals:

• Support existing communities by targeting resources to support development in areas where infrastructure exists;
• Save our most valuable natural resources before they are forever lost;
• Save taxpayers from the high cost of building infrastructure to serve development that has spread far from our traditional population centers; and
• Provide Marylanders with a high quality of life, whether they choose to live in a rural community, suburb, small town, or city.

Source: Maryland Department of Planning (MDP)

Do I need special software to use this web site?

Specialized software is not required to use this map but a web browser with Flash installed is needed (We recommend having the latest version). The interactive map has been tested using two different web browsers – Internet Explorer 7 and Firefox Version 3.6.7 or better. If you are using older version of these browsers or are using a different browser the map may not function as designed. Also, some PDF documents may be downloaded. Adobe Acrobat will be required for you to view these documents, if you don't have the Adobe Reader go to their download page.

Can I download data for use in my GIS system?

No you cannot download data directly into your GIS system. Many of the map layers being displayed through GrowthPrint are available as map services from the iMAP portal. Go to http://www.imap.maryland.gov/Portal/ for additional information.

Why does the shape of the symbol for some layers change as I zoom in close?

Some layers have scale dependencies so that the data is only visible at certain “zoom” levels. Also, some of the symbols are represented by one shape when looking at the entire state or a large area, then change to the shape of the parcel when zoomed in close. This was done to ensure that small parcels are visible when viewing the entire state. Their relatively small size renders them not visible at a statewide view.

Why can’t I access individual layers in the base map, like roads?

All the data that you see in the base map (Map button on top right), roads, streams, place names, county, city, town and parcel boundaries, water, military bases, etc., are all combined in such way that they not individually selectable. In effect, they have been placed into a single layer with no direct control. The only control the user has is to select between the Street Map or Imagery Map buttons (top right).

Can I change colors in the map?

No, the user cannot change any of the colors in the map. This is done to make the map as fast and efficient as possible.

 

GrowthPrint Main