Marshfield will upgrade its digital mapping capabilities following the approval of Article 5, which allocates $14,400 from free cash to rebuild the town’s Geographic Information System (GIS) online web application. Town Planner Karen Horn explained that the current system, installed in 2019, relies on outdated software that has begun to cause significant display problems for both staff and the public.

The one-time upgrade will move the town to a modern server and software suite. This is a one-time upgrade that will rebuild the system and allow for greater flexibility and to assist the staff and the public, Horn said. The Advisory Board recommended the project, noting that reliable GIS data is essential for various town functions, including planning, conservation, and infrastructure management. The upgrade aligns with recent efforts by the Planning Board and DPW to modernize town data and stabilize departmental operations.

Motion: To appropriate $14,400 from free cash.

Vote: Passed