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By Luis Swanson, ISG GIS Manager

Tracking public infrastructure conditions, maintenance needs, and budgets across departments can quickly become overwhelming for municipalities. From streets to facilities and park systems, each asset has unique components that grow more complex as communities expand, age, and evolve.

Geographic information systems (GIS) dashboards are simplifying this process. Moving beyond static spreadsheets and disconnected records, this Esri-based tool is helping communities to avoid unexpected costs and effectively plan for maintenance, repairs, and improvements. 

What Are GIS Dashboards?
GIS dashboards combine the mapping capabilities of ArcGIS with an interactive dashboard interface to create a centralized location for real-time infrastructure data. This system is being used to improve workflows for asset management data collection, budgeting, and decision making. 

What Can GIS Dashboards Track? 
Nearly anything. GIS dashboards can track asset age, maintenance history, inspection dates, location-specific data, photos, and notes. Dashboards can also be configured to trigger alerts that prompt timely action.

GIS Dashboard Benefits
With mobile accessibility and intuitive visual displays, GIS dashboards make it easier to collect, review, and maintain accurate asset data. They also improve communication with residents and elected officials by clearly illustrating maintenance and improvement needs. This can help municipalities shift from reactive crisis responses to proactive, strategic planning and budgeting. 

Benefits include: 

• A single, reliable source of truth
• Location‑based mapping and historical tracking
• Existing systems integration
• Easy sharing through a web link
• User‑friendly stakeholder access 

GIS Dashboards in Action

City of Savage
The City of Savage developed a GIS dashboard in 2025 to centralize condition assessments, maintenance observations, and planning data for 13 municipal buildings. The tool helps City staff understand facility performance, prioritize needs, and plan for future maintenance and improvements.

Click to see dashboard photos: https://checkitout.isginc.com/view/545213593/

City of Vadnais Heights
The City of Vadnais Heights initially implemented a GIS dashboard in 2024 to track hydrant inspections, maintenance, and flushing activities. Today, the City uses this tool as a centralized viewer for a wide range of assets and data, including:

• Current Land Use 
• Flood Mapping
• Manhole Inspections
• Sanitary Sewer System
• Storm Sewer System
• Street Lighting
• Street PCI Index Ratings
• Valve Exercising
• Water Distribution System
• Water Main Breaks
• Zoning Districts

“Having a handheld device to record work and provide quick access to past work improves efficiency and troubleshooting. Real-time information allows me to respond quickly to public questions and accurately to Council. This tool has been extremely useful for workshops, planning, and fieldwork.” Jim Hauth, Public Works Director

Click to see dashboard photos: https://checkitout.isginc.com/view/544578092/ 

Turning Data into Decisions
By delivering real‑time data, intuitive visuals, and field‑ready tools, GIS dashboards help communities allocate resources more effectively, plan with confidence, and maintain critical infrastructure and budgets more efficiently.