本文描述了快速发展的华盛顿州西雅图市如何在许多部门使用地理信息系统（GIS）技术，包括水和电。西雅图开始使用地理信息系统，这是该市工程、水利和电力部门联合开展的自动化绘图项目的一部分。该项目沿着多条轨道进行。首先是建立了一个通用的土地数据库，其中包含许多城市部门通用的土地特定数据；与此同时，水电数据库和地图开发正在进行中。概述了公共土地数据库的内容和结构，附录列出了许多部门预期使用的要素； 另一个附录列出了各个部门可能的应用程序。在此概述之后，作者将重点介绍水利部的参与情况。基于激增的记录和老化的、不可复制的、非标准的地图，解释了对GIS的需求。详细讨论了与水利部有关的规划和开发活动以及当前的地理信息系统状态；附录以流程图的形式给出了流程。总结了九个经验教训；这些问题从机构问题到地理信息系统的原始资料。

This paper describes how the fast-growing City of Seattle, Washington, is using geographic information system (GIS) technology in many departments, including water and electric. Seattle began use of GIS as part of a joint automated mapping project undertaken by the city's engineering, water, and electric departments. The project proceeded along multiple tracks. First was formed a common land data base, which contained land-specific data common for many city departments; at the same time, water and electric database and map development were underway. An overview of the contents and construct of the common land data base is given, with an appendix listing the elements that are anticipated to be used by many departments; another appendix lists possible applications in various departments. Following this overview, the author concentrates on the water department's involvement. The need for GIS is explained, based on proliferating records and aging, nonreproducible, nonstandard maps. Planning and development activities and the current GIS status in relation to the water department are discussed in some detail; an appendix gives the process in the form of a flow chart. Nine lessons learned are summarized; these range from institutional issues to GIS source materials.