Northbrook has had a long history in using GIS and its GIS program is one of the oldest in Chicago-land. Over twenty years ago, the Village implemented a GIS using Graphic Digital Systems (GDS) which was a precursor to ESRI. Northbrook approached the GIS Consortium with the goal of creating a GIS program that could be leveraged across the organization. In addition, the Village wanted to provide its residents with the ability to answer day-to-day questions about Village functions using GIS.