GIS and Python

you can find the GIS data for the city of Blacksburg here: http://www.gis.lib.vt.edu/gis_data/Blacksburg/GISPage.html

data is in the State Plane Coordinate System, and uses the 'Virginia South' reference frame, (#4502), and I believe in US Survey Feet

Virginia South FIPS 4502 Parameters (NAD83 Datum)
Deg Min.Min Decimal Degrees
Central Meridian -78° 30' -78.50°
Latitude of Origin 36° 20' 36.33°
Standard Parallel #1 36° 46' 36.77°
Standard Parallel #2 37° 58' 37.97°
False Easting 3500000 meters
False Northing 1000000 meters
Virginia South uses a Lambert Projection.

Useful python libraries:

• pyshp - read shape files
• pyproj - convert between coordinate systems