GEO-Jobe Offering New Focused Utility Apps

Tools-Icon-01Press Release 06-12-2013 - Eric Edmonds Director of Marketing and Sales -The Utility Industry has come a long way in operational technologies over the past 10 years.  From automatic meter reading (AMR) to full blown asset management software, the goals have always been the same.

“Provide utilities with an easier and more efficient way to manage their infrastructure.”

Through platforms like GIS, it is important to remember that better infrastructure management means better personnel and customer management as well.

But, have you noticed how these tech changes within the industry have segmented utilities between size and type (Water, Sewer, Gas, and Electric).  Smaller utilities and even some departments in larger organizations are finding it difficult to not only sift through the influx of expensive technologies (and find what they really need) but also find something that is scalable (size) and affordable (budget).

Utilities are finding it difficult to pinpoint applications that are extremely specific and user friendly.  Before now, they were left paying too much for applications with functionality they don’t need and won’t use.  Why pay for functionality you won’t use? Functionality that will only confuse and keep personnel from utilizing the application.

GEO-Jobe believes that all Utility personnel deserve easy-to-use GIS applications that are available in-office and in the field.  That is why we have developed three focused Utility App Packages that were specifically designed to empower utilities without breaking their budgets.  The applications were built with a philosophy on a focused need, making each app extremely simple and easy-to-use.

Utility Essentials Package is comprised of an in-office Utility Operations Dashboard that provides users with focused information to drive decision making throughout the day and a Utility Mobile Map that allows personnel with smartphones and tablets to access their GIS on the go.  This means that a general manager has a simple map interface that aligns with his needs as a decision maker and his field crew has a mobile map that enables them to see their infrastructure while in the field.

Field-to-Finish Package is comprised of both an in-office and mobile applications designed for data collection and updates.  The GeoCollector combines the best of Esri and Trimble technology to provide users with an unmatched high accuracy data collection solution.  The Editor is an application focused on in-office editing tasks required after the collection process.  Your data collection process could not be more easily completed or more trusted than through this solution.

Spatial Links Package is comprised of an in-office Dashboard designed to provide users with focused information for monitoring work orders and inspections throughout the day.  The Web Mobile application provides field crews with an easy to use interface with simple processes for navigating to and completing work orders and inspections in real-time.

If you are interested in seeing these application packages first-hand, you can sign up for a demo here.  We look forward to showing you our other application packages in the airport and local government industries over the next few weeks.

Posted in Tools / Apps | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Key to Delivering GIS to Non-GIS Users

Tools & Apps

Tools & Apps

Mapping Platforms – Get with ‘em or Good Luck by Jeremy Weber, Director of Product Development at GEO-Jobe GIS Consulting.  This article discusses best practices for delivering the benefits of GIS to non-GIS users.

When we take a close look at the concept of extending the benefits of GIS to non-GIS users, there are many challenges.  Not only are we talking about a lot of people, the requirements are all over the place.  The devices they’ll be using (smartphones, tablets, etc.), the data they need access to, the application-level functionality they need, etc.  It’s pretty easy to see why, historically, we haven’t made a whole lot of progress with these users.

mobile characters

“This app is great.”
“It’s called GIS.”
“Ohhh…”

In addition, as much as it may shock you, these people don’t care about GIS.  They have a variety of other things they’re responsible for and frankly don’t have time to sit through a training class to learn about your “GIS Viewer”.  Especially when they’ll use a fraction of the functionality, if they use it at all.  However, the good news is that these users do like “maps” (I know, just go with it), and if delivered in the right way, they’ll use the heck out of them.  So, the trick is using a mapping platform that is agile and can adapt to how you do business so users don’t have to.

Our platform of choice at GEO-Jobe is ArcGIS and more specifically, ArcGIS Online.  With this product, we’re able to completely transform the way in which we approach delivering GIS across organizations.  We’re finding that out of the box functionality meets most casual user needs, but where it comes up short, we’re extending the application-level functionality of the platform with configurable apps.  A lot of others are too and you’ll soon be able to discover their apps via the ArcGIS Marketplace.  So my message to you is “Get with the Platform” and start realizing the benefits of increased use of GIS across your organization.

Throughout the month of June, GEO-Jobe will be releasing a variety of focused apps that interface with ArcGIS Online in different ways.  The roll-out of these apps will be phased, one industry at a time, starting with Utilities.  The final release, which is slated for the week before the UC, will include something special.  Stay tuned and in the meantime, post your comments on this topic here.  I’d love to hear your thoughts.

To get the latest MapThis articles sent directly to your inbox simply subscribe in the box to the right or you can subscribe here.

Posted in Tools / Apps | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to use Batch Processing in ArcToolbox

Nick Lawalin with GEO-Jobe GIS Consulting shows you a quick way to add fields to several feature classes through batch processing using ArcToolbox.  If you’re adding five fields or several hundred fields, you can save time if you know this easy-to-use shortcut. Checkout the short step by step tutorial and let me know if it was helpful.

Posted in Educational, How-To | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment