Press Release 06-12-2013

“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.

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.

“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.

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Data collection and asset management applications such as Spatial Links are utilizing the internet to verify, edit, and navigate to infrastructure.  They have been doing so for years.  However, many utilities and public works departments are still not utilizing the internet to manage, view, and process their GIS data. Data is being uploaded to GPS devices in the office, where it is connected via USB to a computer running mapping software.  GPS devices are not connected to the internet and field crews are utilizing less accurate solutions to find infrastructure while in the field.  In addition, field crews are usually postprocessing this data.  This means they are taking their new or updated GPS data that was collected for that day, week, or month and postprocess the data back at the office.  Postprocessing is still a fundamental step when collecting vast amounts of infrastructure data or when internet access is not available in the field.  However, once your infrastructure is collected and you are editing or verifying data in the field, there are more efficient solutions.

When speaking to utilities and public works departments about connecting to the Internet while in the field, two questions always arise: 

How much will a data plan cost for our handheld devices?

Here is what I found out about one of our own projects:  I used Verizon’s data usage calculator to estimate how much it would cost if we maximized our field crews data usage (123.06 GB/month) which is way more than they need out in the field (usually half).   The estimated cost was $73.24 per month, not even equivalent to a full tank of gas for one of our trucks.  Our ROI for not having to travel back to the office each afternoon to load our data in a connected environment was about 400 minutes of travel time per month.  Time that was spent collecting valuable data and completing projects more quickly.  This also meant that we saved approximately $96 in gas per month (conservatively).

How will we view and make changes to our data when we have spotty cell phone service in some areas?

By using an application such as ArcMobile with Trimble Positions Extension (GeoCollector), you can become disconnected from the Internet and still view, collect, manage, update, etc. your infrastructure without disruption.  The solution is a hybrid approach that facilitates poor service coverage.  When your device regains data coverage (connected environment), the solution will automatically sync any changes / updates you made while you did not have service.  You can also purchase antennas for field computers and tablets to increase coverage availability.  In addition to solution such as ArcMobile, web mapping applications built to manage your infrastructure in both the field and office give you the ability to view data across your organization without relying on desktop software and licensing restrictions.  They are inexpensive and can be used as a single platform for multiple applications such as AVL, GIS, and work order applications.

I believe that it is important for Utilities and Public Works departments who have collected their infrastructure to invest in solutions that give field crews the ability to connect to the internet even if they don’t have a full coverage area.   Web-based GIS applications offer a more efficient way to view, edit, share, sync and manage existing GIS data.  Leave a comment telling me what kind of experience you have had in spotty coverage areas with real-time connections.

Have you recently moved your ArcGIS infrastructure to the Amazon AWS Cloud environment?  We recently moved and have been using the CloudWatch Web Service to keep an eye on our resource management. The Cloudwatch Web Service provides  a lot of great metrics that help manage cloud resources but having to log in to the AWS console to see these metrics that we check everyday has become time consuming which is why I wanted to find a way to take these metrics and create a report that contained all the information in one place.

 I have created a sample application that can run as a scheduled task that will query Cloud watch metrics, create a PDF report, and email the report to a recipient using a Gmail Account. To create the PDF I used the iTextSharp open source C# PDF Library http://sourceforge.net/projects/itextsharp/ and the Microsoft chart controls.To create this report I turned to the AWS SDK for .NET. http://aws.amazon.com/sdkfornet/  The sample code is on GitHub.  You can get it here or by clicking the “Get Code” button.

Before you can use the Sample you will have to enter your organizations AWS Access Key and AWS Secret Access key into the App.config file of the project, and enter a valid to and from address.  As always, don’t forget to share the knowledge!

Click to Tweet: “Sample code for resource management reports in the Amazon @awscloud environment http://goo.gl/uWZlF via @joseph_a_cox #MapThis”

You have been working on this mapping application on and off for over a year now.  You have pulled all-nighters and proudly showed it off to your closest clients.  You even had your mom test it, and now you are ready to introduce it to the public.

It is your baby and it is going to be so awesome that everyone will want to use it…But here’s the thing, it’s not all about the application. Although you have made a great looking, super-fast, user friendly mapping application, have you armed it with the supporting documentation it needs to be successful?  Depending on the number of users and the roles of your employees, you could actually be burying every cent you make in support.

In order to successfully manage your mapping application’s launch and ongoing support, you will need to arm it with these essential supporting components:

The most advantageous applications use in-app how-to’s and step-by-step pop-ups that walk users through the fundamentals of the application upon the initial use of the app.  At a bare minimum, how-to manuals, frequently asked questions and trouble-shooting documentation must be easily and readily available for users upon product purchase.  Be sure that all of your documentation is easily understood and that no steps are missed when guiding users through the applications workflows.

I hope it doesn’t come to this but depending on the applications functionality, you might have to create training documentation.  Remember that on-site training can be very costly and time consuming but may be necessary to ensure less user support after implementation.  Backup your training documentation with training videos and reference them all the time (along with any other supporting documentation).  You want your customers to use your support documentation to avert them from making a support call.  Every second of on-call support prevents your staff from completing other tasks.

If you must create training documentation, make sure you understand the different types of users that will be utilizing the mapping application.  You might have to create training documentation for different user roles and technical levels.  Try not to think of it as overkill.  Offering the right supporting documentation enables you to place more money back into the application.  As sales grow you will be able to further enhance and refine the mapping application and give the GIS user an even better experience.

Understanding these supporting components doesn’t guarantee that your mapping application is a success but it greatly helps your chances of a successful roll out.  Many other factors will affect your success.  Besides luck and timeliness, you also must plan for growth and scalability, maximize setup and configuration efficiency and get the right marketing strategy in place.

We want you to share this article. Click to Tweet  (“http://goo.gl/Ll2wg Arm your mapping application with these tips about support #MapThis”)

Do you have any other ideas that could help ease support issues?  Let us know by leaving a comment below!

This is the reality of many people living in the Ulpan Valley of Guatemala. And it is the mission of the Nashville Professional Chapter of Engineers without Borders to do something about it.  But they need your help. So go ahead and  Donate.

Note from the editor:  About a month ago I received a call from Scott Andrews, asking if I had any GPS equipment available that they could utilize and leave with the locals for this project.  They are teaching the locals how to utilize the GPS and map paths and water resources.  They are still in need of funding to fulfill their goals and bring water to people in need.  I donated and now I feel way better about myself  .  Don’t believe me?  Try it!

In April, a group of local engineers, primarily from the Nashville firm CDM Smith, will travel to Guatemala to begin work on a long-term project to develop sustainable water systems for those living in the Ulpan Valley. According to Kevin Colvett, who lived and worked in the valley from July 2011 to June 2012, traveling 4 miles for water in this part of the world is not an exaggeration, though there are instances in this valley when the distance might be shorter; however, water conditions at those locations may not be ideal.

“In wetter times, they can find some springs to utilize, but the problem is those springs are unprotected and can get contaminated easily, especially when the women wash the family’s clothes in their water supply,” says Colvett, who works as a project manager with CH2M HILL.

While the Nashville EWB group has some funding, their long-term plans will be reliant on the generosity of others.

“Funding would probably not limit the initial trip in April, but funding could be a limiting factor in a follow-up trip to construct new facilities for communities there,” says Colvett.  According to Colvett, similar projects for villages with 600 to 1,000 people have cost between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on the proximity of the water source and the size of storage tanks. “There is a master plan to provide water to multiple villages — some of which the EWB team will be mapping in April — and future funding could determine whether one, two or up to five additional villages receive a new water system,” says Colvett.

Previous projects in the Ulpan Valley have been completed by other engineer volunteer groups, most notably groups affiliated with Lipscomb University, Knox ProCorps and the engineering firm Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon. The success of those efforts suggests these projects are feasible and of benefit to the communities they serve.

The April trip planned by the Nashville EWB chapter will focus on locating the nearest available water source and determining the best steps to deliver that water to the community. Colvett says the assessment will include discussions with people in the community in order to collect baseline data from residents on how water impacts their daily lives.

“We will provide piping to convey water from the source to central locations in the community — churches, the school and clusters of homes. The goal is to have no one in the community walk more than 15 minutes to get water,” says Colvett.

Colvett says making water accessible to the local school is a top priority for the team.

“Without water nearby, the children have to spend a large part of their day simply walking to water sources and carrying water back home, so there is little time for school,” says Colvett.

Donations and Hockey Games

Those interested in making a donation to this effort may do so by visiting http://ewb-nashville.org/donate/. In addition, tickets purchased for the upcoming Predators against the St. Louis Blues (April 9) will result in a portion of proceeds going to the Nashville EWB chapter. Tickets must be purchased at the following link in order for EWB to receive the funds: http://www.nashvillepredators.com/ewb.  If hockey can support water, so can you!

Nashville Predators Game April 9, 2013

About Engineers Without Borders

The mission of EWB is to support community-driven development programs worldwide by collaborating with local partners to design and implement sustainable engineering projects while creating transformative experiences and responsible leaders.

In December 2012, locals in Semesche, Guatemala, work on a water supply project as part of Project Ulpan. Knox ProCorps, a group of volunteer engineers from Knoxville, Tenn., led the effort.

The Nashville Professional Chapter of Engineers Without Border was established in 2008 with a goal of using engineering skills to do good and give back — beyond the confines of the office cubicle. The chapter is a vehicle for developing sustained local volunteerism, engineering outreach and opportunities to apply engineering talents in the developing world. The chapter has been involved with two international projects and is currently working to improve water quality in Guatemala.  If you would like to join the cause or donate please do so here.

The Truckee-Tahoe Airport recently moved to the ArcGIS Online platform to complement our ArcGIS Desktop GIS capabilities.  We are novice GIS users by most measures, not that this has deterred us in the past from implementing or operating our GIS program.  We began our GIS program at Truckee Tahoe Airport less than 2 year ago.  While the need had existed for some time, the timing and funding finally allowed us to get started. We began to dig deeper, quickly realizing the limitations of trying to operate a small enterprise GIS from a file server for our three GIS users.  We were challenged by many factors in this process but immediately saw the value in having enterprise access to our data.  In 2012 we conducted a trial with the ArcGIS Online platform like many have.  It seemed functional and able to meet our needs.  How complicated could it be?  By the end of 2012 we had made the decision to implement ArcGIS Online for 5 users in an Organizational Account.  We began working with AT GeoSystems and GEO-Jobe GIS to move our data “into the cloud.”  I was told that we would go through training once everything was ready.  Not quite sure what there would be to learn (since I had been through the trial period) I agreed that training would be necessary.

After 2 days of training through GEO-Jobe’s ArcGIS Online Launch Package, I can assure you there is more to ArcGIS Online than one may see during the initial trial.  Working with the data for editing is possible (with some training).  Creating maps, user groups, content libraries and many other features offer the user significant capability with modest investment.  Without going through the ArcGIS Launch Package, I would have spent significantly more time trying to figure out how to work with the system and learn about all of its capabilities.   For a small organization with limited GIS resources this presents the opportunity to create, share, edit, publish maps with nominal training.  If you are considering ArcGIS Online try it out first and be sure to require some basic training for a successful implementation.

Kevin Bumen, C.A.E.
Director of Aviation and Business Services
Truckee Tahoe Airport District (KTRK)
10356 Truckee Tahoe Airport Rd.
Truckee, CA 96161-3311
www.truckeetahoeairport.com

1. The ArcGIS Vision: Jack spoke of the “ArcGIS Vision” – The convergence of Content, Infrastructure and Apps within the ArcGIS System. I believe that his vision is quickly becoming reality and will result in a huge demand (and growth) for the GIS industry.  As I explained in my 2013 Industry Outlook, I predict we’ll start seeing the results of this convergence in 2013.
2. ArcGIS Online: There was a lot of talk about ArcGIS Online and rightfully so.  This product is allowing the idea of delivering “Geography as a Platform” to move from a concept to a reality and it is happening now!  Support for federated identity management was a hot topic as it’s very relevant for large organizations (i.e. Federal Government Agencies).  However, I was most excited about the discussion on support for on-premise implementations of ArcGIS Online (Portal for ArcGIS), which addresses a major stumbling block for organizations with tight security policies.  Be sure to keep an eye out for enhancements to our Launch Packages later this year that will support on-premise implementations.
3. Solution Templates & Marketplace: The migration to configurable ArcGIS Online application templates (Solution Templates) is really accelerating.  We got a glimpse of this with the ArcGIS for Local Government: The Road Ahead in 2013 article a couple weeks ago. For some background on this concept, checkout Configurable Web Apps in ArcGIS Online.  Most exciting though, was the public announcement of a Marketplace for distributing these apps.  Developers will now have a platform for taking their creations and quickly marketing them to millions of users.  This is going to open up some amazing opportunities.
4. Enhancement of Cloud Content & Capabilities: Esri continues to enhance the content and analytical capabilities offered through their cloud.  The most interesting to me that I think you should checkout are: Landscape Services, GeoEvent Server (Cool Social Media Demo) and CityEngine Web Scenes (web scene is 3-D medium vs. web map is 2-D medium).  However, from simply the cool factor, you can’t top the announcement that we will be able to access near real-time imagery from DigitalGlobe satellites (coming soon)!  Looks like the guy that asked, “Why can’t I see myself on that aerial photo?” is about to have a legitimate question.
5. Will.i.am:  Jack discussed the power of Esri partnerships, both with “Esri Business Partners” and influential figures in society.  Will.i.am was one of those influential figures that got highlighted for his work with Esri to expose young kids in tough schools to the power of GIS.  I must applaud both parties for their efforts in this space.  As you know, MapThis! supports the growth of GIS technology through Geospatial Learning.  It is exciting to see such influential people raise awareness for the value of GIS.

You can tweet about this: “@jeremyhweber Discusses 5 Eye Opening Takeaways from the #Esri FedUC http://goo.gl/3otQv” (Click to Tweet)

I would love to hear from you too!  What are your thoughts on the top takeaways from the Esri FedUC?  Discuss it with me here or on twitter @jeremyhweber and don’t forget to use #MapThis.

Are Interactive Maps Dead?

Back in the days when a Blackberry was clipped to your hip, if you created a web mapping application that allowed users to zoom, you could place the word “interactive” in front of ‘map’ and call it a success. In fact you could even call it amazing.  But is the word “interactive” still a remarkable term that must be used to describe a web mapping application?  With the ease at which we share and produce web maps and applications through platforms like ArcGIS Online have we not outgrown the term “interactive?”  If you are selling web mapping applications and one of your features is that it is “interactive,” go ahead and finish reading this article, find the nearest payphone, call your home phone, leave a message on your home message machine, and remind yourself that it’s 2013. Your organization must avoid disaster by appropriately communicating your solution offerings to align with today’s technology. Everything is interactive these days.  The world understands and assumes that your web mapping applications are interactive, just as you assume that the overhead light in your office will turn on when you flip the light switch. Interactive maps aren’t dead.  They’ve just evolved.

The Buzz Word every Geographer must Know about their Web Mapping Application

I get it.  We all need adjectives.  So what replaces “interactive?” A big buzz word in marketing is the term “engaging,” particularly for social media experts. The goal is to create an engaging experience with your audience to increase sales of your products and services.  So how does this apply to your web mapping application?  Just like successful marketing models on engagement, web mapping applications that deliver an engaging experience are more likely to be used, repeatedly used and shared.

Understanding the Engaging Experience

First let’s highlight the difference between interactive and engaging.  An interactive map focuses on how a user operates the maps functionality through zoom, pan, identify, measure, etc. An engaging map focuses on how a user interacts with the GIS data while operating the maps functionality.  The true foundation of an engaging map is how the data is manipulated to appeal to the user’s needs and emotions through the web mapping applications functionality.  This understanding and user-centric focus will produce engaging web mapping applications with purposeful data that leaves a lasting impression on its users.

Take a peek at how much focus is placed on the user experience with Esri’s Story Maps Initiative in this interview with Allen Carroll, Esri’s ArcGIS Online Content Program Manager, in an article titled, “Telling Stories with Maps, by Matt Artz.”

Allen Carroll: ”Maps are wonderful organizers of information. And they’re an ideal stage on which to spin a narrative. I’ve always loved the way maps tickle both sides of the brain: They invite inspection, analysis, critical thinking—but they can (and should!) also be things of beauty, appealing to our more intuitive, aesthetic impulses as well. So they’re an ideal way to engage people.”

Make Your Maps Remarkable

As GIS professionals, it is our responsibility to promote the technological advances of our industry. We are liable for the betterment of our world and we have been assigned to solve some of the most complex global problems humanity faces today.  Update your marketing material. Produce engaging maps that are user focused. Be remarkable.

You can tweet about this: “Checkout this #MapThis Read: http://goo.gl/hTSxT How to Seize the New Era of Web Mapping Applications  @eric_edmonds”

(Click to Tweet)

I would love to hear from you too!  What are your thoughts, personnel experiences, or comments related to this article?  Discuss it with me here or on twitter @eric_edmonds and don’t forget to use #MapThis. Remember to join the MapThis! Initiative to get the latest blog updates, free gear and discounts, and priority tickets to events.