The Emerging Role of Enterprise GIS in State Forest Agencies
Geographic Information System (GIS) A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer software system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of spatial or geographical data. The software allows two types of data: Vector - composed of points, lines and polygons. Examples: fire ignition points, roads, individual stand maps, etc. Raster - composed of pixels. Examples: National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP), Topo, etc.
Mission Driven Technology Implementation Mission The Alabama Forestry Commission is committed to protecting and sustaining our forest resources using professionally applied stewardship principles and education. We will ensure Alabama's forests contribute to abundant timber, wildlife, clean air and water, and a healthy economy. GIS Vision Enable a web-based, enterprise GIS throughout the agency. Extend the use of GIS to smart phones and tablets. Allow the use of GIS connected or disconnected. Ability to gather GIS information uniformly and timely across the agency. Eliminate custom programming and minimize technical dependency. Deliver cost effective products and services.
GIS at the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) Availability of GIS is limited to desktop use only. GIS data is fragmented and not centrally integrated. Inability to communicate GIS information seamlessly. Lacks the capability to deliver enterprise geospatial data uniformly or in a timely manner. Current GIS meets minimal needs, but cost and staffing reductions, increasing environmental and economic pressures on natural resources will require a more efficient system of management with more agile training and analysis procedures.
Objectives for a GIS Platform at the AFC To facilitate agency staff in accomplishing GIS tasks efficiently, effectively and seamlessly. To maximize GIS availability by extending it across various platforms and devices. To centrally manage and integrate an adaptable and robust, web-based enterprise GIS. To meet various GIS obligations proficiently. To provide clear and concise information to the landowners of the state. To submit management plans and various other forest health and status information to the US Forest Service (USFS) and other federal, state, local and private entities on a regular basis.
What is available? Desktop Software Maptitude, ArcGIS, MapInfo, Idrisi, etc. Desktop, Web & Mobile Web GIS ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS Online, custom-built web apps such as Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment Portal. Mobile GIS ArcGIS Online and the Collector App, AppStudio for ArcGIS, ArcPAD, TerraSync, etc.
Desktop GIS Represents the world on a computer just as paper maps represent the world on paper. GIS work is fragmented. Database not centrally managed. GIS software and resources are constrained to a specific computer. Limited availability. Desktop software is geared towards professional use. Updates to new versions: cumbersome and expensive.
Web GIS Web GIS represents the world on a computer just as a desktop GIS represent the world on a computer. Global Reach Once the application is published the world can access them from their computers or mobile devices. Service Rich Services in the form of layers, basemaps, geoprocessing tools, widgets, etc. can be added. A large number of users Unlike one user per desktop GIS, web GIS can be used by many simultaneously. Better cross-platform capabilities Microsoft Windows, Linux and Apple Mac OS.
Web GIS Low cost as averaged by the number of users An organization can set up just one web GIS and that can be used by many at work, home, etc. Easy to use Desktop GIS is intended for professional users while web GIS is also intended for the general public. Unified updates Updates for desktop GIS takes place on every client computer making it an arduous task. Single update on the web GIS will update all users. Diverse applications The use of web GIS is more diverse than desktop GIS which is mainly used by professionals.
Mobile GIS Apps for smart phones and tablets extends the use of GIS. Now you can use GIS not just on your desktops, but also on your mobile devices while in the field. Collector for ArcGIS is an Esri mobile app that allows for the collection, creation and editing of data in the field. It can perform DISCONNECTED EDITING! Remote or mobile users may continue to work with and modify the data even though they are disconnected from the network. When a connection to the network is reestablished, any changes made to the data can be transferred to, and integrated with, data maintained in the central database. Access, share and manipulate enterprise (large data) data via ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Server.
Collector for ArcGIS Connected or disconnected use your smartphone or tablet to collect and edit data. It will help you take your ArcGIS to the field. Field takes you offline. Continue your work uninterrupted and sync when connection is available. Device Requirements: Android and ios. Exact specifications for the above mentioned devices can be made available. More enhancements are coming in later releases: Support for windows and windows phone.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Examples of Web AppBuilder and Configurable Map Apps Built With ArcGIS Online
A Web AppBuilder Map App for Forest Management Plans
A Web AppBuilder Map App for Fire Resource Dispatch
A Configurable Map App - Disconnected Editing and Location Tracking
A Configurable Map App for Southern Pine Beetle Spots
A Story Map Showing State Forests
A Geoprocessing (GP) Model for One of the GP Tools in a Web Map App
Hyperlinks to Various Web Maps Built With ArcGIS Online http://alabama.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=78ce9cde99174bc1934 221785f01bce3 http://alabama.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=45a9e317b2a145baa 836d21c6eadc2d4 http://alabama.maps.arcgis.com/apps/viewer/index.html?appid=75a122daee0e4ed08829 03c2ac0adfce http://alabama.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=3de94eefc82b488cb c84f101f2f5b593 http://alabama.maps.arcgis.com/apps/maptour/index.html?appid=f453be32697f4255995 d72fddf96fa38
Expected Change With ArcGIS Online Centralized management and integration of enterprise geospatial data. GIS can be used on desktop, web and mobile device. It will also work across any platforms or browsers. GIS can be used connected or disconnected. The availability of web map applications will be ubiquitous. Your work becomes fun for once! The agency gets to use computing power and web technologies from Esri, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, etc. to power its own GIS Online.
Cutting Cost One of the biggest credit consumers is Esri cloud storage. Local GIS Server would help store geospatial data locally or to your own cloud. ArcGIS Online storage is analogous to using desktop computers. Keeping both desktop and ArcGIS Online accounts clean would be a good practice. It is also cost effective when services come from a local GIS Server. - Feature service - Geoprocessing service - Geocoding service - Image service - Print service It is recommended to have an agency GIS Server.
Implementing ArcGIS Online Would Require The willingness, support and commitment of your agency. Realize the paradigm shift in the way of doing GIS with ArcGIS Online. It a change from desktop mapping application to a web-based, browser-based, centrally integrated enterprise GIS system. It will need planning/team/time to ensure proper implementation and management. The team can be comprised of GIS interns and GIS specialists.
Implementation Process To ensure no aspect of the implementation process is rushed the following three phases are recommended. Developmental Phase Training Phase Implementation Phase Regional, work unit and county autonomy/training on desktop, web, mobile GIS will be significant. So in the future they are able to make their own web map app to conduct area specific tasks.
Conclusion ArcGIS Online as an enterprise mapping tool. Centrally managed and integrated GIS. Cross platform and browser capability. Extends the use of GIS to smart phones and tablets. Enables disconnected editing. Economical. Empowers your agency GIS with strength from technology giants like Esri, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, etc. You can do GIS anytime and anywhere! It is ubiquitous!
Presenter Abi Dhakal GIS Specialist, Senior Alabama Forestry Commission 513 Madison Avenue Montgomery, Alabama 36104 OPEN TO QUESTIONS!