Tag Archives: ArcGIS Server 10
SnowCOP Helps Local Governments Efficiently Manage Cleanup during Snowstorms
Last week, we released version 1.0 of Snow Common Operational Picture (SnowCOP). SnowCOP is an ArcGIS Server and ArcGIS Viewer for Flex application that can be used by public works, road commission, or department of transportation staff to monitor snow event responses and determine which streets (or areas within a local government) aren’t getting enough attention. It is an interactive web application that allows managers and district operations leaders to correlate citizen complaints, snowplow assignments, current vehicle locations, and planned response activities to maximize the deployment of resources when responding to the event.
Update to Campus Maps and Apps
Campus Maps and Apps added to ArcGIS for Local Government
Recently, we added the Campus Editing and Campus
Basemap templates to the ArcGIS
for Local Government Gallery and a new ArcGIS for Facilities Group on
ArcGIS.com.
These Campus maps can be used to capture interior and/or
exterior assets on a university or business campus. They can also be used by government agencies
to capture these same assets in a downtown, or on a government complex or
military base. These interior and
exterior assets are the foundation for a variety of desktop, mobile and web
mapping applications deployed to support facilities management, education,
public works, planning, and military business needs.
The Campus Editing template is an ArcMap editing map,
editor extension, and set of editing workflows for managing building, interior
space and related exterior campus data. It is an editor that can be
used by mapping technicians in a college university, private corporation, or
public works agency to streamline the collection, maintenance and use of asset
information.
The Campus Basemap template is an ArcGIS Map
Document that can be used to create a high-resolution, multi-scale (~1:9k to
1:141) basemap for a university, or business campus. As we mentioned earlier, this basemap can also be used
by government agencies to produce a high-resolution basemap for a downtown,
government complex, or military base.
Stay tuned for future maps and apps that will leverage this
high-resolution data.
The first application we’ll release is called the Campus
Place Finder. This application will work in concert with the basemap and
editing templates. Leveraging the new building interior features
incorporated in thee Local Government Information Model FacilitiesStreets
feature dataset, users will be able to search by occupant name or interior
space (e.g., office number) to locate people or places of interest within
campus facilities.
When you’re ready to start using the Campus
Editing map with your data, start by downloading the Local Government
Information Model schema-only layer package. It can be used to create the empty
geodatabase you’ll need to migrate your facilities data and publish these
campus maps.
Create great basemaps for your community with the Local Government Basemaps Template
This week, we published a new Local Government Basemaps Template for our local government users. This download aggregates a series of local government basemaps previously provided in separate MPKs into a single download. In addition, it adds more recent basemap designs for public safety and planning applications you’ll find on the Resource Center; and mobile basemap designs you’ll need for day-time and night-time field work activities. In this blog post, we’ll take a close look at the content in the basemaps template and how you can use it to publish great maps for your local government.
The Local Government Basemaps template is a set of ArcGIS Map Documents that can be used to author the essential basemaps in a local government. The template will help you publish a series of high-quality basemaps using your authoritative content. These basemaps are the foundation for a variety of desktop, mobile and web mapping applications deployed throughout local government.
The Local Government basemaps provide a consistent geographic context needed across all local government departments and agencies. They provide important reference information that supports daily decision-making. The basemaps orient map users and are typically combined with other map layers that represent operational information managed by a department and/or agency within local government. In some cases though, the basemaps themselves may serve as a finished product that can be used in a map atlas or other hardcopy product.
The Local Government Basemaps template includes the following basemaps:
General Purpose: Provides context for a wide range of people and supports a variety of application needs within a local government.
Imagery Reference Overlay: Provides road centerline, facility site, and other labels for context when using high-resolution imagery. This reference overlay was designed to be used with a true color imagery basemap. You can combine the layers in this map with your imagery and created a fused Imagery Hybrid basemap if you so choose.
The Imagery Reference Overlay design provides context for high-resolution true color imagery
Topographic: Provides context for physiographic features and supports a variety of recreational and open space planning needs.
Parcel Public Access: Provides a consumer representation of parcel information that can be used with infrastructure and parcel information. This basemap uses design elements found in the General Purpose basemap but adds additional content at larger scales.
Public Safety: Provides context for public safety data (incidents, events, resources. etc.). This basemap uses design elements found in the General Purpose basemap but emphasizes critical facilities found in a community.
The Public Safety Basemap design emphasizes critical facilities in a community
Mobile Day: Provides context for field workflows and data on a mobile device. This basemap uses design elements found in the General Purpose basemap but has been simplified so features are visible on field devices, in outdoor conditions and during daytime hours.
Mobile Night: Provides context for field workflows and data on a mobile device. This basemap uses design elements found in the General Purpose basemap but has been simplified so features are visible on field devices, in outdoor conditions, and at night time.
The Mobile Night Basemap design supports mobile work activities in low light outdoor conditions
Zoning: Provides boundaries of zone districts and included as part of the zoning ordinance. At smaller scales, this basemap aggregates individual zoning categories into general patterns that identify trends in a given community.
Current Land Use: Provides a description of how land is occupied or utilized. At smaller scales, this basemap aggregates individual land use categories into general patterns that identify trends in a given community.
Future Land Use: Provides a description of how land should be used in the future. At smaller scales, this basemap aggregates individual land use categories into general patterns that identify trends in a given community.
The Future Land Use Basemap design shows land use trends at small scales and parcel level designations at larger scales
Each basemap is encapsulated in its own unique map document and organized around the scale ranges defined in the Microsoft Virtual Earth/Google Maps tiling scheme for ArcGIS Server. The data frame in each map document is re-projected to the Web Mercator Auxiliary Sphere Projection (WKID 102100 / 3857) but the source data in the geodatabase is maintained in its local State Plane Projection. Structuring the TOC by scaled group layers allows you to save layer files that contain all data sources, symbology, and label classes required for each scale level. This can be helpful when resolving cartographic issues found in the cached map at specific scales.
All of the Local Government basemaps use a single information model called the LocalGovernment.gdb. The Local Government Information Model at ArcGIS 10 supports a series of maps and apps used by local governments and demonstrates how ArcGIS can be configured to support specific business needs in your organization. It reflects specific application requirements and the cartographic requirements necessary to produce rich, multi-scale base maps and operational layers. You can download the information model from ArcGIS.com and migrate your content into this geodatabase design. When you do, you can quickly take advantage of the maps and apps published on the Local Government Resource Center.
You can use the content provided in this template to produce the local government basemaps with your own data. Once you have created your own geodatabase, you can load data and connect the maps to your geodatabase to make this and other templates work with your data. If you’re responsible for implementing GIS in your community, the Local Government Basemaps Template and sample data from the City of Naperville, Illinois is a good example of the work required to build local government GIS data and related basemaps.
We look forward to your feedback and hope to see great basemaps for your community online soon.
New Parcel Value for iPhone Template provides authoritative land records data on iOS platform
Parcel Value for iPhone is an ArcGIS API for iOS application that provides public access to tax parcel and related assessment information. It includes a simple application for the iPhone that allow users to interact with your authoritative parcel maps, property characteristics, and related operational layers (property sales and foreclosures).
The Parcel Value for iPhone application offers a standard overview of property data in a community for real estate and other consumers so they can view this information on all homes as they walk or drive through neighborhoods. Users are able to search for a specific address or parcel number, view authoritative property characteristics, sales and foreclosure information, and email this information to a friend or co-worker.
The Parcel Value for iPhone application comes with two base maps. The first is a representation of tax parcel information for the consumer, and contains content that has been optimized for the general public and other casual users of parcel information. The second base map is a representation of tax parcel information for tax map users; and contains content that has been optimized for individuals experienced with hardcopy tax maps and related land tenure elements. These basemaps will appeal to general consumers of land records information and professionals in the real estate community that are looking for map elements that correspond to the legal description of property.
The application also provides a unique way for users to interact with condominiums maintained in your Parcel geodatabase. When a user selects a condominium, they are presented with a list of units within that condominium development. They can then navigate through the list to find the appropriate unit and when they do, review the property characteristics and share it with others if they’d like.
When you configure the Parcel Value for iPhone template in your environment, you’ll learn how to publish and serve your own maps using ArcGIS API for iOS, ArcGIS Server, and your organization’s data. Then you can deploy a Parcel Value for iPhone application with your authoritative parcel data on the Apple App Store for users within your community.
If you’d like to see the Parcel Value for iPhone application in action, check out the video posted on the Local Government Resource Center.
We look forward to your feedback and seeing your Parcel Value for iPhone application hitting the Apple App Store soon.
New Releases of Infrastructure Maps and Apps Now Available
This week we have posted several major infrastructure app updates. In summary, these updates include:
Infrastructure Network Editing (v.2.3)
New Functionality
1. Added error logging to the Attribute Assistant Add-In. Note: If you installed a previous version of the Construction tools, you need to add this tag to that config file – <add key=”AttributeAssistant_Debug” value=”True”/>
2. Added new option to Attribute Assistant to persist values between edit sessions
3. Added option to Rotate Features on non-network features
4. Added summary field for isolation trace routines
5. Added new Attribute Assistant value method called LINK_TABLE_ASSET. Note: This method will monitor a table/layer and calculate a field with information from another layer.
6. Added new Attribute Assistant value method called UPDATE_INTERSECTING_FEATURE. Note: This method will update the feature the current edit feature intersects with.
7. Added a new Attribute Assistant value method called GET_ADDRESS_USING GEOCODER. Note: This method will use a local geocoding service instead of ArcGIS Online.
8. Add additional error checking to Add Laterals tool
9. Added support for checking Line Features in the Connection Checker
10. Changed the Attribute Assistant to an Extension (previously an Editor Extension) so the configuration file can be checked when ArcMap starts, thus allowing the Extension to be turned on/off while editing
11. Added support for visible layers in the Connector Checker
12. Added a progress dialog to the Jumper tools
13. Added several error checks to the Jumper tools
14. Added functionality to the Add Laterals tool that allows a user to select a feature template for laterals and points along them
15. Removed several tags in the configuration file for Laterals
16. Removed several tags in the configuration file for the Points Along tool
17. Changed the Distance as Percent tag in the configuration file
18. Added several tags to allow the user to define a default template in the Points Along tool
19. Added a Control hotkey to the traces that replaces the Select Edge tool
20. Added a Control hotkey on the Add Lateral tool that bypasses the feature templates specified in the configuration file
21. Added a Control+Shift hotkey combination that replaces the Connect Closest Selected tool
22. Changed feature template overrides to the Control key
23. Changed the Shift override in the Connect Closest tool to use selected features only
24. Consolidated the ChangeOperableStatus_User_Point_Tolerence and TraceFlow_User_Point_Tolerence tags into a single tag called Trace_Click_Point_Tolerence
25. Added option to specify feature template for the ConstructLineWithEnd Points tool
26. Added option to specify feature template for ConnectClosestDetails tool
27. Added support for IsNull in the Expression ValueMethod in the Attribute Assistant
Resolved Problems
1. Resolved several issues in the Attribute Assistant configuration file
2. Replaced StartAtMain with LaterialLine_StartAtMain in configuration file
3. Resolved issue with Set Measures in Edit operations
4. Resolved issue with Merge Geometric Features when joining multi-layer features
5. Resolved issue when <PointsAlong> tag removed from configuration file
6. Resolved issue with Construction tool that limited selection on first click
7. Resolved issue with Add Laterals tool that occurred when using subtypes on lateral lines
8. Resolved issue with debug mode
9. Resolved an issue with the Attribute Assistant Icon
10. Resolved an issue with the Create Point and Add Lateral construction tools that caused an erroneous edit message to trigger
11. Resolved an issue with the EnabledOnStartup rule in the Attribute Assistant configuration file
12. Resolved an issue with the x,y tolerance in the Intersecting Feature tool
13. Resolved an issues with Com Interop flag on Network Trace to resolve issues with tool inactivity
14. Resolved several other smaller bugs
Known Issues
N/A
Infrastructure Mobile Map (v.2.2)
New Functionality
1. Removed Microsoft Ink DLL from custom application and Tablet PC Developer Kit 1.7 software requirement
2. Added redlining control options for freehand polygon drawing and larger redline cursors
3. Added sorting functionality to the result grid
4. Added option to set layers to be synced
5. Added option to set layers to be identified
6. Added option to set top layer in ID Tool
7. Added option to use a drag zoom control
8. Added option to set search tolerance in ID Tool
9. Added option to set zoom level for point features search control
10. Added option to set GPS baud rate
11. Added option to set default field crew
12. Added new Measure Tool
13. Added option to handle hyperlinks and place them in web control (web control has map and zoom controls)
14. Added notes in configuration file
Resolved Problems
1. Resolved an issue with service panel that precluded the cache from loading
2. Resolved an issue with intersection search geometry flash
3. Resolved an issue with geocoding that precluded partial name searches
4. Resolved issue with application code error and posting feedback
Known Issues
N/A
Infrastructure Capital Improvement Planning (v.2.1)
New Functionality
1. Added an additional CIP Project Locations feature class that can be used in small scale maps
Resolved Problems
1. Resolved issue that occurred when user tried to start editing on locked workspace
Known Issues
N/A
The updates to the Infrastructure Mobile Map and Network Editing apps are major releases that include direct feedback we have been getting from users. We encourage you to download these updates and tell us how they can improve the management of your water, sewer and storm water infrastructure.
New Releases of Land Records Maps and Apps Now Available
Over the last few days, we’ve updated several Land Records apps on the Local Government Resource Center. In summary, these updates include:
Tax Parcel Editing for ArcGIS 10 (v.2.0)
New Functionality
1. Added the Parcel Editor Utilities Add-In along with related source code and documentation
2. Added the most recent Local Government Information Model and schema-only layer package
3. Added a Parcel History Group Layer and associated feature templates to the Editing Map
4. Added an Encumbrance layer and associated feature templates to the Editing Map
5. Added a Data Dictionary and Editing Map documentation
Resolved Problems
1. Resolved several issues with the sample data to correct problems with public and prescriptive right of ways
2. Resolved several issues with the Bookmarks in the Editing Map
Tax Parcel Viewer for ArcGIS 10 (v.2.0)
New Functionality
1. Added Data Dictionary and map document (.mxd) documentation
2. Added ArcMap map service definitions and updated caching instructions
3. Added support for Internet Explorer 8
4. Added support for field aliases in the Tax Parcel Query map service
Resolved Problems
1. Resolved issue with basemap display that occurred when a parcel was selected from the results table
Value Analysis Dashboard for ArcGIS 10 (v.2.0)
New Functionality
1. Added Data Dictionary and map document (.mxd) documentation
2. Added ArcMap map service definitions and updated caching instructions
3. Added support for the ArcGIS Viewer for Flex v. 2.2
4. Added support for field aliases in the Tax Parcel Query map service
5. Added support for a multi-layer feature popup
6. Added support for time-aware sales and foreclosure information
As always, we encourage you to download the Land Records apps and give them a try. When you do, let us know what you think.
Parcel Value for iPhone Coming Soon
In February 2011 we’ll be publishing the Parcel Value for iPhone application on the Local Government Resource Center. Parcel Value for iPhone is a configurable application built with the latest release of the ArcGIS for iOS SDK that will help you author authoritative parcel maps that can be viewed on iPhone devices.
In addition to providing access to multi-scale parcel maps and related assessment and tax information, the application also provides access to Sales and Foreclosure information local assessors are tracking in their sales studies and for other value analysis purposes.
If you’re interested in deploying the Parcel Value for iPhone application with your authoritative parcel information, check out the video we filmed during our testing this week. It’s a sneak peak of what’s coming soon for local government users. Once we complete our testing and documentation. we’ll post the application in the Local Government Gallery and share more details on the blog.
New Land Use Public Comment Template Helps Local Government's Engage Their Community in the Planning Process
The Land Use Public Comment template can be deployed by planning, zoning, building, economic development or other local government organizations to encourage public comment on proposed land use cases in their community. In addition, the web-based public comment application provides 24×7 access to your government organization. This type of application typically supplements statutory public notice requirements that ensure surrounding property owners are notified directly of a proposed development. In addition, it provides an alternative way to communicate with constituents who do not read local newspapers or other periodicals where public notices have historically been posted.
In local governments that use technology during their Planning Commission, Zoning Board, or other governing body’s meetings, the comments submitted online can be reviewed during the hearing and at the same time residents are commenting in person on a given proposal. If technology is not present, a manual report can be created and routed to the appropriate staff or board member for inclusion in the formal record.
The Land Use Public Comment template
When a user enters the application, they can use the map to find an area of interest; or search for a specific address or land use case. When they find the one they’re interested in, they can click on the proposed plan to review the case information provided. The Additional Info tab contains related documents like design drawings or staff reviews. Users can then click on the Comments tab to offer a comment on the proposed plan. They can also review comments that have been submitted previously by other residents. If they’d like to add a comment, simply click the Add Comment link in the information popup. A name, address, email or phone is required with each comment and when the user is done entering their comment, all they have to do is click Submit. Note: The Public Comment application will only show and allow comments on land use cases that have yet to be heard by the governing board.
The Public Comment template shows case information and related documents or plans
The Public Comment template includes two of the local government basemap templates. The first is the Parcel Public Access basemaps. This basemap provides a consumer representation of parcel information and can be used to locate facilities, structures, etc. by address. The second basemap is the Imagery Hybrid basemap. It includes roads and labels overlaid on recent imagery that provide context for the features visible on the imagery and can be used as an alternative to the Parcel Basemap. We’ve provided the MSD used to author the Parcel basemap service, and the original MXD so you can review the map designs in ArcMap, in the template download. The Imagery Hybrid basemap is available as a separate download.
The basemaps in the Public Comment template
You’ll notice the Public Comment template adds two new feature datasets to the Local Government information model. The LandUseOperations feature dataset contains operational information (cases, code violations, permits, etc.) used on a daily basis to administer planning and development activities. This feature dataset contains the LandUseCase feature class used to publish the ArcGIS Server Feature Service used in this template. We’ve included several different land use case types so you can see how they can be represented as a layer and the case information presented in a simple web mapping application. One of the first things you’ll want to think about when deploying this template, is which land use case types should be included in your Public Comment application. The LandUsePlanning feature dataset contains the land use, zoning, and master plan districts. This content provides context for land use decisions in a community. In the future, we’ll be publishing a series of basemap templates for these layers and will add the basemaps to a future release of the Public Comment template.
In the future, additional templates will be posted to help you administer land use and planning activities. We already have plans for templates that will help with code enforcement, public notice, and master planning. But we want to hear from you what you think would be valuable to the community, so don’t hesitate to let us know what maps and apps will help you in your Planning and Development organization.
Finally, give the Land Use Public Comment template a try. We hope you’ll find it valuable when engaging your citizens in the land use planning process.
How the Citizen Service Request template can be configured and used in your local government
Local governments strive to respond effectively when citizens need assistance but many times struggle because citizens must know which department is responsible for fixing the problem and what contact number, or web site, to use when inquiring. Many times, the citizen becomes confused and frustrated by this experience and instead calls 911 — which is never a good thing for a public safety agency providing police and fire services.
City or county contacts typically found in a phone book
In response to these challenges, local governments across the country have implemented 311 call centers or centralized service request numbers to organize non-emergency requests for service. Typically, these centralized numbers are complimented by web applications that allow citizens to submit their requests online as well. Unfortunately, many of these systems fail to use a map in the request process and instead require the citizen to describe the location by address or some other form. This shortcoming delays the response and makes it difficult to determine which agency is responsible for responding to the request.
A city or county customer service request web application
The Citizen Service Request template helps governments overcome these shortcomings and leverage the power of location to improve their response to non-emergency service requests. It includes a simple ArcGIS Server JavaScript application, called Service Request, that allows the general public or other interested parties to communicate requests for service to their Local Government. It can be configured and deployed by water utilities, public works agencies, public safety, planning and zoning, or other local government organizations looking to deliver a web-based service request application.
In this blog post we’ll take a closer look at the template and how you can configure if for your organization. We also encourage you to watch the video found in the Local Government Video Gallery and to Try it Live before you download and configure it in your own organization.
The Citizen Service Request template
The template comes with three local government basemaps that can be authored from your authoritative local government data. Once you’ve authored these multi-scale maps, citizens can use them to provide context when submitting a new service request, contributing to an existing request, or even checking the status of their request.
- The Parcel Public Access basemap – a consumer representation of parcel information that includes structures, roads, major facilities and landmarks, water features, and boundaries.
- The Imagery Hybrid basemap - high-resolution imagery with road names, hydrography and facility site labels that provide context for the features visible on the imagery.
- The Topographic basemap – topographic contours and other physiographic features along with boundaries, water features, physiographic features, parks, landmarks, transportation, and structures.
Note: If you have already created a series of basemaps for your local government using the web mercator projection, you can certainly use your basemaps with Service Request application.
The Service Request application uses a simple ArcGIS Server feature service to collect request information. When users click on the map, or search for a specific address to locate a request for service, the ArcGIS 10 feature service will insert the request information in to two geodatabase features found in the Local Government information model. The first, is the ServiceRequest feature class which can be found in the CitizenService feature data set. This feature class stores the problem type, contact information and any comments included with the request. You’ll also notice that the Service Request application allows citizens to attach photos, videos and other related documents to their request. This information is stored as an Attachment (which is new at ArcGIS 10) that is related to the ServiceRequest feature class.
Note: The problem type drop-down list users see in the Service Request application uses a domain in the Local Government geodatabase to present this information to the user. Currently, the template has a domain of values that supports problems types typically routed to public works, water utilities, planning and building, and public safety agencies. If the problem types provided in the template are not relevant to your organization, or do not address the problems you’d like to receive from citizens, you can simply modify the domain before publishing your feature service.
Service Request problem types can be optimized for your organization
Collaboration and community dialog is also a key part of the Service Request application. Users can select an existing unassigned service request and provide additional comments or increase the perceived importance of the specific request. When they do, this information is stored in a geodatabase table (ServiceRequestComment) and related to the ServiceRequest feature. The comments and ranking can be used by local governments to prioritize their response to specific requests or organize planned work activities.
Citizens can comment on, or rank the importance of, existing service requests
So that’s a quick overview of the Citizen Service Request template and how you can configure it to meet your organizations needs. It’s a very simple application that leverages the power of location to provide 24×7 access to your organization and to supplement customer service phone numbers staffed in your local government. If your local government has deployed an automated system (CRM/ CMMS systems) to track service requests and work activities, the service requests can be routed to staff responsible for its resolution. If an automated is not present in your local government, a manual service ticket can be created and routed to appropriate staff.
In the future, we’ll be expanding the Citizen Service template to include other organizations within local government and additional ways to engage your constituency. We’re also wrapping up a template that runs on iOS devices to compliment the Service Request web application – look for that later this year.
As always, we encourage you to download the Service Request template and give it a try. When you do, let us know what you think.
