HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-193H. r
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Computer Services
�ffiDepartmental Structure and Functions
The Computer Services Department currently employs five staff members , including :
Computer Services Manager
• Web Master
Database Administrator
Technicians ( 2)
• Application Specialist ( Future Position
Computer Services operates under the Office of the Budget and administrates the County ' s
computer systems, networks , and servers . Computer Services also maintains information
technology and communication systems Countywide and assists all departments with their
automated information processing needs , including computer and telecommunication equipment
purchases and maintenance .
In addition , Computer Services plays a key role in assisting the County in achieving its information
technology vision . The Division provides reliable and quality information management services as
well as ongoing information technology leadership and direction for the organization . The
Computer Services mission is to enable the service delivery of its customers through the integration
of industry tested and secure countywide technology resources .
GTG recommends the County hire a GIS Director to lead and coordinate the County ' s GIS
implementation within the first year of this three year phased implementation . The GIS Director will
be responsible for providing enterprise-wide support to all County departments/divisions . There are
a few options here in regard to the organizational position of this new GIS Director. County staff
emphasized that having the GIS Director directly under the Office of the Budget or Computer
Services are options . In either option , the GIS Director will work closely with Computer Services
personnel to ensure that all GIS infrastructure , including data , software , hardware , network, and
customer support issues are addressed . These roles , along with associated relationships , are crucial
•- for an enterprise wide GIS implementation (see Appendix II : Seven Keys to a Successful GIS for more
information on the importance of having a GIS Director) .
The recommended GIS Director will be a Level 1 GIS user; however, other users within the Division
will utilize GIS for less complex analyses and mapping , such as that of Level 2 and Level 3 GIS Users
( see Chapter 2 : GIS Organizational Structure and Staffing for more information on Level 1 , Level 2 &
Level 3 GIS Users) .
Computer Services will continue to play a key role in the development and implementation of the
County ' s enterprise GIS .
PtOraanizational GIS Support
The GIS Director, in conjunction with Computer Services will implement three levels of departmental
support , depending upon the current level of GIS use and internal capabilities per department.
They include :
Level 7 - GIS Director provides minimal support for department/division / office GIS activities ,
system and application support . The GIS Director is used primarily for strategic and
procedural support. Indian River County currently does not have any departments/divisions
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 — Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
at Level l ; however personnel in the Engineering Division ' s Mapping and Surveying Section
will quickly become Level 1 users . Divisions and sections within the Emergency Services ,
Community Development, Public Works , and Utilities Services departments should aspire to
be at Level 1 in the future .
Level 2 - GIS Director provides partial support for department/division /office GIS activities . A
Level 2 department/division/office will do most of its own data maintenance, but the GIS
Director will provide advanced support; the GIS Director will also be responsible for
advanced spatial analysis as well as application development.
Level 3 - GIS Director provides all support for department/division /office GIS activities . The
GIS Director is responsible for data maintenance, complex data analysis, and cartographic
products . Most of the non - technical departments will require continued support from the
GIS Director.
The GIS Director should provide training and technical support for all enterprise-wide GIS
applications . All GIS software training should be coordinated through the GIS Director to ensure
maximum efficiency and effectiveness at a minimum cost.
Not every department/division / office in Indian River County that wants to utilize GIS is able to hire or
convert staff to effectively handle the tasks of data analysis and data maintenance . The GIS
Director will assist these departments/divisions/offices with their GIS needs . However, as usage of
GIS in the aforementioned entities grows, the GIS Director must encourage and facilitate the
acquisition of appropriate resources to handle data maintenance responsibilities for these
departments/divisions / offices .
Existing Hardware and Software
Computer Services maintains seventy-five laptops throughout the County for various departments .
In addition , the EOC has ten laptops that can be pulled for use in information technology training .
All desktop computers within Computer Services are running either Windows XP or Windows 2000
operating systems and have access to the County network .
Computer Services maintains several enterprise databases in support of various departments and
offices Countywide, including databases on an IBM AS400 server . The Department is also
responsible for ensuring that all systems and databases function properly .
Computer Services also manages the County ' s network , which consists of mostly fiber connections
to various County buildings . Most core departments throughout Indian River County are
connected to the network and most are currently running on megabit bandwidth for connectivity .
A planned upgrade from single cat 5 to gig will facilitate the utilization of GIS enterprise wide .
Some Departments have limited access to the County ' s Network , including some utilities locations ,
the West Regional Plant, six fire stations , and the County owned golf course . These departments
have either DSL or dial- up connectivity .
Computer Services manages , maintains, and provides support for various applications used by the
various County departments , including :
1 . MS Office
2. CD-Plus ( Community Development/ Public Works )
3. UNIS
4 . Payroll Modules
5 . EMS Pro - Records Management
6 . Munis
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
., JCD-Plus
CD-Plus is a community development management system that allows for various
modules that integrate with each other and can be customized to the specific
applications for which it is intended . Among other functions the CD-Plus database is
used for permitting and inspections, code enforcement, occupational license,
development review, and growth management. A key opportunity exists for a
county wide integration of the CD-Plus database with both standalone and Intranet
GIS data browsers . The information maintained in the CD- Plus database can be CDPIuSTM
spatially enabled and converted to GIS layers, allowing for GIS-based mapping and
spatial analysis of building permits , inspections , and other pertinent information contained in the
-- database .
Map
CD-Plus'' Interface
Address Tier 1 . II. III
LOC- ID Application
Access
Bi-Directional Communication with CD -Plus Database Through Mapping Interface
It is recommended that the County work with the GIS Consultant and Perconti Data Systems to
establish GIS connectivity and to spatially enable the data within CD- Plus .
@+ Recommended GIS Needs and Duties
The GIS Director, in conjuction with Computer Services , will be working to provide GIS support to the
County ' s departments . As aforementioned , the GIS Director will be a focal point for general
technical support as the County expands and increases its utilization of GIS across the enterprise .
Computer Services staff will need to work with the GIS Director to establish , configure , and support
various types of information technology infrastructure , including software, hardware, databases ,
networks , user accounts, and documentation .
The GIS Director will serve as the in-house GIS expert, putting into action many of the
recommendations of the County ' s GIS Implementation Plan. One of the key issues that the GIS
Director will need to address is the short and long-term impact of enterprise-wide GIS
implementation—support needs for each of the County ' s departments will quickly increase and
continue to increase as personnel become exposed to the technology and its benefits . The GIS
Director will need to identify and devise strategies for ensuring that support is adequate in all
aspects of the County ' s GIS effort; these strategies may entail procurement of new software,
outsourcing of projects , additional staffing primarily interns) , and protocols and standards .
This needs assessment provides general recommendations for GIS efforts within the Computer
Services Department . Comprehensive recommendations for each department/division are
provided in other sections of this chapter; the GIS Director will need to work based on the
recommendations provided, as a whole, throughout this chapter.
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
Based on this needs assessment , the Computer Services Department can contribute to the
enterprise-wide GIS Implementation by contributing to the following efforts :
Enterprise GIS coordination
• Geo-spatial Data Acquisition , Creation , and Maintenance
-- 0 GIS User Support
GIS Software Support
Training
Network Administration
Enterprise GIS Coordination
As aforementioned , the GIS Director will provide consistent guidance and coordination in support
of GIS and its related components . In general terms, the Department will be responsible for
providing technical support and guidance with the GIS Director. Enterprise GIS coordination
encompasses a variety of tasks, processes, and procedures , all of which have a cross-functional
context within the scope of GIS implementation planning—the GIS Director will have frequent
contact with staff from other departments as well as external entities .
The following are GIS coordination needs to be provided both internally and externally:
Indian River County
• Installation , maintenance, and upgrade of hardware and its operating systems
• Provision of training for users in the organization
• Establishment of database standards
• Plans and procedures for effective integration or transfer of GIS data from various sources
into usable databases
' Establishment of mapping standards
• Maintenance of data security and integrity
• Primary contact for user problems and vendor support
• Complex spatial analysis
• High-level cartography
• Project management
Inter-departmental collaboration on GIS projects and initiative
External
• Collaboration with other local agencies
• Frequent attendance and participation in local and regional GIS groups
Distribution and acquisition of geo-spatial data
• Participation with state and federal agencies on GIS initiatives
eGeo-spatial Data Acquisition Creation and Maintenance
The GIS Director will be responsible for acquiring , creating , and maintaining some of the County ' s
'L geo-spatial data . It is expected that each department will take ownership for department-specific
data : however, the GIS Director will have the ultimate responsibility of ensuring that the County ' s
geo-spatial data needs are addressed and fulfilled . In support of the County ' s GIS implementation ,
it is recommended that the GIS Director, working in conjuction with the Computer Services
Department should be responsible for acquisition , creation , and maintenance of countywide geo-
spatial data . In addition , it is recommended that the Department ' s GIS staff lead , facilitate , and
support the acquisition or creation of data from external entities .
The recommended GIS Director will be responsible for ensuring that existing GIS data layers are
made available to relevant departments has deemed appropriate by the GIS Director and
departmental staff) . In addition , the GIS Director will need to work with each County department
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
to determine an appropriate strategy to create the recommended datasets (see GIS Data Layers
below) .
KfGIS User Support
The GIS Director, working in conjuction with the Computer Services Department should provide ad
hoc GIS user support as needed . The GIS Director should work with Department staff to determine
optimal strategies for the long-term implementation of GIS . In addition , the GIS Director should
implement and administer formal GIS support protocols to ensure that GIS user support is properly
documented and administered .
e GIS Software Support
The Department should provide secondary GIS user support in conjunction with the GIS Director
( primary GIS user support) . The GIS Director should work with departmental staff, primarily
department directors , to determine optimal strategies for the long-term implementation of GIS . In
addition , the GIS Director should implement and administer formal GIS support protocols to ensure
that GIS user support is properly documented and administered .
The GIS Director will provide the following user support :
• Complex spatial analysis
• High-end cartographic products
• Field data gathering support
• GPS processing
• Application development
• Data modeling
• Data acquisition , creation , and maintenance
• Ad hoc education
• GIS data distribution
eTrainin
The Computer Services Department is responsible for the County ' s computer training room . Several
County employees will require training on new GIS applications as they are implemented . The GIS
Director should work with Computer Services to setup and administer training in the training room ,
as appropriate . The chart below provides a general summary and approximate cost of
recommended GIS training for County staff .
GIS Applications Training Matrix
u Class Site Trainer Days Year of Participants Approximate
Training Cost
ESRI
Introduction to ArcGIS I On Authorized 2 1 , 2 Various $ 7, 500
Trainer
GIS Director;
p Introduction to ArcGIS II On ESRI 3 1 , 2 Emgergency
Services: Public $ 7 . 500
Works
Building Geodatabases I Off ESRI 3 1 GIS Director $ 1 , 875
Building Geodatabases II Off ESRI 2 1 GIS Director $ 1 , 350
Introduction to ArcIMS Off ESRI 3 1 ,2 GIS Director $ 1 , 450
ArcIMS Administration Off ESRI 2 2 GIS Director, $ 1 , 775
Computer Services
Tier 3 Applications On Internal 1 1 , 23 Various N /A
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
eNetwork Administration
Different County employees must have different levels of read or write access to GIS data ,
depending on their responsibilities . It is important that the Computer Services Department respond
in a timely manner to any appropriate and approved requests for network access changes .
GIS Data Layer Inventory and Recommendations
The Computer Services Department will benefit from access to several other departmental GIS
data layers . If is expected that once all departmental data is integrated , consolidated , and
centrally stored , that staff will have access to all non-classified GIS data layers from other County
departments .
Computer Services Department personnel expressed that access to the following GIS data layers
would be beneficial :
Extract , cleanse, geocode,
and map from address
y Address Points database ; georeference Automated ; Community Recommended
based on aerial Development/Planning
photography and GPS field
work
Aerial Photography Fly-over with control points Property Appraiser - GIS Existing
and Mapping
Aerial Photography Fly-over with control points Coastal Engineering Existing
of Beaches Section
Bicycle/ Pedestrian Digitize from base map Engineering
Facilities data ; GPS field work Division/Surveying and Recommended
Mapping
Buildings with Site Manually digitize polygons Engineering
Plans from plans and address Division/Surveying and Recommended
sources Mapping
Census Data Download from Census
Bureau Community Development Recommended
City Limits Acquire from Ordinance Property Appraiser - GIS Existing
Information and Mapping
County- owned
Property Extract from Tax Records Property Appraiser Recommended
u County Limits Acquire from Ordinance Property Appraiser - GIS Existing
Information and Mapping
Control Points GPS field work; convert from Engineering
( Horizontal and CAD Division /Surveying and Recommended
Vertical) Mapping
GPS field work ; convert from Engineering
GPS Monument Map CAD Division/Surveying and Recommended
Mapping
Digitize polygons from aerial Emergency Services or
Land Use photographs and existing Planning Existing
ma s ; existin CAD data
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
Land Acquisitions Extract from tax parcels Engineering Division/Land Recommended
Acquisition
Parcels Acquired from tax records ; Property Appraiser - GIS Existing
Cage and Mapping
Digitize from base map Engineering
- Parks data ; aggregate layers as Division /Surveying and Recommended
needed Mapping
Extract, cleanse, geocode
Permitting and map from CD- Plus Automated Recommended
database
Proposed Digitize from base map
• Subdivisions data ; acquire from Development/ PlanningCommunity
nitRecommended
developers submitting
Digitize from base map
Right-of- way data ; aerial photography; Engineering Division/ Land
g Y aggregate layers as Acquisition Recommended
needed
Digitize from base map Engineering
Schools data ; GPS field work Division/Surveying and Recommended
Mapping
GPS field work; aggregate Engineering
.. Signs layers as needed Division/Surveying and Recommended
Mapping
Street Centerlines Derived from aerial GIS Director Existing
photography ; GPS field work
Digitize from base map
Subdivisions data ; acquire from Community Recommended
developers submitting Development/ Planning
proposed development
Telecommunication Aggregate from
Facilities telecommunications Telecommunications Existing
Extract, cleanse , geocode .
Work Orders and map from work order Automated Recommended
database
ZoningDigitize from base map Community
data ; extract from parcels Development/ PlanninExisting
kk Recommended GIS Applications
To meet the Department ' s GIS goals the following GIS software is recommended . A detailed
description of each of the recommended applications, where applicable , is provided in the
Enterprise-wide application section later in this chapter.
ArcGIS 9 -- ArcINFO
The full ArcGIS 9 -- ArcINFO suite is recommended for use by Computer Services personnel . A
description of ArcGIS applications is provided in the Enterprise-Wide Applications section of this
chapter. One ( 1 ) license of ArcGIS-ArcINFO is recommended for use by the GIS Director. It is
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
recommended that the County establish one central license server to manage all ERSI licenses
including the ArcINFO license .
ArcGIS Extensions
Additional ArcGIS extensions , such as 3D Analyst, Network Analyst , and Spatial Analyst , are also
recommended for use by the GIS Director. These extensions are not included with ArcGIS , and will
need to be procured to provide additional analysis capabilities .
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ArcGIS 3D Analyst ArcGIS Spatial Analyst
t
J� ArcSDE 9 ` WE
The Department will need to assist
with the deployment of ArcSDE . `�
ArcSDE is a server software product
used to access large multi-user 6
geographic databases stored in i
relational database management
systems ( RDBMSs ) . It is �*-
recommended that the
Department use SQL Server as the
RDBMS for ArcSDE . It is an
amr
integrated part of ArcGIS and a
core element of any enterprise GIS
solution . ArcSDE serves as a GIS
gateway to spatial data stored in a
RDBMS .
ArcSDE provides a suite of services a.
that enhance data management "M+
performance , extend the range of
data types that can be stored in a
RDBMS , enable schema portability
between RDBMSs, and offer
configuration flexibility.
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
ArcSDE functionality includes :
• Serves spatial data to ArcGIS Desktop ( ArcReader, ArcView, ArcEditor, and Arclnfo ) , to
Internet clients through ArcIMS , and to applications developed with ArcGIS Engine and
ArcGIS Server.
• Serve ESRI 's file-based data using ArcSDE for Coverages
• Manage geographic information in one of four commercial databases—IBM's D132 Universal
Database and Informix Dynamic Server, Oracle , and Microsoft SQL Server
It is recommended that once ArcSDE is acquired , that the Division maintain and manage an
ArcSDE/SQL Server configuration with assistance from the GIS Director. As aforementioned , it is
recommended that the Department utilize this configuration as the basis for an enterprise-wide
geodatabase . All applicable departmental data will need to be migrated to the geodatabase
format in order to facilitate data sharing between the County ' s various departments .
ArcIMS
ArcIMS is a server-based product that provides a scalable framework for distributing GIS services
and data over the Web . Currently ArcIMS is not being used ; it can be used as a platform to serve
data for the County ' s recommended Internet data browser.
ArcIMS provides Web publishing of GIS maps, data , and metadata for access by many users both
inside the organization and outside on the World Wide Web . ArcIMS enables Web sites to serve GIS
data , interactive maps, metadata catalogs , and focused GIS applications . ArcIMS users access
these services through their Web browsers using HTML or Java applications that are included with
ArcIMS .
In addition , ArcIMS services can be accessed using many different clients including ArcGIS Desktop ,
custom applications created using ArcGIS Engine , ArcReader, ArcPad , ArcGIS Server,
MapObjects—Java Edition , and a wide variety of mobile and wireless devices .
ArcIMS will serve as the foundation for the County ' s Internet GIS Data Browser, which will provide
public access to the County ' s geo-spatial data .
—' Intranet GIS Data Browser
An Intranet GIS Data Browser is recommended for implementation County-wide, on all networked
County government computers . An Intranet GIS Data Browser is an easy-to-learn and easy-to-use
web-based GIS application . It provides easy access to all County employees to display, query , and
-= analyze spatial information about many aspects of the County . In contrast to an Internet GIS Data
Browser, the Intranet GIS Data Browser may contain spatial layers or connect to databases that the
County may not wish to share with the public . For more information on the recommended Intranet
GIS Data Browser, please refer to the Enterprise-Wide Applications section of this Departmental GIS
Needs Assessment Chapter.
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter I - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
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Internet GIS Data Browser
An improved county wide Internet GIS data browser has been recommended to provide citizens
with access to the County ' s geo-spatial data . The Property Appraiser currently has an internet
application that is being used to host GIS data ; however, a more sophisticated browser that
handles custom queries is being investigated . In addition , the county wide browser should have
the ability to incorporate data from the various departments as opposed to tax data alone . A
description of recommended GIS data browser solutions is provided in the Enterprise-wide
Applications section of this chapter .
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
Recommended Departmental GIS Users
The following graphic describe the recommended departmental GIS user roles based on the three
tiers of GIS . For more information on the three tiers of GIS refer to Chapter 2 - GIS Organizational
Structure and Staffing .
Option #1 - Optimal
Solution
OTier 1 : Power User
Office of Management and GIS Director
Budget
OTier 2: Analytical User
Option #2 - Alternate
O Tier 3: Browser User
Solution
Computer GIs Director
Services
Manage
Database Technician Application
Administrator Specialist
Web Master Technician
Computer Service Department Multi- Tier GIS Application Use
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter I - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
ENTERPRISE WIDE
APPLICATIONS
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Enterprise - Wide Applications
This section provides details about GIS applications that will be used Countywide by personnel in
various departments, by the public , or by both County personnel and the public . GIS applications
are on of the key building blocks for the County ' s enterprise-wide GIS implementation . GIS
application use is based on a multi-tiered model based on three types of users : power users ,
analytical users, and browser users . Please refer to specific department/division sections to
determine the types of users within each department/division .
VA ?I
Desktop GIS Applications
7' ArcGIS 9
ArcGIS is a scalable system of software designed to meet all Tier 1 and Tier 2 needs . Three different
levels of ArcGIS are available : 1 ) Arclnfo, 2 ) ArcEditor, and 3) ArcView. Although licensed
separately, ArcGIS is a scalable set of software with the same underlying executables and user
interface . Arclnfo , ArcEditor, and ArcView can all be customized using VB , C , and many other
popular programming languages within the ArcObjects object model .
Individual recommendations for utilization of ArcGIS are included in each department/division
section in this chapter.
Tier 1 —Flagship GIS
ArcEditor 9 for ArcGIS is the recommended Tier 1 application for Indian River County . ArcEditor 9
includes all the functionality of ArcView 9 and allows users to access the power of ESRI ' s Spatial
Data Engine ( ArcSDE) . As described in Appendix I and Chapter 5 : Database Design and Setup , the
geodatabase is the primary data format used in ArcGIS . Two types of geodatabases are offered :
v 1 ) personal geodatabases , which store data within MS Access MDB files ( regardless of whether the
user has MS Access on their computer) , and 2 ) enterprise geodatabases which store data in a
wide variety of commercial relational database management systems ( RDBMS ) , including Oracle,
SQL Server, Informix, and DB2 . ArcSDE is required as a gateway between ArcGIS and the enterprise
geodatabase stored in an RDBMS .
ArcEditor can store and edit data in enterprise-wide geodatabases and personal geodatabases .
ArcView can only store data in personal geodatabases and has limited accessibility to data stored
in ArcSDE , The primary advantage of using ArcSDE and enterprise-wide geodatabases is
simultaneous, multi-user editing of geodatabases . For this reason , ArcEditor is recommended within
- a variety of Departments. Editing within the recommended County ArcSDE database is not
available with the ArcView license.
Indian River County currently has several concurrent use licenses of ArcView that are in various
levels of use throughout the various county departments . It is recommended that all ArcView
licenses be migrated to ArcEditor in phased progression . As departments develop sophisticated
usage of the GIS system there will be a need for data editing and extensive participation with the
recommended ArcSDE Enterprise Geodatabase . All ArcView licenses should be upgraded by the
end of the three year implementation plan .
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
ArcEditor 9 costs approximately $4,000 per license . Most users will not need access to the full
' functionality of ArcEditor 9 but will use the license to access editing within the recommended
ArcSDE Enterprise Geodatabase.
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Tier 2—Desktop GIS
Over the past few years the use of desktop GIS has increased dramatically, facilitated by
advancements in computing power and improvements in operating systems . Desktop GIS includes
many of the more popular functions of the flagship GIS products but omits some of the lesser-used
functions . Desktop GIS is much less expensive than the flagship product. Desktop GIS can be
purchased for an average price of $ 1 , 000 per license . Products such as ArcView have proliferated
throughout local government and have allowed a new, larger group of employees to use the GIS .
If 5 people are using the flagship package , perhaps 30 will be using the desktop version .
ESRI ' s Tier 2 software application has recently migrated from ArcView 3 to ArcView 9 , although
ArcView 3 is still supported . ArcView 3 was much more user-friendly than Arclnfo Workstation , as it
was all menu-driven , as opposed to Arclnfo Workstation ' s command line interface . ArcView 9 is
the least robust and least expensive of the ArcGIS suite . As an ArcGIS product, if uses the same
interface as the Tier 1 one products , Arclnfo and ArcEditor. The primary differences (beside cost)
between ArcView 9 and the Tier 1 products is that ArcView : 1 ) cannot edit coverages, 2 ) can only
use personal geodatabases , 3) has less geoprocessing tools, 4 ) and lacks many database schema
customization tools .
Tier 2 desktop applications still offer more functionality than many users need , and their robust
' functionality often cause them to run slowly on machines not intended to operate memory
intensive applications .
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
iier 2 - ArcView 3x Tier 1 - Arc View 9x
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iier 3—Customized/Open GIS
The majority of potential GIS users need easy- to-use , intuitive interfaces that perform well-defined
tasks . Thus, the third tier of GIS software was born : customizable/open GIS . GIS software
- companies have moved GIS functionality to common , widely used programming languages such
as C + + and Microsoft Visual Basic . The A generic data browser.
result is that application developers can
create very user-friendly interfaces that ,, ,
have the look and feel of other personal
computer applications . Only the GIS — A
functionality needed for a specific 1 ;
' program is used . Thus the overhead of
• . � r ( .
non-used functionality is not slowing t - • --� - _ ' �: � �
down the applications . Custom
applications can be created and
distributed throughout the organization . �; _ ► Y ,
The Tier 3 product has a price tag of
$3 ,000 to $4 ,000 , which includes all the { r
necessary programming software and 10
deployment licenses . For each
additional deployment , a $ 100 fee is -
paid to the software company .
Counties like Columbia County , Georgia ,
are deploying a GIS using all three tiers and concentrating on custom applications . Columbia
County will be deploying a "generic data browser" that will allow citizens, elected officials , and
anyone with a personal computer to access a wealth of information .
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
The open programming interface —_
opens the GIS door for any -
", Minn
application developer in any 1 + wJ . r J Jt;-Pit QA :i '-a d r
r
industry . No longer is GIS —
development the domain of an Ji �� l
elite few GIS gurus . Now any r4 �
programmer adept at a standard " r
xc - 7 ;
,. programming language can \ >' _
embed GIS functionality in
applications to be used by
anyone throughout the /
organization . � r r
More information can be found
at : http ://www .esri .com .,„., II ,; ,. ,,....
r �
Example of a GIS Data Browser
r` Internet/Intranet Departmental GIS Data Browsers
The ability to view data in a quick and easy format is important for local governments and is
needed throughout an enterprise . Web- based data browsers allow quick viewing and printing of
map data . Web-based data browsers can be configured either for use solely within Indian River
County departments or as a web site available to the public . A potential application for a GIS
browser would be for the visualization and query of property information , voter address and
precincts, zoning , and other pertinent layers : additionally , this application could serve as a tool for
creating mailing labels for targeted areas .
4 <9 • ArcIMS
— Server
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Departmental 0 • Intranet
Users —
Y O 'Departmental Specific
Intranet Data Browser
Map Configurations
m Recommended Intranet Configuration
Intranet
Departmental Intranet GIS Data Browser Solutions are ArcIMS-based applications for data
dissemination by departmental function across an Intranet . Intranet browser ' s represent a step
forward in enterprise-wide GIS technology as it offers just enough spatial analysis, geographical
viewing and map production , as well as external database links . The browser should include :
" 0 Advanced Search Criteria
• Automated Mailing Labels
• Integration of Departmental Data
• Incorporation of enterprise Database records such as Cayenta
• Customized Departmental Query Control
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
• On- Line Help and Tutorial
Advanced Graphic Design
• Enhanced Text Placement
Link to external web Databases
• Easy-to-Use interface
Each department is presented with pertinent GIS data and custom defined queries for easy end-
user interaction and module development allows for the configuration or addition of module
departments or functions to the browser based interface .
w Intranet GIS Data Browser
The County will need a platform that can serve as the backbone for Internet and Intranet GIS Data
Browsers : ArcIMS . The County should procure the latest version of ArclMS (version 9 ) . It is
recommended that the recommended GIS Director, with support from the Computer Services
Department, work on installation and configuration of ArclMS once it is available—this effort should
continue to be supported by the Computer Services Department. The ArcIMS implementation will
serve as a preliminary beta -testing application for the eventual development a full scale,
" enterprise-wide Intranet GIS data browser; ongoing enhancement and configuration by the GIS
Director and the Computer Services Department should yield a good foundation for future efforts .
Upon consolidation , centralization
and standardization of GIS data ,
the Intranet GIS data browser - -
should be modified to provide mo v
department-specific data and
functionality. Additional ] p
hen
functionality should include the
ability to view all base map data
department-specific queries, and
standardized mapping templates . __`
Additional departmental/divisional
requirements are provided in ,
specific department/division
sections in this chapter. [ ,'
IT
The ArcIMS platform utilized for the Departmental Intranet Browser
Intranet GIS data browser can also
be leveraged to implement other Intranet GIS applications in the future as well as an Internet GIS
data browser.
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter I - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
Internet GIS Data Browser
Indian River County expressed an interest in providing its citizens with access to online maps and
geo-spatial information via a web-based solution . At present, The Property Appraiser ' s Office uses
an online mapping tool to host property information to the public . However, there was a stated
need to migrate to a different application since the current one is quite weak on custom queries .
Consequently, an alternate solution , CAMA WEB Online Tool from STI (Software Techniques
Incorporated) is being considered .
The Indian River County Property Appraiser ' s Office contracted DDTI for the development of an
Interactive Record Search and GIS Mapping System . It is an Internet-based GIS data browser
specifically designed to allow the public to conduct both tabular and spatial searches on Indian
River County property, to include descriptive , ownership, permit, and sales information . It can be
accessed at http: //www.ircpa .org /
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
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It is recommended that the current Property Appraiser ' s Office Internet Application should be
augmented to include all applicable Indian River County Departments GIS data layers and query
functionality. With the possibility of migrating to a more robust Internet GIS mapping application ,
additional query functionality and departmental GIS layer information must be integrated to allow
a for successful implementation of the new GIS data browser.
Mar) Navigation Query Tools via Intranet Data Browser
The Intranet and Internet browsers should have a variety of navigation and query tools .
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Navigation fools include
• Pan
• Zoom in
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
Zoom out
Zoom to full extent
Zoom to address
• Zoom to neighborhood
Identify by point
Identify by buffer rectangle
Multiple Interfaces or Services by Department or Function
The browsers should have a selection box for every major department or function in the
organization . Once the department is selected then the interface , layers available, search
mechanisms, and available reporting change to focus on the needs of that department. These
associated layers and stored queries should be definable by staff and not require the use of outside
consultants to edit or update .
T Data Search Methods and Stored Queries
Various methods of finding information should be available. Each departmental interface will have
a definable list of data search methods . These methods will be editable and storable by an
administrative user and then shared out to the end user community. The following graphic depicts
some more popular ways of searching for data in local government .
Police Browser � subdivis on Sea h :
General MMrowsrows e����
Community Development Browser
search by :
Departmental or Function List of map Interface Parcel By PIN
Parcel By Owner Name
Road Name
Business By Name
Business BT e
Standard Neighborhood Search or
Stored Configurable Search list
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
Data Display and Hyper-linking f `' r R- 51 Bt -�
The browser solutions should
support hyper linking to web ro; a a
supportable file formats .
- Following are excellent
examples of hyper-linking
opportunities from the
application datasets :
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the State
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Printing and Reporting
The browser solutions should provide the ability to generate quality prints to a local printer. The print
should include the map , legend , title and scale bar for quick reference .
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
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Buffering for Notification or Mailing Label Generation
The browser solutions should provide a method for staff to generate mailing labels for notification
purposes . This should be accomplished by the server automatically producing a standard list using
Crystal Reports or a similar reporting application .
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should be displayed for the user (right) . o
Generation of mailing labels should be
supported by the application (below) .
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
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Sample Buffering and Mailing Label Generation
Public Access Kiosk Application
Several Departments indicated a need to provide a more user friendly and immediate way for the
public to inquire about voting precincts, flood zones , as well as other County data . At present,
many citizens must physically go to county offices in order to obtain this information . Often citizens
have to wait for an available staff person to provide assistance . A public access kiosk would allow
them to look up this information immediately in a user friendly manner.
The Internet has become a powerful means for disseminating geographic information to the public .
However, a need for public physical access to geographic information at an organization ' s
buildings is even more essential . A touch screen kiosk is the answer that many have been waiting
for because it will allow users to find information for themselves, thus relieving the workload of Indian
River County staff members .
To be effective, a public access application must be easy to use . For many users , this means an
application that does not require use of a mouse or keyboard . Touch screen monitors have
enabled applications that do not require a mouse and keyboard to become a reality . Buttons and
slider bars must be large so that they are easily selected by touching the screen . A touch screen
kiosk application should be implemented at various locations around the county. Please refer to
the Department Needs Assessments at the beginning of this chapter for a listing of all departments
that indicated a need for a public kiosk .
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
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The public access application should target the following goals :
• Configurable for at least 10 preset queries
• Extremely user friendly — no keyboard , no mouse
• Designed with the latest GIS technology
• Must have an administration package for complete control of layers , colors , and data
• Network ready for automatic update of configuration and setup files
• Easy to customize data setup and query configuration
• Supports imagery and ortho-photography
• Easy and quick setup
J' Complaint Tracking Application
Many Indian River County departments would benefit from a web-based GIS application designed
for tracking citizen inquiries , complaints, concerns , and other general feedback . Such an
application would enhance communication with the public , and allow the County to quickly and
effectively respond to requests . From the citizen ' s perspective, one call to any County staff member
should result in an inquiry or complaint being logged into the system , routed to the correct
department or point of contact, action taken by County employees , and follow up to the initial
inquiry in an effective and timely manner. Inquiries or complaints should also be logged and
tracked via the Internet or in person .
By implementing such an application , the public no longer has to be transferred from one
department to another on the phone or in person . Routing of inquiries and complaints would be
done internally through email notification , and is therefore transparent to the citizen . County staff
can then proactively track, manage, analyze, map and report inquiries and complaints , actions
taken , final results, and citizen satisfaction .
A complaint tracking system should include :
• Web/Phone-in/ Walk-In Submittal of Inquiries
• Multiple Search ( Query ) Capabilities
• Internal Email Server
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter I - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments
• Levels of End- User Security
• Assignment of Employees/Departments to Specific Inquiry Types
• Ability to Sub-classify Inquiry Types for Internal Department Use/ Reporting
• Automated Email Notification of New Inquiry to Designated Employee and Response to
Person Submitting
• Logging of Actions Taken Toward a Solution
• Map and Summary Report Generation
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GIS Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan Chapter 1 - Departmental GIS Needs Assessments