Technical support
As GIS technology continues its diffusion throughout the County, an increasing amount of Information Technology staff time is being devoted to supporting the expanding network and installed user base. Included under the technical support umbrella are responsibilities for system administration, database administration, documentation, data distribution, end-user consultation and training, and application programming.
System administration
System Administration includes tasks such as installing new software and upgrades, managing user accounts and hardware devices, performing systematic back-up of all file systems and on-demand data restoration, configuring new hardware devices, monitoring connectivity and processing for maximum efficiency, managing application licensing and print queues, and troubleshooting problems.
Operating system and application software upgrades must be managed carefully because each brings with it enormous change. Users benefit from new features and enhanced functionality but they suffer the pains of installation and reconfiguration. Routines that previously worked flawlessly sometimes no longer work at all. Programs and procedures must be modified accordingly.
Each new user and device added to the network has an impact. The integration of PCs into the GIS network presents a particular challenge. Each PC possesses a unique hardware/software configuration that must be evaluated for its ability to run GIS software. A review of other software applications currently installed and drives being utilized must be performed to avoid conflicts with Novell LANs. Finally, the PC memory must be optimized for efficiency, installed software tested to ensure it is trouble free, and attached peripheral equipment checked for connectivity.
Database structure and administration
The County's GIS data are stored in a central database residing on the ArcSDE GIS Database Server. Thus, any user on the GIS network may view countywide geographic data from a common source. This centralized "data warehouse" provides an efficient and secure means of maintaining the GIS data.
Centralized database administration using ArcSDE makes GIS information readily accessible online for query purposes to all users on the network. Each data layer may be easily updated by its owner but is protected from inadvertent change or deletion while in the hands of a casual user. The data are more available while at the same time more protected than ever before.
Data documentation
One of the most important and often overlooked aspects of keeping a system running is the documentation of the database as well as system administration procedures.
The GIS Data Dictionary provides documentation on all datasets housed in the central GIS data warehouse. Designed to assist the user in navigating through the GIS database, it includes links to metadata for each layer in the database. A layer bibliography and a detailed description (metadata) of each individual data layer comprise the bulk of the document.
System documentation is thorough as well. Subsequent to each hardware and software upgrade, system administration procedures are checked and updated as required. System documentation also includes daily operational procedures such as the methods to monitor print queues and system processes, problem resolution logs, backup and restore logs, and system guidelines such as adding and removing users or equipment to the network.
Data distribution
Many federal, state, and local agencies as well as private sector parties seek data from Volusia County. A number of partnerships have been developed whereby data have been freely exchanged among agencies. Municipal datasets have been provided to Volusia County cities initiating their own GIS programs. This gives these communities the opportunity to jump start their own GIS programs with the data provided and allows data standards to be established which will ensure compatibility between County and City systems.
With the variety of software packages in use, and the disparate data formats and media types being employed, data transfers require coordination. Meetings are often necessary to determine the types of data required and appropriate transfer methods. Data distribution involves a variety of tasks including clipping datasets to conform with the specifications of the requestor, conversion to the requested file formats, determining file sizes and calculating prices where applicable, copying the data to disks or tapes, and follow up customer contacts.
In an effort to streamline the data distribution process, Volusia County makes its digital data available for download over the internet.
I would like to Download digital data
Training and consulting
As the GIS program matures, several classes of users are emerging. They range from staff members employing GIS for a single function or repetitive task, such as address matching customer service calls, to professionals using GIS for sophisticated analyses. In addition, there are "power users" and automated mapping personnel within certain service groups which require GIS support. Further complicating the issue is the variety of hardware and software options available to users on the GIS network. Each class of user and each hardware/software combination requires a different type of support and levels of expertise. For this reason, each user group is assigned a GIS staff member who can become thoroughly familiar with the hardware configuration and application requirements of that particular group. This relationship allows the GIS Activity to provide better service to its customers. Regardless of end user assignments, GIS staff members must maintain a broad based knowledge of hardware issues, ARC/INFO and ArcView software capabilities, and data sources from both within the County and outside agencies.
I Would Like to Learn More About the Basic Concepts of GIS
I Would Like to Download ArcExplorer and Learn How to Use It
I Have Bought ArcView and Would Like to Learn More About Using It
Application programming
ArcView can be customized and applications automated with Avenue, ArcView's programming language. In one such program written for the Growth and Resource Management Department, the user is only required to input a valid parcel number and select the layers of information desired; such as flood plains, zoning, vegetation, soil types, and future land use. The program selects the parcel from a countywide basemap and performs what is known as a spatial overlay analysis. In this process, the program goes to the GIS library for the layers selected by the user (zoning, vegetation, etc.) and determines which category or categories (residential, pine flatwood, etc.) exist in the same spatial area as the selected parcel. The information from these data layers is then displayed in an easy-to-read report and overlaid onto the map for drawing.
The program shifts through approximately two gigabytes of data to identify the parcel and to do the overlay analysis. This process takes only a few seconds, thereby saving the user a tremendous amount of time. This is an important consideration, given that the target audience of this program is the county's customer service personnel, who often have to answer questions for taxpayers over the telephone.
Another area of concentration for GIS programmers is that of internet-based mapping applications. Currently, Volusia County GIS is working on several such projects using ArcIMS with various programming languages such as JavaScript, JScript, VBScript, ASP, DHTML, HTML, XML, SQL, etc.
Links to Internet Mapping Applications:
Property Appraiser's Mapit (A function of the Property Record Search)
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