When you think of GIS, most people think of paper maps that were created so that somebody could carry information around in the field. Or you think of generating a nice PDF map that can be viewed on a computer by multiple people for collaboration. Let me tell you, those days are now becoming obsolete! Don’t get me wrong, there are still times when paper maps and PDF’s may still be needed. But once such media are printed or created, they become outdated. It’s no longer real-time data.
GIS is to mapping/records management what AutoCAD was back in the ‘70s to the engineering sector. Before, it was scaled templates, drafting tables, and mechanical pencils that produced drawings and designs. CAD was introduced, and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, GIS technology allows you to collaborate in real-time from a smart phone, tablet, or computers without the need to huddle around a crowded conference room table.
Two years ago, Jackson Energy Cooperative (JEC) in Kentucky saw a need for an application that met the following requirements:
Our GIS Team started to work at finding solutions that would meet JEC’s core requirements. As an ESRI Business Partner, it was a no-brainer. We started digging into ArcGIS Online (AGOL) and how we could implement their solution. This was an easy setup which we deployed in two phases.
Once these systems were in place, it was easy to set up the integration between JEC’s accounting and analysis software. Today, JEC is growing and expanding their 52,000-member system. Moreover, they have been able to streamline their processes by utilizing AGOL.
So why a web GIS Strategy?
Simple
If you are interested in learning more about implementing a web-based GIS strategy and what options are available, please get in touch.