Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

The growth of Geographical Information System (GIS)
technology has been limited by its implementation strategy. Far too many people think of GIS as “CAD on steroids”, and implement primarily as an advanced mapping tool. This typically results in GIS systems that have a lot of good maps, but limited data. Adding, editing, and deleting the underlying data is very costly because the mapping technician is the middleman for data and not just maps.

The correct strategy is to understand that GIS is a “spatial interface to a database”. Instead of using tables, forms, and text based query tools to get information, the user starts with a map. The interface is different, but the goal is the same: users want to view and analyze data that is important to them. It is a very powerful feature, because often users don’t know how to start when needing information, but they almost always know where (which building, or which county, or which property, or which monitoring well). But implemented properly, much of the data comes from other sources, expediting the data processing, and freeing up the mapping technicians to do what they do best, manage the maps themselves.

Direct, efficient, friendly

So you’re thinking about getting a GIS system? The problem is, you had one once, but seldom used it. Or you never had it, and really aren’t
sure why you need it anyway – but your staff keeps pushing you to buy. Sound familiar? If the whole GIS thing has you thinking
in circles, the following questions can set you straight!

1. Does your old or existing GIS system take a long time to get up and running?
2. Is it still “in development” with no end in sight?
3. Does your data span large geographic regions and is difficult to view?
4. Is there a disconnect between the information on your GIS and the much larger data sets stored in other databases?
5. Do you run a small organization that would like to use a GIS but think it’s out of your price range?
6. Do you run a municipality or other community organization seeking an ideal way to service taxpayers or members?

If you’re sitting there nodding your head, we have the solution.

GIS – The Good, the Bad, the Confusion

Far too many people regard GIS as “CAD” on steroids – a fancy, but limited mapping tool. Yes, the maps look beautiful but, how
do you retrieve and work with the data that goes with it? Frankly, this is a huge problem. Adding, editing, deleting and otherwise
manipulating such information is very expensive, especially when a mapping technician is involved. But things don’t have to be
this way.

Look at it like this. GIS is a “spatial interface to a database,” a tool for getting information. Instead of using tables, forms and
text-based query tools as info-gathering implements, the user starts with a map. So the interface – or tool – is different, but the
goal is the same: Users want to bring up and analyze valuable data quickly and easily – leaving all those mapping technicians to
their mapping.

Regardless of the project size, NeoNexus is the right company to help you set up a GIS system. Here’s what we can do:

• Perform a review of existing data sets to determine how best to integrate that information with a GIS system
• Link and/or bulk load existing data into the GIS database faster and more efficiently than mapping technicians can. Their expertise is software, not data.
• Work with both ESRI and Open Source GIS software systems to match your needs.
• Improve your internal GIS if you already have significant internal resources
• Get a new system up an running (based on our SaaS model) without specialized hardware, software or GIS technicians.
• Help municipalities fully integrate disparate systems without spending a fortune. By distributing your city information via GIS, you also can create revenue opportunities that turn expenses to assets.

NeoNexus can link and/or bulk load existing data into the GIS database much faster than typical mapping technicians, whose expertise is the software and not data. We work with Google Maps, ESRI, and Open Source GIS software systems to match your needs. If you already have significant internal resources, we can assist setting up or improving your internal GIS. If you don’t have an existing system, based on our SaaS model, the user can get up and running without buying any hardware or software and without hiring any GIS technicians.

Contact us at (910) 399-7603 for a free consultation about our GIS services.