TREX – Posts from TG GIS Devs

Creating and publishing geoprocessing tasks is a crucial element in many of Timmons’ projects. From the simplest query to more complex geographical processes, Timmons’ GP tasks have been leveraged for unique and exciting implementations. Geoprocessing tasks are most often included in a published service through the addition of a toolbox to the map, which allows a user to access the GP task in much the same way a user of the desktop ESRI suite might access the ArcToolbox. However, TG has been implementing these tasks within map applications more covertly: rather than incorporating the toolbox itself into the map, developers and geographers have been working together to have the map call the GP task behind the scenes. This method taps into the powerful potential of these tasks while allowing for more flexibility in the way the processes are presented to the user. For example, a user’s data can be checked behind the scenes against rules created for their particular data in a validation process that runs automatically, and in a seamless and elegant way. The process provides feedback that allows the user to troubleshoot any problems that present themselves.

In this screenshot, the user is creating features in their browser that are supposed to remain within the confines of a data management area. When they are finished creating a feature, the application sends the feature’s geometry through one of the behind scenes validation checks. Among the checks is the rule that the new feature must fall in the designated area (called a ‘big bucket’). If the feature violates this rule, the user is presented with a message:

The user can then handle the problem in one of three ways: allow the feature to violate the rule (continue), abort the feature and start again, or allow the feature to get clipped behind the scenes so that it no longer violates the rule.

TG has also built server-object extensions (SOE’s) to handle uploading shapefiles.  These SOE’s  that are wrapped up in WCF REST services and can be called from Silverlight, Javascript, or Flex.  The beauty of this generic service is it allows users to upload local shapefiles or PGDB’s directly to the web.  Their local data now can be overlaid on top of the enterprise data hosted in an ArcGIS Server based web app.  An example of the dialog that the user uses to upload local data can be seen below.

The combination of using SOE’s and geo-processing tasks has provided a great framework for our clients to better their internal data management goals with an easy-to-use web interface.  Shoot us an email if you want to hear more… – gis@timmons.com.

This week, Project Manager Amy Walters is attending the International Economic Development Council’s Annual Conference in Reno, Nevada. She will be in ESRI’s booth as one of their invited business partners.

Lowell Ballard, Director of Geospatial Solutions/Principal for TG, is at the National States Geographic Information Council Annual Conference this week in Cleveland, Ohio. Lowell can be contacted at lowell.ballard@timmons.com.

Russell Minich and Tim Ingold are at the North Carolina Property Mappers Fall Conference. They are presenting a workshop on “Building Content Rich Public Facing Websites on a Limited Budget”.

Russell is the Principal for E-Government Solutions and Tim is the Group Leader for Greensboro Survey. They can be contacted at russell.minich@timmons.com and tim.ingold@timmons.com.

Timmons Group is working with the James River Association (JRA) to develop stormwater runoff solutions using GIS. JRA aspires to educate Virginia residents on the estimated stormwater runoff from properties within the James River Watershed.

TG GIS staff, with help from TG’s Stormwater Engineers, developed an easy to use website that enables residents living within the James River Watershed to calculate their estimated runoff. After the user inputs information specific to their property, a report is produced. Its calculations are based on average rainfall and soil data for the given address. The report also includes a runoff comparison of a similar property and suggestions for reducing runoff.

While we put the finishing touches on JRA’s new site, please check out the demo site.

The James River Association (JRA) is a non-profit organization whose main mission is to be the guardian of the James River. They promote conservation and responsible stewardship of the James River’s natural resources. For more information on JRA, visit their website.

SRL Overview:

Service Request LoGIStics (SRL) v2.0.0 is a web based product that provides Citizens the ability to add Service Requests in Azteca System’s Cityworks Asset Maintenance Management System.

SRL Map Overview

Architecture:

SRL is an IIS, C# web application with a SOAP Web Service.  With our ongoing business partnership with Azteca, we build this Web Service using references to Cityworks libraries.  This configuration allows SRL to create Requests in Cityworks using the same code the Desktop based application uses. This ensures that the data adheres to the schema Azteca designed for their Cityworks product.

Functionality:

Based on the Cityworks database configuration, SRL presents a list of Request Types to the user.  Depending on the Request Type selected, the user may be prompted to answer specific “qualifying” questions about the Request.

A map interface is included with SRL. The user enters the address for the Request and the application performs a geocoding of that information.  The user can also drag the pin to more precicely locate the request.  The application performs a reverse geocode and updates the address accordingly.

This map interface is based on Google Maps but may include Bing, ArcGIS or a mash-up to include the clients’ ArcGIS Server based map service and/or Geocoding Services.

Once the Request is mapped, the user is prompted for their contact information.  This information is stored along with the Request Type, Lat/Long of the Request as well as the Submit To, Dispatch To information.

The Lat/Long data is converted to whatever coordinate system the customer’s GIS is in.

SRL also include a “Find” feature. This provides the user with a list of all Request they have entered into the system.  It displays the requests in tabliture form as well as a map view.

SRL Working Demo for version 2.0.0

Next Release:

Later this summer we will complete development on our next release of SRL.  This version will include a completely revamped UI with an even more intuitive work-flow than the current system.

Service Request LoGIStics 3.0.0

So…we (TG) wanted an informal way to share some of things we are doing in the world of GIS development.  We’ve been banging away in multiple arenas of development.. Silverlight, Flex, Javascript, building REST-ful enterprise GDB editing services, mobile (ArcGIS Mobile, smartphone development), GP tasks for replication and spatial validation, etc, etc.  It’s time to start spreading the word….and the results of our effort.

This is a start for TREX (Timmons Group Resource Exchange) and will be updated fairly regularly http://demo4.timmons.com/trex

If you’re inclined to tweet…Follow us on