Smallworld maps in the field

	Maps in the Field Since the widespread implementation of GIS in utilities in the early 1990's, utilities have struggled providing field workers access to asset information without cumbersome paper maps and calls to the office. We know this challenge is more than simply loading GIS on a laptop computer – the licensing costs, size of GIS databases, and logistics of "refreshing" data often lack a clear business case and executive support. Some utilities have resorted to "burning" CDs or DVDs each month to distribute to field workers, but that doesn't address the timeliness of information or streamline how the data is used in the field.
GSI has taken a two-pronged approach for delivering map data to field workers through our GSI AssetManager suite. The first approach provides utilities with a low-cost Map Module for viewing gps map files on a Windows or Windows Mobile computer, coupled with a map file update mechanism. The second solution provides a robust two-way integration with Smallworld GIS and ESRI ArcGIS to support utility business processes in the field.
AssetManager Map Module GSI AssetManager Map Module provides a low-cost solution for viewing GIS data on a Windows or Windows Mobile computer using common file formats such as ESRI Shape, MapInfo, GeoTiff, and Mr. Sid. The Map Module provides timely map updates to field crews without the cost and hassle of CDs and DVDs, and it reduces the cost of publishing paper maps and map books for field crews. The Map Module empowers field crews to view maps and facility attributes such as transformer size and rating, query results across the data set, and locate facilities or lat/long coordinates.
	The Map Module supports GPS NMEA and Automated Vehicle Locating (AVL) feeds which can automatically scroll the maps as the vehicle moves along and reduce unproductive travel. The Map Module system includes a mechanism based on BITS technology (same as used in Windows Update Service) to keep the map files current with maps on a server, and this refresh can happen automatically or by user request. The system can usually be implemented in a matter of days and customized to match your GIS standards.
AssetManager GIS Plug-in The AssetManager GIS Plug-in provides a two-way integration between GSI AssetManager in the field and GIS in the Office. The goal of the tool is to better support utility business processes for facility design, pole and line inspection, GIS validation and inventory, vegetation management, and storm damage assessment by making GIS data available to field workers. The Plug-in supports Smallworld GIS versions 3.3 through 4.2, and ESRI ArcGIS 9.1 and 9.2. The Plug-in can be used with GE Design Manager for field data capture of facility data.
	The Plug-in is delivered as a module and supports most GIS implementations without any programming. The Plug-in supports GPS Post-processing Differential Correction of field-collector GPS data to optimize the accuracy of GPS-collected positions. The Plug-in enables a smaller number of office workers to coordinate the activities of many field workers. Request a WebEx demonstration or email info@gsiworks.com for details.