Save the Date for EWUG '08

EWUG 2008
Radisson Paper Valley Hotel and Conference Center
Appleton, Wisconsin

October 29th & 30th, 2008

Wednesday & Thursday

Explore Your World

Remember the old Arcview splash screen tag line - "Explore Your World"?

ESRI uses it in explaining the differences between Explorer Application (ArcGIS Explorer, ArcWeb Explorer, and ArcExplorer). I wonder if it's going to be coming back in some way, even though ArcGIS Explorer's tagline is 'GIS for Everyone'. Either way, I hope they come up with better naming convention. Six letters of difference between three vastly different applications is just too confusing.

911 Upgrades from Google to ESRI

Based on recent article in the Portage Daily Register, Marquette County 911 was getting location information from 911 cell calls but didn't have any way to use it. So they improvised and used Google Maps.

Currently, dispatchers must wait several minutes before receiving information about a caller's location once a call is placed to the 911 center if the caller is using a cell phone.

After receiving a cell phone call, the dispatcher receives the coordinates of the cell tower used by the phone. The dispatcher then must wait another minute or more to receive the location of the cell phone, then input the coordinates into an Internet mapping program such as Google Maps. The Internet program then displays the location of the call.

The entire process can take several minutes, and is susceptible to delays due to Internet response times. If the Internet is not working, no location can be mapped for the dispatcher.

The system didn't work that well so they upgraded to an ESRI-based solution.

It is the geographic information system — a GIS software called ArcView made by ESRI, a company specializing in GIS and mapping software. ... "We literally GPS'd every single address in the county," ... The database should be available to Marquette County departments and emergency response personnel by the end of the year.

Milwaukee GIS Job Posting

I was asked if this job announcement could be posted on the blog, so here it goes. (Check here for links to Wisconsin-GIS job websites)

Position Title	Manager of Planning Services
Company	Our client is a comprehensive consulting and design build firm. Its thorough capable team provides due diligence, strategic site selection, compelling design, and rigorous project management. The team of highly specialized experts has developed more than 2,300 financial institutions that are brand-centered facilities that are tailored to meet its clients needs and exceed expectations.
Location of Position	Milwaukee, WI
Company Background	Family owned and operated; growing rapidly. Recently received Future 50 award due to solid growth.
Reporting Relationship	CFO
Basic Function	This person, in collaboration with Director of Business Development, will conduct an assessment of the client’s growth needs strategically planning the location of the next financial institution. He/she will acquire the data and conduct the research necessary to compile a thorough study. His/her ability to analyze and interpret demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and its influence on a client’s business helps guide clients through an informed decision making process.
Specific Responsibilities	Work closely with Director of Business Development to determine scope of client’s needs. Conduct a formal study resulting in a recommendation for client’s financial institution location. Communicate solution to client and answer questions regarding supporting data, and providing explanations of findings. Create PowerPoint presentations for delivery to client. Maintain a competitive understanding of the industry by reading industry magazines and publications.
Educational Requirements	BA/BS Degree in Geography, Business or related degree. Equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
What Makes this a Great Opportunity	Rapidly growing firm Professional environment Autonomy; management of a high impact function within the firm. Collaborative working environment 100% paid health insurance Comprehensive benefits package Retirement plan
Experience Required	5 years of experience working with GIS data and/or facilities management within financial institutions . Work well with dynamic team and prioritize multiple tasks. Ability to manage tight deadlines, while delivering a quality product to the client. Strong business acumen. Self motivated with independent problem-solving ability. Familiarity of MS Office suite.
Compensation and Benefits information	Competitive salary dependent upon experience. - Extremely comprehensive benefits package - 100% paid health insurance
For further information contact	Jessie Mayer Recruiting Manager The Novo Group 414-727-8755 jessiemayer@thenovogroup.com