ESRI Wisconsin User Group

Wisconsin Flood of 2008

2008-06-10T20:44:00.003-05:00

The weekend of June 7, 2008, will be long remembered in Wisconsin history. The southern third of Wisconsin (along with the rest of Midwest) received three days of hazardous weather and heavy rain. Some of the stories have made national news. Many other stories have gone untold.

As many of us know GIS is and will continue to be involved. There is no doubt that GIS is being used at this moment for printing orthos, planning evacuation areas, assisting sand bagging efforts, traffic routing, estimating losses, and soon economic and infrastructure reconstruction efforts.

If you have GIS flood story to tell, please comment to this posting.

ArcGIS 9.3 links

2008-05-29T22:18:00.002-05:00

Here's some of the more interesting links about the 9.3 release:

Want to build you resume?

2008-05-29T21:22:00.002-05:00

Be a presenter at EWUG ’08. EWUG is seeking presentations for the October 29th & 30th Conference. The conference will be in Appleton at the Paper Valley Hotel.

This year we will try to group presentations into four tracks: Desktop GIS, Server GIS, Projects and Vendor Demonstrations.

Desktop GIS – Presentations on the use of ESRI Desktop GIS software. How to’s and Tips & Tricks style presentations are encouraged.
Server GIS – Same as above, except that ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS Image Server, and ArcIMS will be covered. Implementation and configuration experiences are encouraged.
Projects – Projects where GIS played a significant role. Projects of interest to planners (which includes a lot of subjects) are encouraged, as EWUG will be submitting AICP Certification Maintenance credits.
Vendor Demonstrations – Vendors and exhibitors, here’s the chance to show your stuff. These will be 20 minute presentation slots prior to the vendor reception. The idea here is to showcase your product and services.

If you would like to present, please send the following to dhaines@ewug.org

Presentation Title
Track (Desktop GIS, Server GIS, Project or Vendor Demonstration)
Brief presentation description
Names, title and affiliations of presenter(s)

Each presentation will receive one free conference registration. Presentation will be 30 to 40 minutes, the vendor demonstrations will be limited to 20 minutes. LCD projectors will be available. Please bring your own laptop.

The deadline for presentation submissions is July 30th.

Are you not from Wisconsin? That’s ok, we welcome your presentation!

If your not familiar with the conference, we've been doing this since 1999. Our attendance averages around 230 per year. Our attendees come from the whole range of the GIS spectrum, Federal/State/Local government, Academia, and the private-sector.

The Costs of Software

2008-04-06T18:00:00.000-05:00

There's some interesting goings-on with the master purchasing agreement that the Wis. GIO addresses on the Mapping Bulletin. I don't know what the hang-up is, but the result is the price of software just went up for governmental agencies. Hopefully the issues will be resolved quickly.

New Website Design

2008-04-03T20:11:00.003-05:00

The EWUG website underwent a design change. No new content was added, just a refreshed look.

The old website was design served us well for the past four years.

If anyone is interested in creating a blogger.com compatible stylesheet that matches the website design, let me know. Otherwise that's next on my to-do-list.

The Census in Shapefiles

2008-04-01T19:53:00.003-05:00

As mentioned a while back, the Census Bureau switched from the TIGER format to ESRI Shapefiles. Sure, you could get the TIGER data (2000 version) from ESRI, but it was difficult to find. Now the most current version is directly available from the Census in Shapefile format.

What I find most interesting is how far reaching this is. The TIGER/Line data format, was developed for the 1990 Census. Consider that the Shapefile is replacing a data format used for nearly 20 years in the (arguably) most important GIS dataset in existence (the linework and data has built entire industries, and is the dataset is Constitutionally mandated) . For this alone, the Shapefile will be around for a long, long, long time.

Its already been almost ten years since the Shapefile specification has been made public. Its likely that it will be in use in common use for another ten years.

Almost As Good

2008-03-17T21:30:00.000-05:00

Didn't make it to the Developer's Summit? Don't feel too bad, its (relatively) cool there.

You can at least check out (some of) the PowerPoints from the technical presentations. This is a lot better than trying to get the CDROM from the guy in your office that went six months ago.

What's the Future of ArcIMS?

2008-03-17T20:00:00.002-05:00

Many people may be wondering what's the future of ArcIMS?

While it probably won't go away anytime soon, its probably a safe to bet that it has reached the end of development. The not so subtle hint from ESRI was spoken at this year's Developer's Summit: There are no ArcIMS sessions other than how to migrate from ArcIMS to ArcGIS Server. It shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, nearly a year ago, ArcIMS was declared a dead product by a blogger.

Why does this matter to Wisconsin? Of Wisconsin's 72 counties, 61 have ArcIMS-based web mapping sites, 5 are on other platforms, and only 1 is ArcGIS Server.

ArcGIS 9.3

2008-03-12T20:00:00.001-05:00

ESRI has summarized the new functionality coming out in 9.3 concerning Desktop, Server and the Geodatabase.

Also, you can submit your questions about 9.3. The most common questions will likely be hit upon first at the Dev Summit, or perhaps even a Question&Answers page like the UC.

via APB

Update: The Developer Summit Q&A has been posted already. via Mandown

ArcGIS 9.2 SP 5

2008-03-09T13:29:00.001-05:00

Look for it later this month. ESRI's is listing the fixes for Desktop, with Server fixes to follow. http://support.esri.com/index.cfm?fa=downloads.patchesServicePacks.viewPatch&PID=66&MetaID=1381

How to script geoprocessing functions

2008-03-03T21:45:00.001-06:00

There is a very good series on learning how to script geoprocessing (ArcToolbox) functions using Python.

Right now it is a five part Series.

If desired/needed I'll post updated links.

100th Post

2008-03-03T21:23:00.003-06:00

We've been not blogging for a few months. Way to many other (work) things to keep up on. Now that the annual WLIA conference is over - excellent conference this year! - EWUG is gearing up.

Look for a few changes to the blogging and website this year.

Microsoft Virtual Earth and ESRI Connection

2008-03-03T21:00:00.000-06:00

The connection between ESRI and Microsoft seems to be growing by the quarter. Recently at the ESRI FedUC, Jack showed a great 'mashup' of the ArcGIS Server and Virtual Earth. Here's the link to the demo.

Could this be the future - ESRI for the nuts&bolts with MS for the eye-candy? (BTW recently EPA condoned this marriage)

Has it been that long?

2008-02-05T21:26:00.000-06:00

Its been almost two months from the last blog entry. This tends to be EWUG's downtime (The conference is a long way away). We've also been busy with several end-of-the year projects, and the blog tends to keep getting pushed off (much like GIS projects for too many organizations).

Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Mapping Bulletin is doing a great job with Wisconsin GIS news. (A GIS tenet is to reduce redundancy, so I don't want to repeat the information I see in the WMB.) There is now quite a few ESRI news feeds and blogs that are useful. (The podcasts can be helpful, but I would recommend listening-in during lunch or a long geoprocessing task rather than dedicating time.)

My favorite by far is the Mapping Center Blog (and site for that matter!). Every time I read it, I begin to wish I was able to spend more time on cartography and map-making rather than geodatabase design and configurations. But then I quickly remember that making the map often takes much longer than the geospatial analysis. I'm curious if any of the ideas/solutions brought forth in the Mapping Center will make their way to WLIA's Poster Contest.

Soon after WLIA is over with EWUG will start to ramp up again getting ready for this year's conference. So be patient, more is yet to come...

ESRI-UC Hotel Reservations Start on 12/10

2007-12-06T12:10:00.000-06:00

It's been a month since I've made a post, so I better come up with something...

According to the ESRI User Conference page, you should be able to start reserving rooms on Monday. From past experience you need to reserve your room as early as possible - especially if you qualify for the government rate.

Save the Date for EWUG '08

2007-11-06T21:55:00.000-06:00

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

October 29th & 30th, 2008

Wednesday & Thursday

Explore Your World

2007-11-06T21:31:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-06T21:05:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-04T21:11:00.000-06:00

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

What's this blog about?

2007-10-24T21:49:00.000-05:00

This will be the 93rd EWUG blog - and it has me wondering.

What should this blog be about? Should it (mostly):
a) Report ESRI-related news and tips;
b) Report Wisconsin-based GIS news;
c) Provide Opinions about a) and/or b); or
d) Just stick to EWUG-related notices

Post an anonymous (or not) comment and me know!

EWUGing 2007

2007-10-15T20:56:00.000-05:00

Another successful conference. We had just over 200 people in attendance and 12 vendors.

A highlight for many was the talk by James Murphy of the City of Minneapolis about the I-35W bridge collapse. The presentation was top notch and discussed in a separate post.

After lunch the conference broke into sessions. The first session, 3 hours in length was a detailed session by ESRI staff about ArcGIS Server. The others focused on the applications of GIS within private-industry. Due to a scheduling issues with the hotel, one of the tracks had to be held in the hotel bar. Yep, that's right, the presentations where in the hotel bar! Only in Wisconsin. (At least the bar was closed at the time!)The day ended with a successful Vendor's Reception. We raffled off some prizes donated by our exhibitors and local businesses. (Some people were very excited to win!)
The second day got underway with a rapid series of 20-minute sessions. When the sessions went late, and there was nowhere to eat our box-lunches many attendees made due.
The "sitdown lunch" turned into a great informal networking session. Many people stuck around for quite awhile talking GIS.

If you have any comments about the conference, or ideas for next year, leave a comment.

If your interested in the final agenda or PowerPoints from the conference, check the website for the latest. They'll be added as they arrive (I'm sure I'll blog about it when they're all up).

I-35W Bridge Collapse

2007-10-14T22:56:00.000-05:00

At the EWUG 2007 Conference we were very fortunate to hear firsthand about how GIS was used at the disaster site.

I know it was a highlight for many at the conference to hear from James Murphy from the City of Minneapolis. He gave a down-to-earth account of how the City's GIS Department handled the I-35W Bridge Collapse. It is a real life story that I'm sure has been played out many times - before a disaster, GIS is just another acronym, afterwards, GIS becomes crucial.

Jim recalled, that soon after the bridge fell, his department went to work - without asking. They just started printing up orthos, lots of them, of the site. Jim then spent several hours trying to get past security to get them to the command center.* Once there, the Minneapolis Police used them for as a basis for security checkpoints.

*A key point made by James was to get the creditntials needed to enter a disaster site. It's not easy, but its still easier to do before a disaster happens than after. Make sure your police/fire/emergancy government department knows who you are and that you have the documentation you need to get past the checkpoint in a real disaster.

Soon after the City was assigned to handle security for the site (other agencies and handled other aspects of the disaster.) The maps then became filled with tons of Post-It notes. James then started digitizing the Post-Its, and their meaning so they won't blow away in the wind. The Command Center end up with it's own GIS tent. GIS was eventually used to geography assign officers to various checkpoints. This was even more important since mutual-aid that was involved. (Mutual-aid is when officers from outside the jurisdiction come in to help.) Many of these officers were not familiar with area, and the maps James and his team proved to be priceless.

GIS really turned out to be a 'common language'. There were lots of acronyms flying around industry jargon, much of which was common to one specific agency on the site. The maps James produced help translate the jargon. The officers/agents, could point to the map and say "Here it is".

ESRI also developed for the City a very sweet routing tool. It's literally click-click route. This is the best utilization of ArcWeb Services that I've seen yet.

EWUG Conference Next Week!

2007-10-02T19:37:00.000-05:00

The EWUG Conference is next week. The agenda is high top notch. Here's a few of the schedule presentations -

I-35W Bridge Collapse - Hear first hand how GIS was used in the response from City staff.

ArcGIS Server - Three hours of information on how to implement GIS Server: Topics include a detailed discussion of the ArcGIS Server System Components, configuration options, installation process, access, and system security.

Business GIS - Hear how GIS is used within Walgreens, a Fortune 100 retailer, and an insurance company.

Emergency Response - How GIS was used in the search for a missing child.

And More

Exhibit at EWUG 2007

2007-09-17T21:09:00.000-05:00

The EWUG Conference (10/9-10/10/07) is a great venue f0r GIS vendors. You get a chance to meet with 200 to 250 ESRI users over the course of a day and a half at very affordable exhibitor and sponsorship levels.

The registration form is available on the website, along with contact information for any questions you have.

Wis. Legislation to Ban Search By Name

2007-09-12T20:00:00.000-05:00

Recently introduced Wis. Assembly Bill 496 is proposing to prohibit the searching of property tax information by name over the Internet. Search by other methods, such as parcel ID number, address, or geography would still be allowed. It appears, subscription-type access would still allow searches by name.

Is there any Wisconsin web mapping site that lets the general public search by name?

(From LIO-Tech)

Update: There are several Wis. web mapping sites that do allow search by name.

Update: WLIA will be getting involved with the discussion and is asking for input.

Many of you are aware of Assembly Bill 496 is being circulated, and a hearing is scheduled for Tuesday October 9, at 1pm. The scheduling of this hearing took many of us by surprise considering AB 496 was first released on September 6, 2007. In summary, the legislation restricts "taxation districts" from allowing name searches of governmental internet listings of property taxes assessed. This legislation would restrict free county, town, village, and city tax parcel mapping web sites from having a search by name option. Many members have been inquiring on the Associations position on this legislation the last few days, but we have not taken a position at this time. The WLIA board will be meeting in the next few days to consider registering for, against, or neutral to this legislation and attend the hearing on Tuesday, October 9. Since the board represents the membership of the association we would appreciate any feedback on AB 496 that you may have. This is not an official vote of the membership, but you are encouraged to reply and your feedback will be considered when the Board takes action on this in the next few days. Please reply back by Thursday, October 4 using my contact information below.

Thanks,
Jason

Jason R. Grueneberg, President
Wisconsin Land Information Association
[email to WLIA members on 10/3/2007]

Update: WLIA is taking neutral stance.

Over 35 members responded to the WLIA Board's request for thoughts on Assembly Bill 496. We requested your responses so that we could consider them in discussion of whether to register for, against, or neutral for AB 496 at the hearing on Tuesday October 9, at 1pm. Thank you for your responses, they were a huge help in determining how we should respond to this proposed legislation . The responses that were sent in, along with informal discussion board members have had with membership reveal that there is not a consensus on this proposed legislation. Because there is not a consensus the WLIA is registering on AB 496 as neutral for informational purposes. Although a neutral registration does not send as strong of a message as a for or against stance, it does allow us to share some of the common concerns of the membership, and encourages future discussion on this issue with legislators.

In reviewing the membership feedback on AB 496 it is apparent that this is a sensitive issue that members are concerned about. We are encouraging membership to attend the hearing to represent themselves, or their employer. Detailed information on how you can register testimony for, against, or neutral will be sent out shortly. The hearing will be held by the Committee on Urban and Local Affairs on Tuesday, October, 9 at 1pm. [...] If any of the representatives on the Committee on Urban and Local Affairs is in your district, I encourage you to call them and share your thoughts. The following link lists the membership of this committee and the districts that they represent. http://www.legis.state.wi.us/w3asp/commpages/IndividualCommittee.aspx?COMMITTEE=Urban+and+Local+Affairs&HOUSE=Assembly
[...]

Jason R. Grueneberg, President
Wisconsin Land Information Association
[email to WLIA members on 10/6/2007]

Update: Here's a summary of the 10/9/2007 public hearing:

Testifying in Support:
Rep. Parisi
WI Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Yolanda Garza – speaking for herself

Testifying Against:
Recorder of Deeds Association
WI Land Title Assoc.

Testifying for Information Only:
WLIA
Co. Treasurers Assoc.

Registering in Favor:
“CCC” – privacy rights group

Registering Against:
League of Municipalities
WI Newspapers Assoc.

Many of the opponents of the bill focuses on these points:
It will be costly to implement.
Local government is sensitive to the issue and has responded appropriately.
The “one size fits all” approach will not work across the state considering
the large differences in how each county, city etc. are structured.
The language is vague and open to interpretation.

There's also a scan of the various letters of support & opposition floating around, though I couldn't find a online link to it.

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