2005 ESRI Wisconsin User Group

Preliminary Program

User Presentations

November 10^th – Thursday

Mapping – Planning for Community Groundwater Sustainability

Kurt O. Thomsen, Ph.D., P.G.

KOT Environmental Consulting, Inc.

Janet L. Agnoletti & Connie L. Pokorny

Barrington Area Council of Governments

Over the past decade the public has become more and more aware of problems with water resources. As a proactive measure, the Barrington Area Council of Governments (BACOG), located about 40 miles northwest of Chicago, is currently working on a project to establish water resource baseline conditions in their immediate and surrounding area. Under the direction of BACOG and a professional advisor, a committee of volunteers is conducting much of the work of this water resource initiative using data readily available for little or no cost.

A water budget specific to the shallow groundwater system in the study area is being used as the conceptual model. The goal of the work is to establish numerical values for the various components of the model.

This presentation describes data querying and subsequent mapping techniques used to establish baseline conditions for groundwater resources. Well log data were queried to define the shallow aquifer system. The bedrock surface and overlying stratigraphy were defined.

Aquifers, aquitards and aquicludes overlying the bedrock were defined and their interrelationships were established. A water budget conceptual model was used to determine the amount of water in storage and identify the inflows and the outflows of water in the study area. A determination was made to establish if the area's water storage capacity is in a net water loss, balanced, or net water gain mode. This information will be used to identify future water needs for a growing population and to manage growth for sustainability.

GIS Portals and Why You Need Them!

Mike Koutnik

ESRI Minneapolis

Most in the GIS community are aware of the federal efforts to create Geospatial One Stop and the National map.  Some are aware that Geospatial One Stop is an implementation of a GIS internet “portal.”  This session will provide an introduction to GIS portals, in particular, the Geospatial One Stop.  You will see how GIS portals may change the landscape for how we do GIS.  You will also learn why you may want to participate in a GIS portal, and how you can do so.

The Lake Superior Research Institute GIS Analysis Application
Steve Hagedorn,
Lake Superior Research Institute UW-Superior

A GIS application used to interactively create maps and graphs from the Lake Superior Research Institute Database. This application was designed entirely on the UW-Superior campus, using the ArcGIS 9.0 software, the MS Access Database Software, the Visual Basic Programming Language, and ESRI’s collection of ArcObjects. It continues to be updated and modified on campus to meet the needs of the LSRI (Lake Superior Research Institute). The intuitive menu driven interface requires only a minimal GIS background. This menu interface allows for the input of several different parameters which can be used to isolate particular studies, trends, and spatial analyses.

The presentation features a “live” on-line demonstration of the application. It will be followed by an explanation of the hardware and software requirements necessary to install and use the GIS application.

The Lake Superior Research Institute (LSRI) is a major research unit within the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Its purpose is to provide environmental research and educational programs for the entire Great Lakes. Current research projects include: plankton and benthic (bottom-dwelling) organism sampling, identification and analysis; chemical contaminants on aquatic life (mercury and PCBs) and air and water quality monitoring. These studies provide many important indicators of the health of the Great Lakes. Many of the plankton and benthic organisms are particularly sensitive. They can provide an early indication of future trends as well as help to understand historical trends.

The State of Internet Map Services in Wisconsin, 2005

Jerry Sullivan

Wisconsin Department of Administration

AJ Wortley

Wisconsin State Cartographer's Office

David Hart

UW Madison Sea Grant Institute

This presentation will discuss a framework for evaluating internet mapping services throughout Wisconsin. How do you discover what's out there ? How can you determine the front door URL, and the URL of the service itself ? Can the service be streamed into clients such as ArcMap and ArcExplorer ? Does the service know its datum, projection, and coordinate system ? Do all themes in the service display, and project correctly on the fly ? Is the service OGC WMS or WFS compliant ? What advantage is there to making a service OGC compliant ? How do I install and configure the WMSConnector? Can I stream WMS (ie weather, imagery,...) into my ArcIMS application? If I choose to serve WMS or WFS, how do I effectively document the service ? Does the service provide links to any metadata ? Does the service provide information on minimum and maximum display scales ? Does the service facilitate spatial data downloads ? Does the service enable useful spatial and attribute queries ? Does the service provide robust output capabilities ?

Creating an Integrated Enterprise SDE Database for the City of Beloit

Kirby Benz

City of Beloit

John Nicholson

Spatial Solutions

The City of Beloit like most municipalities has a variety of systems and data repositories. Some of these systems are commercial software offerings, others have been developed in-house by IT staff, and others are ad-hoc tools developed by users. The diversity and distributed nature of many of these systems makes data sharing between departments and use of the data for GIS difficult.

To centralize all the data and make it accessible to GIS a centralized SQL Server database has been developed with access to all significant City data sources. The database has been created in SQL Server by either migrating the database to SQL, copying the data using a scheduled nightly download, or creating a live link to the remote database. The databases made accessible in SQL include the following data sources

Assessor data

Municipal Court data

Pavement Management Data

Police Incident Data

Economic Development Data

Housing Services Data (permits, licenses etc)

Commercial Business Data

Complaint / Correspondence Data

Fire / Ambulance Data

GIS Spatial Data

The Integrated database can be accessed in a number of ways; using ArcGIS where all major tables are displayed in the main data catalog, using a customized Web interface designed by Spatial Solutions, using MS Access for ad-hoc queries and reports, and by using SSView a desktop map viewer developed by Spatial Solutions.

This presentation will describe the database developed and discuss the technical and management challenges in developing and deploying such a system.

GIS on the WEB: An Integration of Maps, Property Records & Document Imaging

Marilyn Mueller,

Kewaunee County Register of Deeds/Land Information Office

Thomas Tym

Ruekert & Mielke, Inc.

The program will be an overview of the process used by Kewaunee County to establish the land records website that allows for seamless access to its property tax records, GIS mapping using ESRI ArcIMS as the web application software, and register of deeds indexing and document imaging system. It will include a live, online demonstration of the application.

Deployment of an ArcGIS Server Application to Enhance Community Understanding during Design and Construction of a Complex Interchange

Jeff Barnett, P.E.

CH2M HILL / Chicago

The Marquette Interchange is a complex interstate highway interchange in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Because of greater-than-expected traffic volumes, the current interchange has exceeded its useful life and will be reconstructed. A key concern of reconstruction was the potential impact on the community during construction, which is scheduled to extend over a period of 4 years, from mid-2004 to late 2008. The community expressed a need for easy-to-understand information about construction activities and traffic limitations at any given date.

This presentation will provide an overview of a geographic information systems (GIS) application developed to meet the community’s needs; the application helps drivers obtain custom driving directions through the interchange during construction. The presentation will cover the development of this application including project history, technical approach, and lessons learned.

The MapIt application, which provided custom driving directions through the interchange during construction, was developed using ESRI ArcGIS Server and integrated into the project’s public information Web site. Users heading into downtown Milwaukee can identify their starting point, destination address, and anticipated year and month of travel. The application returns a map of the suggested route and driving directions based on anticipated construction activities during the travel period, allowing the driver to avoid closed ramps or mainline segments.

This application demonstrates the value of GIS beyond transportation planning to include support through the construction phases. This tool has provided effective communication to the public on construction activities for the Marquette Interchange.

Customizing An ArcIMS Site Without Programming: A Web Based Customization Application

Mike Pordes

Patrick Engineering Inc.

To efficiently manage an ArcIMS site, developers should seriously consider a tool such as the ArcIMS Control Panel (ACP).

The ACP facilitates rapid, effective adjustments to an ArcIMS site that will meet user requirements and deliver a first-class product. Using the analogy that an ArcIMS site is a symphony, the ACP should be considered the conductor. The ACP gives a user the ability to manage imagery, available tools, data display settings and modifications to an .mxd that is connected to an ArcIMS map service, including adding a layer.

Using web-based forms, the ACP manages information contained in an ArcIMS Controller Database separated from the geo-database. This database contains tables with layer information; layer attribute display; query and visibility settings; selectable layer information; and available tools. This information is then referenced throughout customized code that runs the ArcIMS site.

Managing and Visualizing Environmental Data Using EQuIS and ArcGIS

Brian Jensen

GeoDecisions

In the presentation I will discuss how GeoDecisions used EQuIS software and the EQuIS for ArcGIS extension to thoroughly warehouse, manage, query, and display environmental data for a large scale environmental remediation site. Focusing on the ArcGIS environment, I will talk about the compatibility, the analysis tools, and the advantages over traditional data warehouses and drafting.

ArcIMS Outside the Box – Pushing the Boundaries of Web GIS

Doug Avoles and Levi Felling

Applied Data Consultants

We all know that the web has become a popular and cost-effective way to serve GIS data. Furthermore, web-based GIS has moved beyond simple data serving to actually replacing desktop GIS applications for many GIS data users. Through creative programming and data organization, programmers are increasingly extending the functionality of out-of-the-box applications such as ArcIMS to meet end user needs. This presentation will cover several examples of customizations that have been implemented in ArcIMS sites for ADC clients. Each customized feature will be described by an overview of the need for the specific functionality, a description of the programming concept and solution used, and a demonstration of the functionality using the actual ArcIMS site. Examples that will be presented include improved performance using a non-SDE spatial enabled database, using a client side HTML Image Map to create pseudo “map tips”, and several others.

Caught in the NET: The ArcIMS .NET Connector, ArcXML and Web Services

Aaron Ford

R.A. Smith & Associates, Inc.

GIS Web based technology has matured significantly from the Map Objects Internet Starter Applications of the late 1990’s to the current release of ArcIMS. Learn about the how the Microsoft .NET framework, the ArcIMS .NET connector and ArcXML can be utilized to create integrated, scaleable applications capable of providing data beyond the enterprise.

A Look at the WDNR’s Computer tools for Planning, Conservation, and Environmental Protection Technical Assistance Program

R. Chris Welch

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Integrated Science Services

In an effort to increase awareness of Internet resources available to local governments and citizen planners the WDNR is presently engaged in a technical assistance program focused on computer tools for planning, conservation, and environmental protection.

The goal of the program is to provide information and training to insure that all involved in local planning processes have equal access to valuable information and analysis tools. Gaining access to these free Internet-based planning tools will assist communities with preliminary selection of alternative approaches to watershed and community planning.

Many of the computer tools covered during these technical assistance sessions utilize ESRI ArcIMS and ArcSDE technologies. By enhancing participants understanding of, and ability to use these computer tools, WDNR looks to bring more information and science to local processes and subsequently increase natural resource protection within plans and land use decisions.

The session will detail WDNR’s technical assistance program and highlight tools using ESRI ArcIMS technology. The session will conclude with an account of the hands-on computer tool workshops to date and the resulting feedback that indicates the value of Internet-based computer tools and the technical assistance program itself.

November 11^th Friday

Geospatial Outreach, Education and Workforce Development

James A. Brey, Ph.D.

University of Wisconsin Fox Valley

In order to populate the ranks of the geospatial workforce it is necessary to take a systematic approach to their geospatial training and education. Recruitment of digital geospatial worker must be done early and expanded beyond students majoring in geography, landscape architecture as well as other disciplines in which geospatial technologies are dominant and which already have developed training paths. Thought needs to be given to how students are attracted to the field and when their early training occurs within overall preparation for the career. Typical training now involves courses embedded within a traditional geography preparation taken as a junior or senior. Seldom are students presented with an initial course early in their college careers that features compelling examples and exercises. We are missing too many potential students by not providing early exposure to the excitement of geospatial tools. This paper will focus on the workforce needs of the geospatial community in general and make several suggestions concerning training and education. Special attention will be paid to the first course in which students are exposed to GIS and the need for compelling examples and exercises from specific fields to be included with the aim of sparking an interest in a geospatial career. Examples of how I use particular suites of learning materials accessed with ESRI software will conclude the presentation.

Parcel Management with Geodatabases Workshop

Chris Liske

ESRI Minneapolis

The objective of this workshop is to introduce users to the capabilities of ArcGIS 9 and the Geodatabase for Parcel Management.  The workshop includes a lecture, demonstrations, and a question and answer session.  Topics include an overview of parcel geodatabase design, applying subtypes, domains, and topology rules to manage data integrity, data loading, labeling and annotation, and Advanced Editing enhancements using ArcGIS 9 COGO tools.  Demonstrations will focus on maintaining parcel data.  This workshop is intended for anyone interested in the advantages of managing and editing spatial data using enhanced topology in the Geodatabase.  Familiarity with Geodatabase is helpful but not required.

GIS Standards: Who Needs 'Em ?

Jerry Sullivan

Wisconsin Department of Administration

This presentation will introduce users to the diversity of geospatial standards via a web tour: WLIA, WLIP, Wisconsin Enterprise, FGDC, OGC, and ESRI GeoData Models. It will specifically introduce the recently produced Geospatial BlueBook of Best Practices, and the ESRI "GIS for the Nation" data model, as these relate to Wisconsin GIS activities. A facilitated discussion will follow, to gauge audience interest and prioritization of needed standards efforts.

Custom 3D Markers for ESRI's Arcscene and ArcGlobe

Laurence Rohter & John Dorr

Illinois Institute of Technology

Challenged by a Humanities professor vision of building a 4D model of Chicago that encompassed the horizontal extent, as well as vertical dimensions from bedrock to buildings, and a time dimension that could show sequential development, faculty and students at the Illinois Institute of Technology(IIT) embarked on a multi-year program called Ghost City Chicago. The first phase of this effort used a traditional 3D modeling game engine program, specifically Crystal Space.

To continue the effort, IIT's GIS capability, centered in the Galvin Library, has taken a different approach, exercising ESRI's recently improved 3D programs. GIS capabilities lend themselves well to such a project that embraces geo-specific attributes, and the switching in and out of appropriate data layers. 3D adds to the richness of the viewing perspective.

An important capability in the recent software is the ability to make your own "3D Markers". Once these are built, they can be placed as required. Several import modes are available.

Two examples of the results using the campus buildings, overlaid on basemaps and aerial photography, as well as recent streetscape photos compared to images from 70 years ago, will be demonstrated.

(1) From the first phase of the project, several wireframe and texture covered models were available -- buildings from the IIT campus, including those designed by Mies Van Der Rohe. These could be converted and placed as "3ds" types.

(2) A more powerful method for adding data was developed using the VRML capability. Since there is a wealth of high quality photos available, a picture framing capability was implemented using custom "3d Marker Symbols". Requiring only a seedling VRML file, and a text editor; the rest of the integration and editing is done with the ESRI provided resources. This is very different than the traditional hotlinking capability, and leads to a powerful depiction that aims to fulfill the original objective.

Modernizing Historical Records: A Case-Study of Wisconsin Historical Society

Puneet Kishor

GeoAnalytics, Inc.

Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) manages information on all the historic buildings, archaeological sites, tribal lands and burial grounds, surveys, and bibliographical records for the State of Wisconsin. WHS procured the services of GeoAnalytics, Inc., to modernize its records management and compliance reporting processes by implementing a web-based system for all phases of its business processes. The system has been running successfully now for more than two years, and is central to WHS's daily activities. This presentation will report on the technologies used, the approach that worked as well as those that did not, and the lessons learned.

Using GIS for Economic Analysis and Site Development

David Haines

R. A. Smith & Associates, Inc

Do you want to see the power of GIS analysis? Using GIS tools for economic analysis and site selection are becoming more and prevalent in the business community. This presentation will describe a case study using ArcGIS for site selection and how it benefits both the public and private sector. The case study will include leveraging demographic data as well as existing customer data. Also, leveraging the plethora of information available from the public sector will be discussed. This presentation will outline the methods for site selection as well as the results, conclusions and cost savings.

ArcGIS Network Analyst Extension Demonstration

Chris Liske

ESRI Minneapolis

ESRI brings greater functionality to desktop and server GIS, integrated extensions, and Network Analyst to the ArcGIS 9.1 platform. Offering technology to model real world networks, the Network Analyst extension provides solutions for matters of routing, drive-time and service area analysis with tight integration of enhanced geoprocessing tools.

Prioritizing Places: How Wisconsin’s Outdoor Recreation Plan is using Geo-demographic Analysis to Guide Acquisition and Development

Richelle Winkler, Bill Buckingham, and David Long

Applied Population Lab

Jeff Prey and John Pohlman

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Starting in 1999, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) initiated a 3-year study to identify places in the state would be critical in meeting Wisconsin’s long-term conservation and recreation needs. The resulting 229 “Legacy Places” collectively are the special places that “make Wisconsin Wisconsin.” Currently, the Applied Population Lab is working with the DNR on a research project to prioritize the Legacy Places for acquisition and development over the next several years, as part of Wisconsin’s 2005-2010 SCORP (State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan). Using ArcGIS 9.1 Network Analyst, Model Builder, and geo-processing, we evaluated each Legacy Place according to five components: (1) number of potential visitors living within an hour’s drive, (2) population pressure, (3) cost of land, (4) conservation significance, and (5) recreation potential. This presentation will provide both an overview of the project and a technical discussion of the methods employed.

Web-based Wastewater Performance Management and Inventory System

Tim Barnett and Brad Chopp

Ayres Associates

Ayres Associates has developed a performance based code for onsite wastewater treatment regulation. Administering a performance code requires system inventorying, permit tracking, design review, compliance reporting, data logging, re-issuance of operation remits, reports of enforcement actions, confirmation of practitioner certifications, and other record keeping tasks. To be successful, administrative tools are needed which will not increase the costs of administration, but will relieve counties of routine, time-consuming tasks and to ensure accuracy of records and timely responses. This presentation will describe a web-based performance management and inventorying system based on ArcView, MS Word, Excel, and Access software that includes site evaluation and design tools to expedite permitting.

Meet Wisconsin’s New Geographic Information Officer

David Mockert, GIO

Wisconsin Department of Administration

The GIO has the responsibility to coordinate Wisconsin’s geospatial information activities, to implement standards to facilitate interoperability of information related to homeland security, to make recommendations on awarding grants to fund geospatial data, and to create information sharing agreements with state, local and tribal governments.

The GIO will coordinate Wisconsin’s geographic information systems projects and ensure that GIS policies support the mission of the State’s GIS activities and continuing development of a sustainable GIS infrastructure. The position will provide for the efficient use of geographic information, which shall include: (1) providing such geographic information as may be necessary to implement the critical infrastructure protection programs; (2) providing leadership and coordination in meeting the requirements of those responsible for planning, prevention, mitigation, assessment and response to emergencies, critical infrastructure protection, and other related functions; and (3) coordinating with users of geographic information within Wisconsin to assure interoperability and prevent unnecessary duplication.

Going Mobile: Taking GIS Data into the Field

Felipe Avila, GIS Specialist

City of Fitchburg

The Fitchburg water utility has accumulated a significant amount of GIS data over the last three years. While the data is used in the office nearly everyday making this data available to field crews is important as well. This talk will look at the process of selecting the equipment and software for our mobile system. The data that was needed, training and the end result of how this is being used in field today.

Deploying Enterprise Addressing: Lessons learned from the City of Hamilton, Ohio

Louis Schoolkate

GeoAnalytics, Inc.

The City of Hamilton, Ohio recently completed deployment of an enterprise addressing system. The system is now the centralized authority for official Hamilton addresses and is designed to support all City addressing needs. In this first iteration, the system also provides direct addressing support for both Hamilton’s Land Management and Asset Management systems. Planned future phases include further system enhancements and support for other business systems.

This presentation will provide an overview and lessons learned from this yearlong project covering data, technology, user services, and the unique address maintenance environment. The latter was developed as an ArcGIS extension that provides an easy to use interface for City users to manage addresses and addressing data relationships.

Trimble GPS Analyst Extension for ESRI ArcGIS

Holly Urbain
Trimble Certified Mapping/GIS and Survey Trainer

The Trimble GPS Analyst extension for ESRI ArcGIS software will streamline your workflow and improve productivity by enabling you to work directly with your GPS data inside your personal geodatabase. No more exporting- everything is done inside the ESRI interface.It comes with the ability to check data in and out and because GPS Analyst comes with Trimble's proven differential correction tools, you can be sure you have the best quality GPS data inside your GIS. 

Sub-Foot GPS with Trimble H-Star technology

Holly Urbain
Trimble Certified Mapping/GIS and Survey Trainer

Discussion of the newest GPS receivers and processing technology to help the users obtain not the normal sub meter positions but actually sub-foot to eight inch accuracy. The Trimble ProXH receiver delivers subfoot (30 cm) accuracy with Trimble's revolutionary H-Star technology. And when high accuracy is critical to your application, adding a survey grade antenna to your GIS system and you can produce eight inch (20 cm) accuracy. Working together with Trimble's TerraSync software or the Trimble GPScorrect extension for ESRI ArcPad software, the new receiver with the Bluetoothed Recon datalogger quickly and efficiently logs the data you need to achieve subfoot accuracy. Back in the office, the GPS Pathfinder Office software or the Trimble GPS Analyst extension for ESRI ArcGIS software guides you through the H-Star correction process and displays the accuracy you've achieved.

Experiences with 911 Addressing

Nick Stadnyk

Applied Data Consultants, Inc.

Throughout the course of a number of projects, ADC has had the opportunity to develop and test a number of techniques for data development and quality control. This presentation will examine some of the procedures that have been developed and discuss how they might be used to better evaluate the assignment of addresses and determinations of when re-addressing should occur.

Efficient GPS data collection and processing: Planning to Post Production

Shawn Snyder & Todd Thies

Ayres Associates

In 2004, Ayres Associates collected a field inventory of residential structures within various hydrologic boundaries. The result was a dataset of attributed points for multiple watersheds across the state. We conducted this inventory with three teams using ArcPad residing on Trimble GPS units. For post-production of the data, we utilized ArcGIS 8.3.

From our initial project strategy and lessons learned during the course of the project, we formulated techniques for conducting future projects. We’ve grouped these techniques into several broad categories: leveraging existing data, project logistics, software customization, and general dataset maintenance.

While perhaps being overkill for smaller projects, these strategies allowed us to provide beneficial and necessary data, while meeting aggressive deadlines in a cost efficient manner.

The Future of GIS at Wisconsin Emergency Management

Chris Diller

Wisconsin Dept. of Military Affairs

Mike Koutnik

ESRI

Wisconsin Emergency Management conducted a GIS needs assessment which concluded in July of 2005. The presentation will cover some of the business needs identified, specific recommendations and a project timeline. In addition to the GIS needs assessment, WEM has purchased E-Sponder, an Emergency Operation Center (EOC) software that has an important GIS component. Come learn about how GIS will integrate into E-Sponder, what the benefits are and how counties across Wisconsin can take advantage.

Update on the County Coordinate System Redesign

Jay Yearwood

WLIA County Coordinate System Task Force

The task force will give an update on the redesign of the County Coordinate Systems. Explanations will be provided on the process, timeline for release, and what users can expect. There will be information on future in-depth presentations that will take place around the state as well.

GIS in the Four Phases of Emergency Management

Jeff Du Mez and Cullen Peltier

Brown County

Jeff Du Mez is the GIS Coordinator & Land Information Officer for Brown County . After graduating from UW-Stevens Point in 1995, he has accrued almost 10 years of experience in the Land Records Management Industry working for various organizations including government & private industry. His current job responsibilities include the oversight and coordination of Land Records Modernization in Brown County. His current duties expose him to many facets of the program, including technical and managerial aspects.

Cullen Peltier is the Emergency Management Director for Brown County. Peltier received his Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from UWGB. He has served as a Disaster Coordinator for the American Red Cross – Lakeland Chapter (Green Bay), a Deputy Director/EPCRA Planner for Winnebago County and Has been with Brown County since 2002. He is currently responsible for managing all phases of emergency management in Brown County including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. He is also responsible for homeland security issues including the allocation of homeland security funding for equipment, training, and exercises.