Aaron Andrews is a designer in our computer-aided design (CAD) group. We asked him some questions on the geographic information system (GIS), how it can be utilized for projects of all sizes and why it can be beneficial to you, our client.
GIS stands for Geographic Information System. It's a system that captures, stores, analyzes and presents spatial data. GIS has several functions and can be used for project site planning and as a representation of real-world objects. Society uses GIS every day, with one of the primary uses being opening maps for directions on our smartphones and computers. It's all around us, even though we may not realize it.
We use GIS to make accurate and informed decisions. Multiple data sources determine these decisions. Data can be manipulated and modeled to identify options to help our team and clients make informed choices. Examples include:
GIS is utilized for multiple reasons. Wessler uses the program to collect and map data of each municipality's asset. Leaders within those municipalities then can make informed decisions based on that information to develop plans for capital improvements and maintenance, as well as gather information about municipalities’ assets in general.
Gathering information is one of the most specific processes in general. Some clients have existing digital and/or physical maps that we transform into GIS data sets. However, other clients may not have any historical maps, meaning we then need to go out in the field to collect data by using global positioning system (GPS) equipment. A GIS map then is created based on the historical information or the field collection data after the data has been through a QA/QC process. That data is then either shared through Arc GIS Online (AGOL) and transferred to the client, or through PDF paper maps.
When starting a GIS map, I try to find the best imagery possible that is in the correct coordinate system. If that is wrong, your entire data set can be inaccurate. A clean and easy-to-read representation - or map - is the primary goal, and knowing your audience is a significant factor. Many maps convey a lot of information and can become complicated and hard to understand quickly, so one tested method is to focus the data on displaying or solving specific questions. The quality assurance/quality control process is critical when publishing data as we strive to achieve accuracy, efficiency and a clean data set with all GIS projects.
Wessler utilizes ESRI software, which, for the most part, is the industry
Wessler mainly uses industry-standard shapefiles and geodatabases. We can provide GIS data in other formats, too.
Wessler uses the latest up-to-date GIS technology available and we strive to give each client the best overall GIS map(s) for their needs. We listen to our clients and what their wants and needs are. If clients ask for a simple GIS, we provide it. If they want a robust system, we utilize all of the above software to its full potential and publish GIS systems based on clients’ goals and needs.