Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/62129
Mobile technologies, specifically those that support a mobile workforce, can connect field staff to a central- ized office, and each other, instantly. They also improve a facility's effective operations. With the advance- ments of HTML5 and other mobile-device-agnostic technologies such as PhoneGap, accessing solutions through a Web browser was a promising option for MCO in creating a truly mobile workforce. The Solution The project's primary goal was to deploy a user-friendly and visually appealing Web application that engages and disseminates utility information to MCO staff in the field and at the home office. Typically, utility operators don't have extensive experience with GIS, mapping or mobile computers. In addition, operators needed a tool that could access information and fea- tures quickly in the field. Working with GeoDecisions, an information-technology (IT) company specializing in geospatial solutions, MCO was able to accomplish this goal. The development team called on ArcGIS Server 10 and the Flex API to build the "operations and maintenance" Web-mapping application as the project's initial phase. The applica- tion's first phase displays detailed information regarding the utilities operated by MCO and includes basic land- base data. It now allows utility operators to view and edit asset information in the field, via the Web, through a simple Flex API interface. The application contains many of the basic Web- mapping tools, including zoom in and out, layer- transparency settings, aerial or map-view slider, the ability to turn layers on/off, query, pan, view a legend, and more. It has security and data-editing protocols that allow different users to access and edit different data, including predetermined zoom levels, map views and feature sets—all controlled by configuration files triggered by login credentials. The application displays icons of selected features, with informative boxes populated with vital data regarding specific features and links to gather addi- tional information. Users also can query and locate an asset, and then edit critical attributes such as service dates, materials, diameter and other mission- critical information. The Esri API solution that was developed is platform independent, allowing it to be run from any type of Web server (e.g., Java, Microsoft .NET, etc.). It was designed to take advantage of the speed, flexibility and ease of use of ArcGIS Server. Flex was chosen (although it lacks native browser support on most devices, like iOS), because of its ease of use and that the application is used extensively in the home office. MCO's familiarity with Flash-based software code also played a role in the decision. Field operators currently access the application via mobile air cards on a variety of devices. Phase two of the application will feature enhancements that will include iOS support through Flash Builder 4.5, Adobe AIR and Xcode integration. The Web-mapping solution was developed in a manner that allows users to deploy updates or code through an approach that's easier than traditional Web-mapping sites by simply publishing MXDs (Esri map-document file format) as ArcGIS Server Web services, and then adjusting controls and options in a simple configuration file. The application works within MCO's current IT and Web environments, which include Apache Tomcat and Microsoft SQL Server, eliminating the need to purchase any addi- tional software. All about the Data The project's major challenge was the comprehen- sive collection of asset information: a significant lack of accurate geospatial data posed a serious problem. Traditional paper maps were available, but they were burdensome, and working with them was difficult. They often were hard to print or view remotely, and they were deficient of critical asset attributes, including date built, last service date and other maintenance records. Project success relied on accuracy, so MCO called Using a mobile system, field crews can identify and query map features directly in the field. 24 GEO W ORLD / AP R I L 2O12 on its maintenance staff to collect asset attributes, because they had the best understanding of each asset through their years of experience working in the field. The asset-collection team focused on hydrants, Mobility/GPS Special Issue Fieldwork