Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/62129
provide any long-term value. Or worse, these workflows are rendered obsolete. Again, smart organizations develop workflows that are long lasting and cross over to various departments. One of the challenges of becoming a truly smart organization is the huge gap among traditional geo- spatial solutions that were being used: desktop and Web-mapping solutions. Desktop solutions tend to be expensive, require extensive training and can only be used by GIS-trained staff. Conversely, Web-mapping solutions only offer static visual data. Desktop and Web-GIS products have their places (and will continue to exist), but they're incomplete and fail to recognize the needs of non-GIS users who need to access and update geospatial information as an integrated part of their workflows. Fortunately, there's a smarter GIS emerging, embrac- ing the needs of users between the desktop and Web (and providing an archetype for the next-generation mobile geospatial world). A smarter GIS includes the utmost flexibility, with dynamic, customizable work- flows that are easy to use, bringing departments and business processes together. The geospatial business workflows in a smarter GIS can be implemented once and used many times without the costly, rigid customization that often accompanies desktop offerings. One example of this is GeoMedia Smart Client, a new offering that engages a broader base of users interested in discovering the power of geography and applying this knowledge to building a smarter world. Geographic changes are easily and interactively implemented across an Coincident vertices may act as a single vertex, enabling editing of coincident vertices of multiple features. enterprisewide smart GIS, seamlessly integrating into customized workflows. Government 'Doing More with Less' It's no secret that federal and state/local governments are going through a time of great change. Budgets are being stretched thin, and many agencies are required to do more with fewer resources. Fortunately, govern- ment agencies are adopting a business-like approach to managing programs with benchmarks to ensure investments reach the desired outcome. If government agencies operate as smart organiza- tions when it comes to GIS, they will actually serve their citizens better and save money at the same time. During the procurement process, government executives need to fully review how mobile geospatial solutions will support their business processes. When looked at closely, it's obvious that the implementation of a smarter GIS provides a tremendous ROI. In addition, when assessing government budgets, it's smart to remember that the role of government is to keep its citizens safe. A smarter GIS provides the foundation for all intelligence required in emergency- management situations—whether it's the Federal Emergency Management Agency or on-the-ground first responders. Use of intelligent geospatial data caching enables raster and vector data (i.e., aerial photos, land-use plans, etc.) to be cached on the network server or on the client. 28 GEO W ORLD / AP R I L 2O12 The Next Step Without a doubt, a smart GIS changes how organiza- tions collect, analyze and share data. All organizations need to ensure that their comprehensive geospatial solutions support business processes. When this hap- pens, there's never any question about investments made into a smarter GIS. Be sure to break down the data silos among various departments. Mobility/GPS Special Issue Industry Trends