Web-based GIS:
Frequently Asked Questions
Extending Your Current GIS Capabilities
Security
Printing & Exporting/System Functionality
HRG's Web-based GIS vs. Other Software Solutions
System Requirements & Compatibility
Technical Support/System Performance
Training
Pricing
Quality of Data
Why HRG?
Miscellaneous
EXTENDING YOUR CURRENT GIS CAPABILITIES
If I already have a full scale GIS, why would I use the web-based GIS service?
Mobile
Web-based GIS allows you to bring your data into the field with you or access it from any location.
Accessible by Multiple Users
Right now, your full scale system may only be accessible by one or two people on staff that have the necessary hardware and software. Web-based GIS allows you to extend the use of that system to more of your staff without having to purchase the expensive hardware, software, and training courses full scale access requires. (In fact, all of your staff can use your data, if you wish).
User Friendly
Web-based GIS is so easy to understand that anyone can learn to use the system. This means all of your staff can benefit from the efficiency GIS provides -- even if they don't have extensive technical knowledge. The web-based system is simple (no intimidating display of hundreds of buttons the typical user wouldn't need), and the data is not corruptible. Users can only view the data, not change it. So no matter what button a user pushes, they can't accidentally damage the data.
Capable of Reducing Project Start-up and Production Time
If you want to create a new project in your ESRI ArcGIS Desktop ® software, you can reduce start-up and production time by importing the web-based data as a basemap. This eliminates the need to symbolize map layers each time they are brought into a new project and allows you to build upon the web-based data with data from other online map services and other in-house data.
Data Backup
All of your data is stored on a secure server that is backed up regularly. Should you need this data for any reason, HRG could provide a copy of your data from the web-based GIS server.
SECURITY
Is the data secure? Is the proposed system safe from hackers?
Every measure has been taken to ensure the highest level of security possible. The data will be stored at a separate, stand-alone, non-public facility (the same facility used by government agencies). It will have 24/7 on-site security and will feature key-fob access, locked server racks and climate control.
Can I have different levels of access/security for different types of users? (i.e. Could I have an administrator who could see everything, and then give different levels of access to staff members based on their responsibilities within my organization, etc?) Can I have multiple log-in names? Or will there just be one level of access and one log-in?
Your system can be configured either way. We can set up one log-in account for your entire organization to use, or we can set up different levels of access, per your instructions. Only HRG will be able to set up the user accounts and log-ins (for security reasons).
What security measures are in place to make sure that my data isn't corrupted?
Your data cannot be corrupted by you because your access is limited to viewing only. You cannot edit the data; therefore, no matter what button you push you cannot damage your data.
As for hackers, several precautions have been taken to protect the system from hackers as noted above (keeping the server at a locked facility with 24 hour guards, giving the server its own T1 line and firewall, restricting access to the server to only those functions needed to run the data viewer, etc.)
PRINTING & EXPORTING/USER FUNCTIONALITY
Will I be able to save searches and export reports? If I can export reports, what formats can I export them in? (Excel? ESRI® product files? CADD? etc.)
You will be able to export attribute information into other programs such as Excel. You cannot export the maps, pictures or tables.
Can I create customized reports and queries while in the system or will I only be able to run preloaded reports and queries?
You can create custom queries while in the system, but you cannot save them for repeated use. If you have a custom query that you will use again and again, HRG can create it for you, and it will become a part of your system that you can access and run via the web. This customization would incur an additional cost for time and materials.
Will I be able to print/plot plans and maps, etc.?
Yes. The default printing size will be 8 ½ x 11 unless you request that HRG customize your system to allow larger format printing. (Customization such as this is available for a time and materials fee.) For those who do not have plotters to print large format maps, HRG can print larger materials at your request. (This service incurs an additional fee.)
Will my site be customized to my data and my reporting needs, or will my data be uploaded to a standard “template” site with standard report and query functions?
Initial installation will be “out of the box” with standard report and query functions. If you are interested in customized queries or in customizing the look of your viewer, such work can be done for an additional fee on a time and materials basis.
WEB-BASED GIS VS. OTHER SOFTWARE/TECHNOLOGY
What are the advantages of using a web-based system versus having a full GIS system and software in-house?
Web-based GIS has lower start-up costs that make GIS affordable for those who might not have had the money to implement it before.
(The hardware, software, and training for a full scale system with one user averages $7,000. If you hire someone with technical knowledge to manage the system, your costs could be $50,000 annually once you include labor costs. Web-based GIS is available for an average cost of $200 per month.)
Web-based GIS is easier to use than a full scale system, so it can be used by anyone without expensive training.
(If you invested in a full scale system, you might only have it on one or two computers, and only a few people on your staff might have the expertise to use it. With web-based GIS, everyone on your staff can use the data, which means you get more use out of it.)
Web-based GIS is accessible anywhere.
As long as you have the user ID and password, you can view your GIS data on any computer (at work or at home) or any mobile device with an internet connection (PDA, cell phone, etc.) This would be a great time-saving tool for your field staff.
What's the difference between HRG's service and certain free or shareware web mapping applications like GeoTools and MapIt!, etc? Why would I want to use this instead?
We believe this is the best service available by industry standards. If you use one of the shareware applications, you must house the data on-site; thus, you don't have the same mobility we offer. In addition, HRG has made extensive investments to ensure the security of your data and protect it from unauthorized users; these security precautions are not included in shareware software. To obtain the same level of security for your data, you would incur additional costs. Therefore, you could not get the mobility and the security that we offer for free, and the cost for you to add those features to a shareware application through software and security investments would be higher than it is to purchase HRG's web-based GIS services.
Also, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Typically, freeware and shareware applications do not offer technical support. HRG offers technical support Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS & COMPATIBILITY
Why did HRG select ESRI® software? Isn't there other more powerful technology available?
ESRI® software is used by the vast majority of the GIS industry worldwide.
Will I be able to access my GIS info on wireless devices like cell phones and PDAs that are connected to the Internet?
Yes.
If my data was created in another application (i.e. something that was not an ESRI® product), will I still be able to use HRG's web-based service? Or will file conversions be necessary and will there be a charge for that?
You can use data that was created in another application, but conversion is recommended. We recommend submitting your data in shapefile format, but we can convert your data to shapefiles, if necessary, at an additional cost.
What are my system requirements to use this service?
HRG's web-based GIS can be viewed on any Windows or Mac operating system, and the following browsers are supported:
• Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
• Netscape Communicator 7.1 or higher
Older versions of Internet Explorer and Netscape should also work. However, the Java Custom Viewer application does not render properly in older versions of Netscape. (Our standard out-of-the-box installation uses an HTML viewer, which does render properly in Netscape. However, certain customizations you request may require using the Java Custom Viewer.) HRG would be happy to visit your site and test a demo site in your browser to make sure it is compatible with your system, if desired.
In addition, 64 MB of RAM is recommended for the HTML viewer, and 128 MB of RAM is recommended for the Java Custom Viewer.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT/SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
What happens if the server goes down? Will we be able to access our information?
The server has dual, redundant power supplies and fans, and all of the equipment will be protected by Uninterruptible Power Supplies. This will provide you with uninterrupted access in case of a power failure. However, there will be occasional down time for system upgrades, and you will be notified of these upgrades in advance. All measures have been taken to prevent an interruption in service.
Also, data is backed up regularly, so you can rest assured that your data won't be lost if a power failure occurs.
Who will offer tech support?
HRG will offer tech support between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m Monday through Friday.
TRAINING
How much computer training do I need to be able to successfully search the database and create queries?
A few hours to a half day of training is all that should be required. HRG will visit you at your site to train your staff when the system goes “live.”
PRICING
How much will this service cost?
We will store your data on the web for an average cost of $200 per month. An initial set-up fee may or may not be charged, depending on the amount of work that is required to load your data onto the site. Additional fees will be charged on a time and materials basis for customizing the look of the viewer (moving frames and tools, creating custom drop-down lists, etc.) or creating custom queries and report functions.
For more specific information on pricing, please call Howard Hodder at (717) 291-1783 or Rob Rowe at (814) 238-7117. You can also email us at webmaps@hrg-inc.com.
QUALITY OF DATA
How accurate is the basemapping data if it is pulled from another source? Will HRG verify accuracy prior to setting up the municipal GIS?
HRG does not verify accuracy prior to setting up the web-based GIS. It is the clients' responsibility to verify all licensing agreements and accuracy of data. HRG has a disclaimer that addresses this issue:
Data used in the websites is not owned or being sold by Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. It is the property of the participating client and the original agencies that developed the information. Obtained data has been developed and maintained by various organizations including private consultants, local, state and national agencies, and no guarantee is given as to the accuracy or currency of the data. Therefore, in no event shall Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. or the participating client be liable for any special, indirect, or consequential damages or any damages whatsoever resulting from loss of use, data, or profits, whether in an action of contract, negligence, or other action, arising out of or in connection with the use of the information herein provided. Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. and the participating client assume no legal responsibility for the information portrayed on this website.
WHY HRG?
Why should I go through HRG to obtain these services - don't other engineering firms offer the same service?
HRG is one of the few companies that offers this service at this time. We have been providing GIS development and training services for many years, and we have extensive knowledge of the facility management applications of GIS technology. We can provide you with web-based GIS services, but we can also perform GPS surveys, develop additional GIS data and applications for you, answer any questions you may have about your system, and offer you advice on how to use GIS technology to create even greater efficiency in your organization.
MISCELLANEOUS
What additional services does HRG offer that could be included in the municipal GIS to improve the efficiency of day-to-day operations in our municipality?
In addition to housing your GIS data on the web, HRG can also perform GPS surveys, develop additional GIS layers and provide training for ESRI® GIS software. We are also a full service engineering firm that can provide design services associated with water and wastewater systems, roadways and bridges, and site development. Other services include environmental studies and permitting, water resources engineering, surveying, and financial consulting. |
