Geographic Information Systems

GeoNorth has consulted with many organizations looking to implement, assess, or grow their existing GIS programs.  Each has had a unique set of challenges and needs.  While we have gathered extensive and diverse experience over the years, GeoNorth understands that designs and solutions are not necessarily transferable and we approach each engagement differently.

We understand that different organizations have different needs.  Our extensive business experience working diverse organizations charged with land management, permitting, infrastructure management, and public safety, along with our familiarity of other business systems, provides a unique advantage over other GIS firms.  This business experience allows us to communicate better with departments and helps ensure success with projects.  

GeoNorth specializes in developing Enterprise GIS and Internet GIS applications -- using ArcGIS Server and ArcObjects -- that integrate GIS and enterprise database systems.  These types of applications support key business functions including:

-Permitting
-Billing
-Infrastructure maintenance management
-Property/asset management, etc.
-Document management
-Facilities management
-Assessment and taxation
-Emergency management
-Land management
-Land-use planning


GeoNorth has a thorough understanding of the challenges of managing and integrating spatial data with other business and mapping systems.  While recent technology advancements have reduced, or in some cases eliminated data management and format challenges allowing for greater transparency between systems, it has also introduced a higher level of complexity requiring advanced skills with database modeling, administration, and software engineering.

Our senior application developers have more than 20 years of experience designing and developing solutions from basic desktop applications to very comprehensive Enterprise GIS and Internet GIS systems that integrate multiple tabular and GIS databases, and provide query, reporting, editing, and analysis capabilities for diverse needs and user groups.  Solutions are built using VB, VBA, VB.NET, C++, C#, COM & COM+ Objects, .NET, ColdFusion, ArcGIS, ArcObjects, MapObjects, ArcIMS, ArcSDE, and ArcGIS Server.

GeoDatabase Design & Modeling

To effectively support an Enterprise GIS database, sound data models must be designed and implemented.  The database design process should take into account current business processes, current and future application needs, the project goals and the ultimate plan for accommodating or streamlining these existing functions.  Without a proper database design an organization may develop a GIS database with inherent flaws such as missing data entities, duplicated data, extraneous data, or find that the design is too restrictive to accommodate future changes or growth.  An “over designed” data model can also pose problems for future application development and add overhead costs for those maintaining data.  For these reasons GeoNorth recommends designing pragmatic data models that strike a balance between business needs, flexibility, and the cost of ownership.  

GeoNorth uses a successful proven methodology for designing Geodatabases.  This includes referencing industry standard data models and using tools to facilitate the design process.


Spatial Data Conversion

GIS implementation and Geodatabase population typically involves spatial data conversion or transformation.  GeoNorth has completed numerous conversion projects often involving AutoCAD and raster based data.  For larger projects, GeoNorth will work with organizations to design detailed conversion specifications and will coordinate with 3rd Party conversion service providers.  For smaller conversion projects, or transforming data to populate newly implemented geodatabases, GeoNorth has developed highly effective processes and tools to simplify and expedite the process.  

Spatial Data Management Tools

User productivity tools or applications are designed to simplify and expedite the maintenance of spatial data.  These are common and often recommended.  Not only can they simplify data entry and attribution, they can also help ensure data integrity.  GeoNorth has developed a number of productivity tools.  These are highly intuitive and often are used by individuals not familiar with maintaining spatial data.  

Application Development

GeoNorth has extensive experience developing interfaces to traditional
databases such as infrastructure maintenance systems, document management systems, permitting systems, customer billing and property assessment databases.  GIS enabling these databases and systems provides numerous benefits including ease of use and spatial display of results.  

GeoNorth develops and implements flexible, integrated, easy-to-use, and cost effective solutions.  We have created numerous software development tools, processes, and application frameworks to make development of desktop and web applications faster, less expensive, and more reliable.

Real-Time GIS

Real-Time GIS involves the integration and display of GPS and real-time monitoring technology such as SCADA.  GeoNorth has developed a number of applications which integrate and utilize real-time systems.

Field Based GIS

Field based GIS solutions for data access and collection presents a number of challenges ranging from focused business needs to data synchronization.  GeoNorth has designed, developed and deployed a number of field based systems for data collection purposes and to remotely access enterprise information from the field. 

Enterprise GIS Implementation

The effort to integrate multiple enterprise services into a single easy-to-use system can be expensive and time consuming.  Many Enterprise systems use different application environments such as Java and .NET and are dependent on a variety of different databases making it a challenge to integrate GIS with your business systems.  It can also be a challenge when your organization does not have the time or expertise to develop integrated GIS solutions.

GeoNorth can meet these challenges.  GeoNorth has extensive experience and a proven track record with developing award winning enterprise GIS.  GeoNorth delivers integrated solutions using innovative approaches.  Integrating your GIS, permitting, facilities management, other enterprise applications and databases can be a reality.  

GeoNorth can bring the reality of usable enterprise mapping websites to your business using internet mapping technology such as ArcIMS™, ArcGIS Server™, and MapOptix™.  GeoNorth can also easily leverage Google Maps™ and Virtual Earth™ to provide powerful mapping Mashups.


ArcGIS Server Integration Solutions

By integrating query and mapping functionality into simple usable forms, GeoNorth can make your ArcGIS™ Server applications run fast and efficient.  Existing customers like the City of Portland, Oregon, have already taken this step to provide easy-to-use report centric mapping applications to both internal and external users.  By leveraging GIS technology and GeoNorth services, our clients can deliver detailed information through a single system without requiring users to navigate multiple interfaces.  

ArcIMS Integration Solutions

GeoNorth can develop integrated enterprise systems that are based on your existing ArcIMS™ site.  This is ideal for sites heavily invested in ArcIMS technology or those not needing to take advantage of ArcGIS™ Server functionality.  GeoNorth can deliver robust enterprise solutions by leveraging ArcIMS™ and common development platforms such as Visual Studio .NET and Java.

GeoNorth’s MapOptix Mapping Server Solution combined with the MapOptix Multi-Map Framework, provides a highly extensible and intuitive solution for report centric mapping.

Users are presented with a query form, candidate results, and a summary report page with links to view other types of map “themes” such as utilities, planning, or photos.  The presentation of information is ideal for the general public or for those not familiar with advanced interactive mapping sites.  Since the Multi-Map solution is based on MapOptix, it provides a familiar environment for managing and leveraging an existing MapOptix configuration.  With the MapOptix Multi-Map Framework there are number of other benefits such as its ease of use; delivers a popular report centric presentation; accommodates a large amount information in an easy-to-read presentation; supports multiple browsers (IE, Firefox, Netscape, Opera, Safari); reduces the load on your map server; and can easily be expanded to fit your organization’s needs. (Visit www.mapoptix.com for more information)

Mashup Integration Solutions

GeoNorth also provides Mashup development services.  A Mashup is ideal for providing a solution to meet a specific business need.  For example if your organization requires a light weight mapping application to display real-time traffic information for the public, this can easily be achieved through a Mashup service.

With the availability of services such as Google Maps and Microsoft Virtual Earth, GeoNorth can quickly integrate your enterprise system using free or low cost publicly available services.