Utility

Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC) has invested in ESRI's ArcGIS technology to support its business processes and daily operations. Part of this investment has been in the development of multiple mobile applications using ArcPad for data collection and asset inventory. However, as the use of mobile GIS expands, both in the number of applications and users, management of these applications and data increases. Leveraging DPC's ArcGIS for Server software, NewWaveGeo built a suite of applications to easily extend its GIS across the entire organization. The first application was built using the ArcGIS for Windows Mobile SDK to create a configurable and extensible mobile application framework for field data collection. Now, instead of having multiple ArcPad applications, DPC had a single mobile data collection application for use on its GPS handheld devices. The application is configurable using a SQLite database, allowing for in-house staff to quickly customize the application for a particular project. Field technicians are able to collect data and remotely synchronize with DPC enterprise geodatabase throughout the day, rather than having to bring their devices into the GIS unit for updating.

Next, NewWaveGeo built a HTML5/Javascript application using the ArcGIS Javascript API, allowing DPC to again leverage ArcGIS for Server and share its data across the entire organization. No longer did staff in remote offices need to drive and visit the GIS unit for a map, they could make one themselves by simply opening the web browser installed on their desktop or tablet computer. The application includes custom searches, a table of contents, measuring and drawing tools, and the ability to print maps.

Lastly, DPC has invested in Android based tablets for field crews and supervisors, in addition to their GPS handhelds. DPC wanted to include maps on the Android tablets, so NewWaveGeo built a native application using the ArcGIS for Android SDK and Eclipse. The customizable application extends the use of mobile GIS for DPC by allowing for viewing, searching and editing of the GIS data on the Android tablets. Using this, DPC can quickly configure the application for different types of tasks, such as inspections, asset maintenance and vegetation management.

NewWaveGeo worked as part of a team of consultants and developers on a large scale Azteca Cityworks implementation for SDG&E. NewWaveGeo played a critical part in the implementation by being responsible for creating a custom synchronization framework for work orders and service requests stored in Cityworks. Using Visual Studio (C#) and web services, NewWaveGeo created a set of processes which were used by many field crews and contractors. The synchronization framework was extensible allowing for external processes, such as downloading attachments and synchronizing ESRI geodatabases, to be run as part of the update process. Administration of the synchronization process was handled via a Silverlight web application created by NewWaveGeo.

NewWaveGeo assisted DPW migrate from a proprietary ESRI software package to using standard ArcObjects tools to manage their water and sewer infrastructure. Previously DPW was reliant on the 3rd party vendor for software updates, in addition to paying a yearly maintenance fee. Using standard ArcObjects removed these requirements, lowering costs for DPW by leveraging standard, out-of-the-box tools and capabilities. Tools included a custom and configurable GPS data loader, an ArcMap extension to autopopulate attributes, a data loader which process meter information from an external system, and a custom, stand-alone mobile application using ArcGIS Engine.

Using ESRI's Mobile Map Template for ArcGIS for Windows Mobile, NewWaveGeo created a custom water inspection tool for ONUS. The tool had specific attribute and geometry validation, while maintaining the topology of the water network. Managing the data flow to/from the field devices was a particular concern for ONUS, so NewWaveGeo created a data management utility to automate the process of synchronizing the mobile data with the enterprise geodatabase.