Geographic Information Systems Services

Automation of Routine GIS Data Tasks

Data tasks such as maintenance, conversions, and overlays are the primary function of a GIS. Traditionally, these have been labor and time intensive manual tasks with a certain amount of inaccuracy due to clerical and human errors. A GIS produces quality, error-free, data in a timely fashion without the need for manual labor.

Interwest can create an automated GIS. First we will inventory existing manual tasks which produce or maintain data. We will also add data tasks to improve the overall efficiency. Next we will study and select the tasks that are appropriate for automation. Finally, we will automate the tasks using available software tools and will ensure that the results are meeting your requirements.

Creation of Enterprise Desktop GIS Tools

Getting real-time spatial information into the hands of agency decision makers is an important objective of GIS efforts. The challenge is to create a GIS desktop tool or “GIS portal” for the entire organization. One that is sufficiently easy to use by all levels of staff yet offers adequate functionality and data integration.

Interwest can evaluate the priority and quality of your map layers and information sources to be used in a “portal” setting. During the second phase we will develop a “portal” using the best software solution for your organization. Finally, we will train all your staff on the tools and capabilities of the “portal.”

Development Tracking with GIS

The ability to track and communicate development activity has long been a challenge of local governments. It is common for managers, community leaders, and the public to feel there is a lack of information about the location and status of development projects within their community.

Interwest can integrate GIS technology within your development process or existing tracking mechanisms. Parcel related tracking map layers can depict the locations of projects and color code the development status. This information can be conveyed on monthly maps depicting the overall city/county development activity. The maps can also depict a spatial representation of overall geographic activity of a local government and its relationship to other map features.

General GIS Project Management

Interwest offers GIS project management services for special projects such as CAD data conversions, GIS data integration with business systems, or GIS web application.

Work may include requirements documentation, vendor evaluation, design documentation, testing, and implementation. Project managers can draw on years of experience within the GIS discipline to mitigate any challenges that might arise.

General Local Government GIS Services

Interwest can provide general contract GIS staffing services to carry out important basic GIS functions such as GIS data maintenance, map/data creation, and analysis. As your GIS needs mature and expectations of functionality and services increase, GIS skill sets can be matched to accomplish important complex tasks.

By utilizing our contracted GIS services, local agencies can spend less time and energy searching for quality GIS staff. In addition, GIS staffing needs can be tailored and modified over time to match the needs of your organization, thereby reducing long term costs.

GIS Data Conversion

AutoCAD, paper maps, and digital documents are examples of potential sources of GIS data. These data formats do not allow for easy retrieval and relationships/analysis with other tabular or map based data. The challenge is to extract the information in an efficient and clean manner to store and publish within the GIS environment.

Interwest offers data conversion services by highly trained consultants. First we will review the quality of the existing data source. Then we will extract and convert the data into the desired GIS format. Finally, we will review the quality of the converted data before publishing the information into a production environment.

GIS Integration with Enterprise Systems

Enterprise systems require spatial understanding of enterprise level data and its relationship to surrounding map layers. Most tabular data stored within permitting, work order management, and other enterprise business systems have spatial characteristics that allow the information to be displayed on a map. However, most of the functional pieces of an enterprise system only present the user with a tabular view of the data.

Interwest’s GIS team can integrate GIS technology to map-enable the tabular data stored within your enterprise system and provide both spatial tools and maps of the same information. We will document all the requirements and then recommend whether to use existing software integration tools or design customized software solutions.

GIS Strategic Planning and Startup

Most local jurisdictions across the nation have implemented GIS technology to support a variety of business functions. The challenge is to leverage a GIS throughout the whole organization in order to maximize benefit to all departments. Without this approach a GIS will tend to be used only for special projects and needs.

Interwest will work closely with the various units throughout an organization and perform in depth data research to form a GIS Strategic Plan. The process of creating the plan should be viewed as valuable as the completed plan itself. The process will uncover strategic relationships and expose GIS technology throughout the organization.

Public Safety Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)

Most Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems utilize address databases to locate incoming emergency calls. After successfully locating the caller, a call-taker will identify the correct emergency vehicle to dispatch based on the caller’s geographical location. The challenge is that sometimes the address data are not accurate.

The creation and maintenance of a GIS master address database can provide a quality source of address information to a CAD. In addition, a quality street centerline layer with corresponding street names and address ranges is fundamental for successful CAD systems.

Interwest will work with you to develop a well designed process which incorporates the address based GIS layers into the CAD system. This will increase the success of managing incoming emergency calls, thereby increasing public safety.

Revenue Database Streamline / Audits using GIS

Local agencies generate revenue through various tax and fee districts. The revenue is collected through property taxes and fees associated with development. Tracking properties that fall within a district’s boundaries has become quite a challenge for most agencies, thereby putting an important revenue source at risk.

Using GIS technology, Interwest can quickly collect and analyze development related information, district boundary information, and parcel information. Additionally any missing parcels can be discovered and added to the corresponding tax levy districts. The data collected can be posted into the appropriate business systems such as the County Assessor Tax Roll or the local agency Permitting System. Easy to read maps can also be produced to allow for a comprehensive understanding of the geography of the districts.

Route Analysis for Integrated Waste

Waste hauling providers have struggled with the increased pace of residential development. Driver routes and daily volume become unbalanced, which causes slower service and increased costs.

Interwest can use GIS technology to analyze existing routes and customer locations and recommend modifications to existing route structures. These modifications result in more efficient driver routes thereby reducing delays caused by unnecessary trips to the land fill and prevent unnecessary overtime paid to drivers. Less time spent on routes will also reduce fuel consumption thereby providing significant savings.

Site Selection Analysis

Selecting a location for a new public facility such as a waste transfer station, corporation yard, or police service center can be a challenging venture. Variables such as available land, zoning, existing/future residential areas, and proximity to transportation infrastructure all play significant roles in determining suitable locations.

Interwest GIS services can pull together and analyze all of these variables into easy to interpret scenarios. The scenarios can be mapped and presented to decision makers and for public comment.

This web site requires Flash Player version 9 or higher.
Please click here to upgrade your Flash Player.