Data Integration and Analysis for the Year 2000

Author: D. Tobias Wolf
Organization: Signal Corporation

1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
USA

Phone: 215-814-5372
Fax: 215-814-5251
Wolf.Toby@EPAMail_epa.gov

Since GIS was first introduced at EPA Region III over 11 years ago, one of the main goals has always been to put GIS capabilities on every desktop. While this may seem simple, it has proven to be a challenging objective. The region currently makes extensive use of GIS, but through the services of 11 full-time GIS analysts. Management's vision of placing GIS capabilities at everyone's fingertips has proven to be somewhat elusive.

This paper explores the challenges of implementing a desktop GIS within a large, diverse organization, as well as some dramatic breakthroughs we have recently made. Through the use of a bright, colorful, fun user interface, it has been possible to customize ArcView GIS and remove much of the complexity--creating a desktop GIS tailored to the needs of EPA staff.