A New Suite of User-Friendly GIS Tools for Accessing Environmental Monitoring Databases

Author: Linda McConnell
Organization: Constoga-Rovers & Associates Ltd.

651 Colby Drive
Waterloo, N2V 1C2
Ontario, Canada

Phone: 225-292-9007
Fax: 225-292-3614
lmcconnell@craworld.com

In the course of environmental remediation and monitoring, relational databases are created to manage hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of records of physical and chemical monitoring data. Although the investment in these databases is often extremely high, direct access to the data usually limited to a few individuals.

We have developed a suite of GIS tools that provide intuitive access to these databases. These tools include an ArcView GIS extension, a stand-alone MapObjects/Visual Basic application, and a GIS-based Web application created using MapObjects IMS. Our goal in developing these applications has been to provide all team members, including our clients, with direct access to databases.

We have realized a number of benefits by making the investment in developing our suite of products including better utilization of data and new business opportunities.