System design of an enterprise GIS based on ArcGIS 8.x, Oracle, Citrix, and custom software applications.

The complete paper for this presentation may be downloaded at the Maine DEP web site.   Select the download option. or at the St George Consulting web site.  Select download and fill out the form.

The paper is continuously changing as we modify and enhance our implementation. The most current version is available for download on the above web sites. If you download the paper and have questions after reading it please contact the following MDEP staff: Christopher Kroot, GIS Manager, or Michael Smith Spatial, Database Administrator

Maine DEP has successfully implemented an enterprise GIS utilizing ArcGIS 8.1 software, Oracle Enterprise Database, Citrix application-serving software and a number of custom objects that integrate with the ArcGIS. This combination allows MDEP to provide full-functioning GIS for over 150 users via LANs, WANs, and the Internet. The following topics are discussed in the paper:

• The use of Citrix as a tool for enterprise GIS application serving.
• Issues pertaining to licensing, beta testing, and other software issues.
• Data and storage models focusing on MDEP's implementation of ArcSDE 8.1 and Oracle 8i on Sun servers.
• Tuning the Sun Enterprise 4500 spatial data server hardware for optimal performance.
• Tuning the ArcSDE for optimal software performance.
• Managing images in the ArcSDE - ArcMap environment.
• Hardware & network architecture for enterprise GIS and the use of gigabit Ethernet in the server farm.
• Business requirements that could not be met with out of the box software will be discussed and how these requirements were met by designing and developing custom objects using Delphi, VBA, and C++.
• Major bugs in ArcGIS software that have been show stoppers.
• Four custom GIS applications will be discussed.
  • Maine Oil Spill Information System (MOSIS) - Provides support for contingency planning, response, and cleanup for marine spill events.
  • The Query System - Enables user to dynamical link the features in an ArcMap document with complex business data stored in Oracle and visa versa. Enables compound joins. SQL GUI for users.
  • The Atlas System - Automatic cartography and map production.
  • The Spill Site Tracking System - Delphi Application with Arc Objects imbedded.
  • The Spill Site Tracking System (SSTS) is an application that blends.
  Spatial and relational databases from several different Oracle schemas to assist Response personnel in their management of hazardous material release incidents. This system is deployed on the MDEP Citrix production environment. One of the features of the SSTS system allows for the capture of stored GPS data from handheld GPS units directly into the Enterprise Geodatabase. This feature is implemented by mapping a local COM port to the Citrix Published Application providing a seamless interface for the user.