Patelle uses ArcView as a graphic editor to describe, tune and activate GIS processing chains needed by management and planning GIS projects. Each step of a chain is visualized in a view where parameters appear as graphic objects. Patelle offers a set of pre-defined process templates which can be combined into a chain. These include frequently used operations based on ArcView, ArcInfo, Erdas Imagine, DOS or Unix commands as well as custom templates added by advanced users. The graphical metaphor hides the complexity of the commands involved as well as the location of the machine on which processing is performed. It provides ArcView users with a uniform and simple access to tested and on-line documented processing capabilities. Two marine environment projects have demonstrated Patelle capacity to enlarge the community of GIS users in our oceanographic research center.
The Geography Division of Statistics Canada (Canada's national statistical agency) produces products to support census data including digital maps, boundary files and reference files. The challenge in preparing for the 1996 Census was to merge two separate digital networks, from two government departments, with different levels of detail, to produce a single, seamless coverage used to produce automated reference maps. Each step of the development process brought new challenges. We articulate the nature of each problem, and outline how we selected an optimal solution in order to produce our maps within budget constraints and a tight time line. The paper describes the difficulties encountered and the solutions found in sufficient detail to assist other GIS professionals faced with similar situation.
In the process of developing methods for placing GNIS hydrographic names onto EPA's Reach File 3 (RF3-Alpha), RTI has developed a methodology for converting GNIS data into coverages and in attaching GNIS names to coverage features using a variety of automated and semi-automated techniques. Problems with data quality, data format, and feature types can arise in converting GNIS data into ArcInfo coverages. Methods are presented for attaching GNIS names that have a single representative x,y coordinate to point, line, and polygon coverage features. Methods for conflating linear GNIS names (those having an ordered string of coordinates) to coverage features, specifically hydrography, will also be presented. These techniques should be helpful to any ArcInfo user who wants to employ GNIS data with their GIS database.
The purpose of this project is to integrate AutoCAD, Intergraph, dBASE, Q and A, and ArcInfo data using ArcInfo and conflation programs. The objectives of this study are as follows: (1) to research available data and databases; (2) to evaluate and collect useful data; (3) to convert all non-ArcInfo data to ArcInfo data; (4) to correct errors using conflation programs; (5) to create road maps of Polk County; (6) to do some analyses and statistics using ArcInfo, Dynseg, NETWORK, and databases; (7) to conclude lessons learned during this study; and (8) to customize applications for the nontechnical community by creating a user-friendly interface.