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Track: Local/State Government, Cadastral, Land Records
Dorian A. Des Lauriers
Des Lauriers & Associates, Inc.
130 West Street
Walpole, MA 02081
Telephone: 508-668-5010
Fax: 508-668-4512
E-mail: deslaur@tiac.net
Incorporation of GIS in Municipal Database Management System
Defining Issue: When the Town of Franklin, Massachusetts, decided to automate the various departments that handle all land base management functions, such as permit tracking, there were two issues to face: first, the conversion from paper method to computer database, and second, introducing the concept of GIS. The difficulty of introducing the use of GIS is due to factors such as a high learning curve, access to pertinent data and lack of functional features specific to the various departments. GIS Solution: Des Lauriers & Associates, Inc. a developer in the Esri's Business Partner Program, provided a solution using MapObjects and a 4GL database development tool to incorporate a seamless integration of GIS into a modular database management system called GeoTMS, Geographic Town Management Systems, for various departments of a municipality. Methodology: The task that the Town of Franklin is facing creates a situation where a full feature GIS package is not required for the day-to-day operation of the
management function. However, GIS offers certain features that will enhance some operations through visual display of parcel-related information. The trick is to embed GIS in such a way that it is very obvious what a particular screen is for, thereby introducing GIS without the need to explain what GIS is. This will provide two benefits. First, GIS can be incorporated to allow nontechnical users quick access and an easy to use interface. Therefore, GIS training is reduced and GIS can be implemented enterprisewide with the knowledge that everyone can use it. Second, it reduces the software requirement to run GIS such as ArcView. Instead, MapObjects is deployed enterprisewide as the standard in GIS solution. Software: GeoTMS is developed using Microsoft Access 97. MapObjects by Esri is used to provide the GIS capability.
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