ArcGIS 9.3.1 Unlocks the Potential of GIS Process Models and Next-Generation Geographic ...

48 Pages·2009·10.97 MB·English

ESRI • Summer 2009 ESRI International User Conference Issue Vol. 31 No. 2
Process Models and Next-Generation Deploy Fast, Modern Web Maps
ArcGIS 9.3.1
Geographic Information Technology
Unlocks the Potential of GIS
By Paul M. Torrens
Much of the inner workings of geographic information systems is orga- ArcGIS 9.3.1 helps users deploy modern Web maps that are relevant to their entire organization.
nized around data models: computational structures (rasters and vectors ArcGIS 9.3.1, which began shipping in April 2009, focuses on improving the performance of dynamic
are common variants) that determine how GIS stores, organizes, and map publishing and increasing the sharing of geographic information.
displays various types of information for different purposes. Put simply,
continued on page 2
data models treat the world in terms of objects that represent entities and
their related attributes. In GIS, there is usually no dedicated model of the
processes that govern dynamics, adaptation, and evolution of a system.
For many years, GIS has advanced the potential for unifying representa-
tions of entities and processes, and recently, the long-standing promise of
consociating the two is beginning to be realized, enabling a burgeoning
paradigm shift to a new style of GIS.
continued on page 3
GIS: Designing Our Future
By Jack Dangermond
“Man may perish by his own explosive and insidious inventions. For an adjust-
ment to them he leaves himself precious little time, and progressively less as his
technological wizardry runs wild and rushes on. If he is to survive at all, it cannot be through
Seamless data integration using Web maps promotes quicker understanding of complex issues, such as
slow adjustment. It will have to be through design more subtly considered and circumspect, through
in this blending of a cumulative crime density analysis with a basemap service from ArcGIS Online.
more cautious planning in advance.”
With those words in 1954, influential architect Richard Neutra opened his seminal book Survival
Updated Operations Center
through Design. Neutra was an early environmentalist, taking an approach to architectural design that
applied elements of biological and behavioral science—what he called biorealism, or the “inherent
Helps U.S. DOI See Bigger Picture
continued on page 6
Created in 1849, the United States Department of the Interior (DOI) has a different role from that of
Revealing New Trends
the interior ministries of other nations, which are usually responsible for functions that, in the United
ESRI’s Updated Demographics States, are performed by the Department of Homeland Security. Known as “the department of every-
thing else” in its early history because it was tasked with an assortment of unrelated functions, DOI has
evolved to become one of the country’s principal public conservation agencies responsible for protect-
This July 2009 map of unemployment rates illustrates the expected effect of the recession on county- ing the United States’ natural and cultural resources and acting as steward of its trust responsibilities
level unemployment rates. The ESRI data team tracks current conditions and models the data to reflect
continued on page 34
local change. This data is one variable in the annual demographic updates released in April for 2009.
Complementing this map are ESRI’s labor force forecasts, which accurately model change in labor force
participation and employment by industry and occupation to the block group level. (See “Trends from Indian Government Oregon Moves Ahead
ESRI’s 2009/2014 Updated Demographics”on page 11 and visit www.esri.com/demographicdata for
more information on the data available as well as ESRI’s 2009 Update Methodology.) Selects ESRI’s Image with Enterprise
Percent Unemployed, July 2009 Processing Platform Technology
After an extensive competitive analysis, the Indian The State of Oregon recently became the sixth
Space Research Organisation (ISRO) selected state in the United States to secure an enter-
ESRI’s Image Management software platform to prise license agreement (ELA) with ESRI. The
equip its five Regional Remote Sensing Service agreement provides unlimited access to ESRI
Centres (RRSSCs) with ArcGIS Server and its ArcGIS software statewide, cuts procurement
continued on page 30 continued on page 30
Special in This Issue
GIS Hero—Governor Martin O’Malley 8 National Geographic—Geo Learning 9
Adventure and Discovery with GIS Crisis Management with GIS
Wildlife Viewing, New Jersey 15 Hurricane Modeling 18
Recreation Portal, Carver County, 16 Flood Visualization 18
Minnesota Tornado Assessment 19
British Schools Exploring Society 17 Global Relief 20
Coastal Pollution Recovery 21
Bushfire Aftermath 22
2
COVER STORIES
ArcGIS 9.3.1 Unlocks the Potential of GIS
Continued from cover
Highlights quality in optimized map services, including
sharper edges to features, clearer labels, and better
n New optimized map service makes Web
color transparency.
mapping significantly faster.
ArcGIS Desktop users can fine-tune their maps
n ArcGIS 9.3.1 includes new tools for tuning
for faster performance using the new Map Service
map documents.
Publishing toolbar. The toolbar allows the map
n ArcGIS Online makes it easier to find and
to be analyzed and makes recommendations for
share geographic content. tuning. Users can then preview the results and see
estimated draw times. They can also directly pub-
New optimized map service produces maps of superior quality.
High-Performance Dynamic Map Publishing lish the map from the ArcGIS Desktop ArcMap
ArcGIS 9.3.1 includes an optimized map service application to ArcGIS Server. reduce the time it takes to create map caches for and scalable.
that allows users to produce high-performance Optimized map services also improve map basemaps. Map quality is noticeably improved, In addition to the ArcGIS APIs for JavaScript
dynamic maps. Users will notice improved map caching performance, as faster rendering speeds and storage is more efficient. and Flex that ESRI recently introduced, users can
These new map services outperform equivalent now leverage the new ArcGIS API for Microsoft
Please see the ArcIMS services and provide significantly better- Silverlight. This API allows developers to use any
looking maps, benefiting those who use dynamic .NET Framework-supported language (e.g., C#,
Web Maps poster on pages 24–25. Web mapping or combine dynamic and cached Visual Basic) to add GIS capabilities and consume
maps on the Web. services from ArcGIS Server and Microsoft Vir-
tual Earth in a Silverlight application.
Featured in This Issue
Better Sharing of Geographic Information The API takes full advantage of the mapping,
At the 9.3.1 release, ArcGIS Online includes new geocoding geometry, image, and geoprocessing
functionality to allow users to easily share geo- capabilities of ArcGIS Server. End users can dis-
graphic content, such as maps, data, and layers. play their data in an interactive map, search for
1 PROCESS MODELS AND 18 CRISIS MANAGEMENT—
With the new ArcGIS Online application, users and display GIS data features and attributes, locate
NEXT-GENERATION GEO- PREPARATION AND can type in keywords to search and find content; addresses, identify features, access raster imagery,
GRAPHIC INFORMATION RESPONSE WITH GIS preview it; and, with a simple click, add it to and perform complex spatial analysis by simply
ArcMap, for example. clicking a button or feature on the map. To down-
TECHNOLOGY
To facilitate the sharing of layers in ArcGIS load the ArcGIS API for Microsoft Silverlight,
24 WEB MAPS POSTER Online, at the 9.3.1 release ArcGIS Desktop users visit www.esri.com/silverlight.
can create layer packages that encapsulate ArcMap
15 ADVENTURE AND
cartography and data, including a thumbnail, the Enhanced Support for Java Developers
DISCOVERY WITH GIS
extent, and spatial reference, in an easy-to-share Java developers who want to extend the ArcGIS
package. Layer packages can also be shared via framework on the ArcGIS Desktop/ArcGIS
e-mail or DVD or placed on network drives. Engine (Java SE) and ArcGIS Server (Java
Regular Features and Departments
EE) platforms will be able to create custom
Seamless Integration with geoprocessing tools, server object extensions
Microsoft Virtual Earth (SOEs) for ArcGIS Server, class extensions for
8 GIS HERO 42 URISA ANNOUNCES ArcGIS Desktop (ArcInfo, ArcEditor, and custom behavior, custom renderers for custom-
ArcView), ArcGIS Server, and ArcGIS Explorer ized rendering of data, plug-in data sources, and
users will be able to directly connect to Microsoft custom layers.
9 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 43 “MANAGING GIS”
Virtual Earth services and quickly start their GIS Eclipse integrated development environment
“GEO LEARNING” FROM URISA projects with ready-to-use content. (IDE) support is also provided in the form of
ArcGIS Desktop users who are current on wizards to generate boilerplate code based on
BY DANIEL C. EDELSON
maintenance have access to a free, limited annual the developer’s specification. This will facilitate
44 NEW ESRI TRAINING AND transaction allotment of Virtual Earth services that quick and easy development of the extensions.
10 GIS PRODUCT NEWS EDUCATION OFFERINGS includes aerial imagery, roads, and hybrid (aerial ArcGIS 9.3.1 also includes an autodeploy feature
with labels) imagery. An annual subscription with that allows Java developers and their end users to
unlimited transactions is available for purchase as automatically deploy their Java extensions.
26 GIS IN ACTION 45 ORGANIZATIONS USE ESRI well. ArcGIS Server users have a built-in 90-day
free evaluation, after which they can purchase Easy to Install
SERVER TECHNOLOGY
blocks of transactions. ArcGIS Explorer users Users who have ArcGIS 9.3 installed are able to
38 GIS COMMUNITY NEWS can access Virtual Earth services and share trans- upgrade to ArcGIS 9.3.1 without having to unin-
45 ESRI T-SHIRTS WORLDWIDE actions as part of an existing ArcGIS Desktop stall ArcGIS 9.3. In addition, ArcGIS 9.3.1 is
license. ArcGIS Explorer users who don’t have completely compatible with ArcGIS 9.3 for all
40 “CROSSING BORDERS”
an existing ArcGIS Desktop license can evaluate aspects of ArcGIS, including geodatabases, maps,
BY DOUG RICHARDSON 46 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Virtual Earth at no cost for 90 days, then purchase and APIs, so users will be able to easily migrate or
an annual unlimited use subscription. work in mixed environments of ArcGIS 9.3 and
With a familiar look, Virtual Earth imagery ArcGIS 9.3.1 on different computers within the
41 ESRI BUSINESS PARTNERS
appears as just another data layer in GIS. The same organization.
imagery provides excellent background maps on
which users can overlay their operational data. Licensing Changes for ArcGIS Server
ArcNews Subscription Additions or Deletions and Changes of Address Without needing to spend time creating back- With the release of ArcGIS 9.3.1, there are some
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THOMAS K. MILLER sent via [email protected]; 909-793-2853, extension 1-2778; or faxed to 909-307-3051. To update your mail- ness data. Server Standard (Workgroup or Enterprise) users
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FOUNDING EDITOR please contact your international distributor to subscribe, unsubscribe, or change your address. For a directory of
KAREN HURLBUT distributors, visit www.esri.com/distributors. access to a complete GIS platform that supports Also, ArcGIS Server Advanced (Workgroup or
geospatial services through ArcGIS Server and Enterprise) includes the Spatial, 3D, Network,
How to Reach ArcNews
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tel.: [phone], ext. 1-1660 ArcGIS Web Mapping APIs, including JavaScript, and Geostatistical extensions for no additional fee.
STEVE G. PABLO Flex, and Microsoft Silverlight. This means that Furthermore, ArcGIS Server Enterprise users can
Article submission guidelines/advertising information:
www.esri.com/arcnews clients can access Microsoft Virtual Earth content deploy the following components without incur-
CIRCULATION COORDINATOR
from any ArcGIS Web application. ring an additional deployment license fee: Web
WILLIE CALHOUN Thomas K. Miller
ArcNews Editor-in-Chief See ArcNews Online at ADF—SDK or Runtime, Web Service Handlers,
ESRI www.esri.com/arcnews ArcGIS API for Microsoft Silverlight and Server Object Manager.
380 New York Street
Redlands, CA 92373-8100, USA End users of Web maps now have a more intuitive,
[email protected] fast, and modern experience via the ArcGIS APIs. More Information
ArcNews (ISSN 1064-6108) is published quarterly by ESRI at 380 New York Street, Redlands, CA 92373-8100, USA. ArcNews is written for the These APIs can be used to build rich user experi- To learn more about ArcGIS 9.3.1, visit www.
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lightweight for quick development and very fast
Process Models and Next-Generation Geographic Information Technology
Continued from cover
The next generation of geographic information for online cartography and expanding interest in
systems will be driven by process models. These schemes for appropriating, parsing, and reconsti-
are usually composed of algorithms and heuristics tuting diverse data sources from around the Web
that will act on users’ requests for the GIS to per- into novel mashups that lean on application pro-
form some service for them, connect to digital net- gramming interfaces—interfaces to centralized
works to contextualize those requests, and interact code bases—that have origins in search engine
seamlessly with other databases and processes technology.
to achieve users’ goals. Alternatively, process Concurrently, many scholars in the geographic
models may be used as a synthetic representation information science community have been devel-
of system parts to build artificial phenomena “in oping innovative methods for fusing represen-
silico” that can be subjected to experimentation tations of space and time in GIS. This has seen
and what-if scenario building in ways that are the infusion of schemes from time geography
not possible “on the ground.” Geoprocessing has into spatial database and data access structures
been featured with increasing priority in GIS for to allow structured queries to be performed on
some time, and conventional GIS already relies data’s temporal, as well as spatial, attributes. Time
on geoprocessing for spatial analysis and data geography has also been used in geovisualization,
manipulation. as a method for representing temporal attributes
Process models represent an evolution from of datasets spatially, thereby allowing them to be
these existing technologies, catalyzed by artificial subjected to standard spatial analysis. Much of
intelligence that takes traditional GIS operations this work has been based around a move toward
into the world of dynamic, proactive computing creating cyberinfrastructure for cross-disciplinary
on a semantic Web of interconnected data and research teams, and significant advances have
intelligent software agents. Imagine, for example, been made in developing technologies to fuse GIS
building a representation of the earth’s boundary with real-time data from the diverse array of inter-
layer climate in GIS, but also being able to run connected sensors and broadcast devices that now
dynamic weather patterns, storms, and hurricanes permeate inventory systems, long-term scientific
The cloud of Wi-Fi signals that envelops central Salt Lake City, Utah, generated
over that data, using climate models that sit in a observatories, transportation infrastructure, and
by approximately 1,700 access points.
supercomputing center on another continent. This even our personal communication systems. In
article charts the development of process models parallel, work in spatial simulation has edged ever data in which we find our lives and work enveloped formats directly to browsers or handheld devices
in the geographic information sciences and dis- closer toward a tight coupling with GIS, particu- has catalyzed a transition from a previous model via channels such as Really Simple Syndication
cusses the technologies that have shaped them larly in high-resolution modeling and geocom- of the Web to a newer-generation phase. The Web (RSS). This takes place dynamically, updating in
from the outside in. In addition, it explores their putation using cellular and agent-based automata remains fundamentally the same in its architec- near real time as the ecology of the Web ebbs and
future potential in allying next-generation GIS as computational vehicles for animating objects ture, but the number of applications and devices flows.
to the semantic Web, virtual worlds, computer through complex adaptive systems. Automata that contribute to it has swelled appreciably, and Enveloping these developments has been a
gaming, computational social science, business are, essentially, empty data structures capable of with this shift, a phase change has taken place, groundswell in the volume of geographic data
intelligence, cyberplaces, the emerging “Internet processing information and exchanging it with instantiating what is now commonly referred to as fed to the Web. In many ways, Web 2.0 has been
of Things,” and newly discovered nanospaces. other automata. Simulation builders often turn to Web 2.0. The previous iteration of Web develop- built on the back of the GeoWeb that has formed
GIS routines in search of algorithms for handling ment was centered on static, subscription-based between growing volumes of location-enabled
Background the information exchange between automata, content aggregated by dominant portals such as devices and data that either interface with the Web
Much of the innovation for process models in the and over time, a natural affinity between the two AltaVista, AOL, Excite, HotBot, Infoseek, Lycos, in standardized exchanges (uploading geotagged
geographic sciences has come from within the has begun to develop into a mutually influential and Yahoo! By comparison, much of the current content to online data warehouses, for example)
geographic information technology community. research field often referred to as geosimulation. generation model for the Web is characterized by or rely on the Web for their functionality (as in
Geoprocessing featured prominently in the early Much of the work in developing process models user-generated content (blogs, Twitter tweets, pho- the case of alternative positioning systems that
origins of online GIS, where server-based GIS is finding its way into GIS from outside fields, tographs, points of interest, even maps) and flexible triangulate their location based on wireless access
delegated much of the work that a desktop client however, and developments in information tech- transfers between diverse data sources. Moreover, points). The reduction in the cost of geographic
would perform to the background, hidden from nology for the Web—and for handling geographic these varied data streams interface seamlessly over positioning technologies led to the massive infu-
the user. Interest in geoprocessing has resurfaced data on the Web—have been particularly influen- new interoperable database and browser technolo- sion of location-aware technology into cameras,
recently, largely because of increased enthusiasm tial. A massive growth in the volume and nature of gies and are often delivered in custom-controlled continued on page 4
4
COVER STORIES
Process Models and Next-Generation about their position in a network of stores and
even the supply geography of individual packets
Geographic Information Technology on a shelf. Similarly, transactions may be tagged
at the point of sale and associated uniquely to cus-
Continued from page 3 tomers using loyalty, debit, and credit cards that
also link customers to their neighbors at home
phones, running shoes, and cars; atop bicycle han- world. These virtual worlds are already being
and similar demographic groupings in other cities,
dlebars; and in clothing, pets, handheld gaming built, and many people and companies choose to
using sophisticated geodemographic analyses. The
devices, and asset-tracking devices on the prod- immerse themselves in online virtual worlds and
influence between location-aware technology and
ucts that we buy in supermarkets. Devices all over massively multiplayer online role-playing gaming
sociology is also beginning to reverse. Other code
the world began to sense and communicate their (MMORPG) environments for socializing, con-
spaces facilitate the emergence of “smart mobs”
absolute and relative positions, allowing, first, ducting business, organizing remotely, collaborat-
or “flash mobs,” social collectives organized and
the devices to be location tagged; second, those ing on research projects, traveling vicariously, and
mediated by Internet and communications tech-
tags to become a significant medium for orga- so on.
nologies: text messaging, instant messaging, and
nizing, browsing, searching, and retrieving data; Here, process models are also driving advances
tweeting, for example, for the purposes of political
and, third, their relative geography to become the in technology. Process models from computer
organization; social networking; or, as is often the
semantic context that ascribes to those objects gaming engines have been ported to virtual
case, simple fun.
(and their users) information. Indeed, for many worlds, to populate them with automated digital
online activities, maps and GIS have become the assistants and synthetic people that behave and act
The Internet of Things
main portal to the Web. realistically and can engage with users in the game
In technology circles, objects in a code space are
Semantic intelligence is driving the next evolu- world in much the same way that social interac-
referred to as “spimes,” artifacts that are “aware”
tion of the Web, characterized by the use of pro- tions take place in the real world. Virtual worlds
of their position in space and time and their posi-
cess models (usually referred to as software agents have been coupled with realistic, built and natural
tion relative to other things; spimes also maintain
or Web services) as artificial intelligence that can environment representations constructed using
a history of this location data. The term spime has
reason about the meaning of data that courses geometry familiar to GIS. The current generation
arisen in discussions about the emergence of an
through Internet and communication networks. of process models for MMORPG environments is
Internet of Things, a secondary Internet that paral-
A slew of ontological schemes—methods for relatively simple in its treatment of spatial behav-
lels the World Wide Web of networked computers
classifying data and its relationships—provides ior, but rapid advances are being made in infusing
and human users. The Internet of Things is com- demographics traditionally relied on mashing up
the scaffolding that supports semantic reasoning them with a range of behavioral geographies and
posed of (often computationally simple) devices socioeconomic data collected by census bureaus
online. Geography and location ontology is an spatial cognitive abilities that will enable more
that are usually interconnected using wireless and other groups with market research and point-
important component of online semantics, allow- sophisticated spatial reasoning to be included in
communications technologies and may be self- of-sale data gathered by businesses or conglomer-
ing processes to not only know where something is their routines.
organizing in formation. While limited indi- ates. Traditionally, the science has been relatively
in both network space and the tangible geography Gaming is just one application of process
vidually, these mesh networks adopt a collective imprecise and plagued with problems of ecologi-
of the real world but also to reason about where models in virtual worlds. The actions and interac-
processing power that is often greater than the sum cal fallacy in relying on assignment of group-level
it might have been, where it might go and why, tions of synthetic avatars representing real-world
of its parts when their independent process models attributes to individual-level behavior. Because of
whether that is usual or unusual behavior, what people can be traced with perfect accuracy in vir-
are networked as large “swarms” of devices. More- early reliance on data from census organizations,
might travel with it, what might be left behind, tual worlds because they are digital by their very
over, swarm networks tend to be very resilient to which aggregate returns to arbitrary geographic
what activities it might engage in along the way or nature, and often, that data may be associated
disruption, and their collective computational and zones, the spatial components of geodemograph-
when it reaches its destination, and what services with the data shadows that users cast from their
communication power often grows as new devices ics have also suffered from problems of modifi-
might be suggested to facilitate these activities. real-world telecommunications and transactional
are added to the swarm. Networks of early-stage able areal units (i.e., there are an almost infinite
Often, these may be location-based services that activities in the tangible world. Virtual worlds
spimes (proto-spimes) of this kind have already number of ways to delineate a geographic clus-
make use of the geographic position of a device, are seen by many as terra novae for new forms
been developed using, for example, microelec- ter). Data is often collected for single snapshots
its user, or the local network of related devices, of retailing, marketing, research, and online col-
tromechanical systems (MEMS), which may in time and is subject to serious problems of data
or they may make use of the network to deliver laboration in which avatar representations of real
be engineered as tiny devices that are capable of decay; households, for example, may frequently
“action at a distance” to enrich a user’s local expe- people mix with process models that study them,
sensing changes in electrical current, light, chem- move beyond or between lifestyles or trends,
rience, by connecting the user to friends across the mimic missing components of their synthetic
istry, water vapor, and so on, in their immediate without adequate means in the geodemographic
world, for example. physical or social environments, mine data, per-
surroundings. When networked together in mas- classification system to capture that transition
Process models have also been developed in form calculations, and reason about their actions
sive volumes, they can be used as large-geography longitudinally.
other information systems. Much of the potential and interactions.
sensor grids for earthquakes, hurricanes, and secu- Process models could change geodemograph-
for advancing geographic information technology
rity, for example. Sensor readings can be conveyed ics. When users browse the Web, their transactions
stems from the ability of GIS to interface with Code Space
in short hops between devices over large spaces, and navigation patterns, the links they click, and
other processes and related informatics through Aspects of the semantic Web may seep into the
back to a human observer or information system even the amount of time that their mouse cursor
complementary process modeling schemes. The real world, from cyberspace to “meatspace.” In
for analysis. MEMS often contain a conventional hovers over a particular advertisement can be
early precursors of this interoperability are already many ways, the distinction between the two has
operating system and storage medium and can tracked and geocoded uniquely to their machine.
beginning to take shape through the fusion of GIS long ago blurred, and for many of us, our lives are
thus also perform limited processing on the data Users’ computers can be referenced to an address
and building information models (BIMs). BIMs already fully immersed in cyberplaces that couple
that they collect, deciding, for example, to take a in the Internet protocol scheme, which can be
offer the ability of urban GIS to focus attention computer bits and tangible bricks, and we find
photograph if particular conditions are triggered, associated to a tangible place in the real world
on a much finer resolution than ever, to the scale much of our activity steeped in flows of informa-
and geotagging that photograph with a GPS or using reverse geocoding. Along retail high streets
of buildings’ structural parts and their mechanical tion that react to our actions and often shape what
based on triangulation with a base station. and in shopping malls, customers now routinely
systems. GIS allows BIMs to consider the role of we do. Geographers have begun to document the
yield a plethora of personal information in return
the building in a larger urban, social, geological, emergence of what we might term a “code space,”
Geodemographics and Related for consumer loyalty cards, for example, or share
and ecosystem context. When process models are a burgeoning software geography that identifies
Business Intelligence their ZIP Codes and phone numbers at the point of
added to the mix, the complementary functional- us and authenticates our credentials to access par-
The science and practice of geodemographics are sale, in addition to passively sharing their names
ity expands even farther. Consider, for example, ticular spaces at particular times and regulates the
concerned with analyzing people, groups, and when using credit or debit cards. By simply asso-
the uses of a GIS that represents the building sets of permissions that determine what we might
populations based on tightly coupling who they ciating an e-mail address to this data, it is relatively
footprints of an entire city but can also connect do, and with whom, while we are there. Com-
are with where they live. The who in this small straightforward, in many cases, to cross-reference
to building information models to calculate the mercial vehicle traffic for interstate commerce,
formula can provide information about potential one’s activity in the tangible world with one’s data
energy load of independent structures for hun- commuter transit systems, and airports are obvi-
debtors’, customers’, or voters’ likely economic shadow in cyberspace. Developments in related
dreds of potential weather scenarios, or BIMs that ous examples of code space in operation in our
profile, social status, or potential political affili- retail intelligence, business analytics, inferential
can interact with an earthquake simulation to test everyday lives. Mail systems transitioned fully to
ation on current issues, for example. The where statistics, and geocomputing have increased the
building infrastructural response to subsurface coded space a long time ago: for parcel delivery
part of the equation is tasked with identifying what level of sophistication with which data can be pro-
deformation in the bedrock underneath, using services, almost every object and activity can be
part of a city, postal code, or neighborhood those cessed, analyzed, and mined for information. This
cartography to visualize cascading envelopes of identified and traced as it progresses through the
people might reside in, for the purposes of ally- allows the rapid assessment of emerging trends
projected impact for potential aftershocks. system, from collection to delivery on our door-
ing them to their neighboring property markets, and geodemographic categories. Process models
step. Other code spaces are rapidly moving to
crime statistics, and retail landscapes, for exam- are even coded into the software at cash registers
Virtual Worlds the foreground: patients, doctors, and supplies
ple. Together, this allows populations and activi- in some instances.
Many advocates of the semantic Web envision a are being handled in a similar fashion in hospi-
ties to be tagged with particular geodemographic Much of this technology is allied to spimes and
massive dynamic system of digitally networked tals. Goods in supermarkets and shopping malls
labels or value platforms. These tags are used to code spaces. Technologies based around RFID
objects and people, continuously casting “data are interconnected through intricate webs of bar
guide a host of activities, from drawing polling and RFID tagging, initially designed for auto-
shadows” with enough resolution and fidelity to codes, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags,
samples to targeting mass mailing campaigns and mated stock taking in warehouses and stores, are
constitute a virtual representation of the tangible and inventory management systems that reason
siting roadside billboards. The dataware for geo- now widely embedded in products, cards (and
ated questions and speculations regarding where Computational Social Science realistic spatial cognition and thinking. These
they may have been, where they might be going, Geographic process models also offer tremen- developments are potentially of great value in
with whom, and to do what). Second, it allows dous benefits in supporting research and inquiry social science, both in providing new tools for
geodemographic analysis to be refined to within- in the social sciences, where a new set of methods advanced model building and in infusing spatial
activity resolutions. This has already been put and models has been emerging under the banner thinking into social science generally. At the same
to use in the insurance industry, for example, to of computational social science. Computational time, developments in agent-based computing
initiate pay-as-you-go vehicle coverage models, social science, in essence, is concerned with the use have the potential to feed back into classic GIS as
using GPS devices that report location informa- of computation—not just computers—to facilitate architectures for reasoning about and processing
tion to insurance underwriters. Mobile phone the assessment of ideas and development of theo- human environment data.
providers have also experimented with business ries for social science systems that have proved to
models based around location-based services and be relatively impenetrable to academic inquiry by Prologue
location-targeted advertising predicated on users’ traditional means. Usually, the social systems are This is a wonderful time to be working with or
locations within the cell-phone grid, and groups complex and nonlinear and evolve through con- developing geographic information technolo-
have already begun to experiment with targeting voluted feedback mechanisms that render them gies, at the cusp of some very exciting future
billboard and radio advertising to individual cars difficult or impossible to analyze using standard developments that will bring GIS farther into the
based on similar schemes. New GIS schemes qualitative or quantitative analysis. Computational mainstream of information technology and will
based around space-time process models and social scientists have, alternatively, borrowed infuse geography and spatial thinking into a host
events are well positioned to interact with these ideas from computational biology to develop a of applications. Of course, some potential sober-
technologies. suite of tools that will allow them to construct syn- ing futures for these developments should be
thetic social systems within a computer, in silico, mentioned. As process models are embedded in
Nanosystems that can be manipulated, adapted, accelerated, or larger information, technical, or even sociotech-
When spimelike devices are built at very small cast on diverging evolutionary paths in ways that nical systems, issues of accuracy, error, and error
geographies, capable of sensing and even manipu- would never be possible in the real world. propagation in GIS become even more significant.
lating objects at exceptionally fine scales, they The success of these computational experiments Ethical issues surrounding the use of fine-grained
become useful for nanoengineering. In recent relies on the ability of computational social science positional data also become more complex when
years, there has been a massive fueling of interest to generate realistic models of social processes, allied with process models that reason about the
in nanoscale science and development of motors, however, and much of the innovation in these fields significance or context of that data. Moreover, the
actuators, and manipulators at nanoscales. With has been contributed by geographers because of reliability of process models as appropriate repre-
these developments have come a veritable land their skills in leveraging space and spatial thinking sentations of phenomena or systems must come
grab and gold rush for scientific inquiry at hitherto as a glue to bind diverse cross-disciplinary social under greater scrutiny.
Illustration by Suzanne Davis, ESRI relatively underexplored scales: within the earth, science. Much of computational social science
within the body, within objects, within anything to research involves simulation-building. To date, About the Author
therefore wallets), and the environment with such be found between 1 and 100 nanometers. Geogra- the artificial intelligence driving geography in Dr. Paul M. Torrens is an associate professor in
pervasiveness that they enable widespread activ- phers missed out on the last bonanza at fine scales these simulations has been rather simplistic, and the School of Geographical Sciences at Arizona
ity and interaction tracking, particularly within and were mostly absent from teams tasked with development in process models offers a potential State University and director of its Geosimula-
a closed environment such as a supermarket. mapping the genome. The cartography required to detour from this constraint. Moreover, computa- tion Research Laboratory. His work earned him
Coupled to something like a customer loyalty visually map the genome is trivial and the processes tional social science models are often developed a Faculty Early Career Development Award from
card, these systems allow for real-time feeds of that govern genomic patterns are completely alien at the resolution of individual people and scaled to the U.S. National Science Foundation in 2007,
who is interacting (or not) with (not just buying, to most geographers’ skill sets, so their exclusion treat massive populations of connected “agents,” and he was awarded the Presidential Early Career
but handling, or even browsing) what products, from these endeavors is understandable. The sci- with careful attention paid to the social mecha- Award for Scientists and Engineers by President
where, when, with what frequency, and in what ence and engineering surrounding nanotechnol- nisms that determine their connections. This often George W. Bush in 2008. The Presidential Early
sequences. The huge volumes of data generated ogy differ from this situation, however, in that requires that large amounts of data be managed Career Award is the highest honor that the U.S.
by such systems provide fertile training grounds they are primarily concerned with spatiotemporal and manipulated across scales, and it is no surprise government bestows on young scientists; Torrens
for process models. patterns and processes and the scaling of systems that most model developers turn to GIS for these is the first geographer to receive the award.
The increasing fusion of mobile telecommuni- to new dimensions. These areas of inquiry are part tasks. Connections between agent-based models
cation technologies with these systems opens up of the geographer’s craft and fall firmly within the and GIS have been mostly formulated as loose More Information
a new environment for coupling process models domain of geographic information technologies. couplings in the past, but recent developments For more information, contact Dr. Paul M. Torrens,
to mobile geodemographics. This is a novel Process models with spatial sensing and semantic have seen functionality from geographic infor- Arizona State University (e-mail: torrens@
development for two main reasons. First, it cre- intelligence could play a vital role in future nano- mation science built directly into agent software geosimulation.com). AN
ates new avenues of inquiry and inference about scale exploration and engineering. architectures, with the result that agents begin to
people and transactions on the go (and associ- resemble geographic processors themselves, with
6
COVER STORIES
The Steinitz Model of Landscape Change
GIS: Designing Our Future
1. How should the landscape Representation DATA
Continued from cover be described? Models
e nt
and inseparable relationship between man and ment in the age of the anthropogenic earth as our p e
nature.” Fifteen years later, in his groundbreaking moral imperative, but the biggest obstacle to our 2. How does the landscape Process INFORMATION sca sm
bMocoHk aDrge saigdnv owciatthe dN aat ufrraem, leawndosrcka pfoe ra rdcehsiitgenc t tIhaant sthuicncke,s sin i st hthisa tw waey . a“reW neo lta scekt usopl itdo dwaotark a, nodr eavnean- operate? Models Land Asses
helps humans achieve synergy with nature. Design lytical frameworks to make assertions about the 3. Is the landscape working Evaluation KNOWLEDGE
and planning that take into consideration both costs, benefits, and normative assessments of dif- well? Models
environmental and social issues help us ensure ferent . . . practices,” notes Allenby in “Biomass
that our resources are used appropriately and Management Systems” in Reconstructing Earth.
4. How might the landscape
Change DATA
responsibly, to help us move toward a better future And this is why I believe that GIS and the emerg-
be altered? Models
for all. McHarg’s pioneering work not only had a ing field of GeoDesign are critical to the success n
e o
foufn deanmvieronntaml iennfltaule npclea nonni nthge ubpu-ta nsdim-cuolmtainnego fiuesllyd oanf da praptriooancahl ems osdueclhs faosr EdeSaEliMng awnidth o tthhee re nlovgiriocna-l 5. What differences might the Impact INFORMATION dscap venti
sGoIlSid aifis ewde tlhl.e core concepts of the young field of mgeennetraalt iaonnds .planning problems of ours and future changes cause? Models Lan Inter
In the 40 years since Design with Nature was 6. Should the landscape
Decision KNOWLEDGE
written, a better world is the common goal all of “We are being propelled into this new century be changed? Models
us—geographers, planners, scientists, and oth- with no plan, no control, no brakes.”
ers—have been striving for. Discussing his book – Bill Joy, Cofounder and Chief Scientist,
during the Keynote Address at the 1997 ESRI Sun Microsystems
International User Conference, McHarg laid out is it nature. It’s with. It sets the stage for design and features of projects both local and global in
a process by which “environmental data could be Designing Alternative Futures and nature working together in concert to achieve scale.
incorporated into the planning process.” Reject- The key to developing a true understanding of our something that is bigger than the sum of the parts, Design is art within the framework of limita-
ing the view of a future modeled after some idyl- complex and dynamic earth is creating a frame- a synergy of design and nature reaching toward tions—limitations that arise as a result of function,
lic environmental past, he instead was an early work to take many different pieces of past and the goal of the survival of the human species in world view, bias, and other factors, but also limita-
adopter of the view that we should be using our future data from a variety of sources and merge particular and the planet in general. tions that arise as a result of place. Design consid-
dominance of earth systems to help evolve the nat- them in a single system. GIS is a sophisticated It’s not a stretch to say that the development ering place was at the core of McHarg’s beliefs,
ural world and make it better, rather than conquer technological tool already in widespread use by of GIS technology and the entire industry around and it is the basis for our research and develop-
it. Powerful anthropogenic influence over earth planners, engineers, and scientists to display and it was profoundly influenced by the work of ment efforts in the emerging field of GeoDesign.
systems represents not just a huge challenge but analyze all forms of location-referenced data McHarg. He popularized the overlay concept and
an equally huge opportunity—not humans versus about the health, status, and history of our planet. laid the groundwork for what was to become GIS, “. . . design is always and necessarily an art as
nature, but humans with nature. “While traditional GIS enables a GeoDesign framework for analyz- thus taking a number of budding young landscape well as a problem-solving activity . . .”
ecological research selected environments with a ing and managing anthropogenic earth issues by architects and geographers and changing their —David Pye, The Nature of Design
minimum human influence, I selected arenas of allowing users to inventory and display large, lives forever.
human dominance,” McHarg said. Today more complex spatial datasets. They can also analyze McHarg and I may have disagreed on some To a certain extent, this is already done today
than ever, it is important to recognize the over- the potential interplay between various factors, things, but we clearly shared the vision of using by numerous GIS practitioners in fields like urban
whelming impact of humans on the environment, getting us closer to a true understanding of how geographic analysis techniques to design a better and regional planning and environmental manage-
that massive human impacts on the earth are a our dynamic earth systems may change in the world. Although we’ve made much progress in ment. But GeoDesign makes this easier by making
fact that’s not going away, and that we stand at coming decades and centuries. building the infrastructure to help us accomplish it an integral part of the workflow, both shortening
the crossroads. Thus, our challenge is to provide Carl Steinitz, an urban planner at Harvard Uni- this monumental task, we’re still not quite there the cycle time of the design process and improv-
designers, engineers, planners, and others, with versity, originated many of the early ideas about yet. In fact, 28 years after Design with Nature was ing the quality of the results.
a set of tools and a framework for designing and the application of GIS for landscape analysis and published, McHarg issued a challenge of sorts to Cycle time is shortened because GeoDesign
managing the anthropogenic earth. urban planning. Steinitz developed a model of attendees of the 1997 ESRI International User moves analysis to an earlier stage in the design
landscape change that enables design of alterna- Conference in his Keynote Address: process. Rather than analyzing the potential
Design for the Anthropogenic Earth tive futures. Those alternative designs can then be impacts and effects of a proposed project after the
I’ve recently become very interested in the rela- evaluated in terms of their impact on the natural “By and large, the ecological planning stud- design phase, critical factors are instead taken into
tively new field of earth systems engineering environment as well as their utility to the human ies I did in the 1960s and 1970s have not been consideration up front. The quality of the results
and management (ESEM), which concerns itself population, and the alternative future that is pro- equaled, far less surpassed. And I think there improves because the project is designed around,
with the design, engineering, analysis, and man- jected to achieve the best balance can then be has got to be a challenge; that is, we’ve got to in concert with, and/or to fully leverage certain
agement of complex earth systems. ESEM takes selected for implementation. With a debt of grati- be able to learn to do at least as well for regions geographic, environmental, and social features
a holistic view of multiple issues affecting our tude to Steinitz (“A Framework for PLF,” Land- and for the nation and, indeed, for the global while simultaneously minimizing undesirable
earth—not only taking environmental, social, and scape Future), the GeoDesign framework also lets environment as we are doing at the moment.” impacts to those same features.
other considerations into account up front in the us design and test various alternatives, helping us
design process but also looking at challenges from make the most educated and informed decisions Like McHarg’s Design with Nature, ESRI is Designing Our Future
an adaptive systems approach, where ongoing about the best possible future. also celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. It’s “GIS: Designing Our Future” is the theme of the
analysis feeds back into the continual manage- Is the earth getting hotter or colder? Is the stress no coincidence that both the concepts espoused 2009 ESRI International User Conference. When
ment of the system. human populations are putting on the planet con- within Design with Nature and the GIS work led I talk of designing our future, I believe that com-
Braden Allenby, professor of civil and environ- tributing to climate change? What potential fac- by ESRI launched almost simultaneously. When bining the wealth of data available about our world
mental engineering at Arizona State University tors may significantly impact our ability to thrive McHarg advocated this new methodology of with sophisticated analysis and management tools
and one of ESEM’s founders, often emphasizes and survive in the future? What additional sorts of taking geographic considerations into the design is the prescription for understanding and shaping
the undeniably dominant role humans have in environmental monitoring can we be doing today process and workflow, I don’t know if he could the future of our planet—an anthropogenic future
earth systems. “We live in a world that is funda- to improve decisions in the future? We are only ever have imagined how far we’d come with GIS where advances in human society, technology, etc.,
mentally different from anything that we have beginning to understand how to approach these by 2009. But the hard work we’ve been doing on are designed in close collaboration with nature,
known in the past,” says Allenby in his paper “The questions, let alone come up with scientifically developing GIS technology for the last 40 years resulting in the best of possible future worlds.
Metaphysics of the Anthropogenic Earth Part I: valid answers. Only through careful observation does not mean we are finished, or even close to It’s a huge task and a delicate balance, for sure,
Integrative Cognitivism,” “It is a world dominated of the data, application of scientific principles, being finished. And I feel that all our hard work but with help from GIS and GeoDesign tools, we
by one species, its activities and technologies, its and using GIS and other technologies do we have evolving GIS has led us to this pivotal point. The readily accept that challenge. Because, frankly, we
cultures, and the integrated effects of its histori- any hope of truly understanding the stressors and next logical step in the evolution of this technol- have no other choice.
cal evolution.” McHarg was already moving in impacts on the incredibly complex systems that ogy is GeoDesign.
this direction in the 1960s, and today we under- comprise our anthropogenic earth. It’s also the key What Is GeoDesign?
stand that it is even more important to emphasize to making pragmatic, thoughtful, informed design The Case for GeoDesign GeoDesign brings geographic analysis into the
the anthropogenic elements of earth systems. In decisions and proposing alternatives that allow GeoDesign borrows concepts from landscape design process, where initial design sketches are
other words, at this stage of ecological evolution, humans and nature to coexist more harmoniously. architecture, environmental studies, geography, instantly vetted for suitability against a myriad
humans are a significant, if not dominating, com- planning, regenerative studies, and integrative of database layers describing a variety of physi-
ponent of the natural environment, and all prob- Design with Nature studies. Much like GIS and environmental plan- cal and social factors for the spatial extent of the
lems need to be addressed and decisions made Design with Nature—rarely has a three-word title ning before it, GeoDesign takes an interdisci- project. This on-the-fly suitability analysis pro-
with anthropogenic elements in the forefront. so eloquently summed up an entire tome. The plinary, synergistic approach to solving critical vides a framework for design, giving land-use
Allenby sees reasoned design and manage- most important word in that title is not design, nor problems and optimizing location, orientation, planners, engineers, transportation planners, and
others involved with design, the tools to lever- ArcCAD was followed by other ESRI appli-
age geographic information within their design cations (including SDE CAD Client and ArcGIS
workflows. Fully leveraging geography during for AutoCAD) that allowed designers and others
the design process results in designs that emulate within the CAD environment to leverage the full
the best features and functions of natural systems, power of GIS functionality and GIS databases.
benefiting both humans and nature through a more ArcGIS for AutoCAD, a free downloadable tool
peaceful and synergistic coexistence. that offers seamless interoperability between Auto-
GeoDesign involves three activity spaces: CAD and the ArcGIS platform, is used widely
the work environment (where designers do their today. ArcGIS for AutoCAD users are provided
work), the design tools (the tools designers use to with quick and easy access, within the AutoCAD
do their work), and supportive workflows (how environment, to enterprise GIS data published by
designers do their work). Having one of these out ArcGIS Server. This tool lets designers include the
of sync can impede the design process. results of GIS analysis in AutoCAD designs, as
well as create, manipulate, and define how CAD
• Work Environment—Today’s work environ- data is organized and attributed as GIS content.
ment used by geo-based design professionals
involves the field, the desktop, connection to enter- Design Tools in ArcGIS
prise servers and databases, the use of document Design professionals are creative and rely heavily
management systems, collaborative environments on intuition, a gut feeling that something is right.
(both inside and outside the enterprise), and inter- GIS professionals providing input to a creative
action with outside agencies and organizations. process rely heavily on analysis and science. With
• Design Tools—Geo-based designers use a GeoDesign, GIS becomes a tool for designers;
variety of tools to assist them as they create their they can move rapidly through an iterative design
designs. Probably the most frequently used tool, process while leveraging the full analytical power
ArcSketch tool-style editing in ArcGIS 9.4 will make editing simpler.
or type of tool, is the drawing tool. The particu- of the geodatabase. We believe that bringing
lar type of drawing tool depends on the designer’s together the worlds of design and analysis under tionality making it easier for you to complete your ity made all the more gargantuan by the fact that
domain and whether the designer is working in 2D one common information system framework will work. we still have a long way to go toward fully under-
or 3D space. have huge implications. Creating features is accomplished through standing the dynamics of the various systems
• Supportive Workflows—Most geo-based In 2005, Bill Miller, ESRI’s engineer/architect, the use of feature templates. To get started with and developing a robust suite of comprehensive
workflows, at least at a detailed level, are domain led a small team to develop a free sample ArcGIS templates, you just need to start editing, which models and other tools to support these activities.
specific. Three workflows pertaining to the use extension that was the first step toward true GIS- launches the Create Templates wizard. The wizard As Neutra did with architecture in the 1950s, we
of geographic information stand out, however, as based GeoDesign tools. Released in 2006, the will quickly help you build a set of feature tem- need to advance a framework for design and plan-
being predominantly genetic: one related to land- extension allows you to quickly create features plates you can use to create new features. Once ning that not just incorporates but also embraces
use change; one related to the design, construc- in the ArcGIS Desktop ArcMap application with you finish, the Create Features window opens technology; science; and, ultimately, nature in a
tion, and management of built facilities; and one easy-to-use sketch tools. You simply select a with a list of templates. system that helps us design and choose the best
related to the use of 2D CAD. sketch tool and an associated symbol, then draw alternative futures.
the feature. This simple design tool automatically
Early Forays in GeoDesign manages the drawing environment, allowing you
Although it might be easy to compare the to conceptualize what to draw, as opposed to how
two, GeoDesign should not be confused with to draw it. With ArcSketch, you can sketch a set of Feature templates define all the information
computer-aided design (CAD). In fact, the first alternative land-use concept plans, quickly lay out required to create a new
geographic design system was ArcCAD, ESRI’s the spatial components of a disaster response plan, feature: the layer where
earliest attempt to build a dedicated GeoDesign sketch out the location of a highway, or lay out a a feature will be stored,
tool. Released in the early 1990s, ArcCAD was site master plan. attributes new features
the first fully functional GIS system within the As a geographic sketching tool that allows will be created with, and
AutoCAD environment. While traditional CAD is users to sketch initial designs on top of GIS-based the default tool used to
a useful tool in the architectural design of a build- maps and imagery, ArcSketch was useful to many create that feature. In the
ing, GeoDesign is concerned with designing that of our users, but it is only the beginning. Function- Create Features window,
same building in and around the environment. ality similar to ArcSketch will be further enhanced choose the template in Imagine if your initial design concept, scribbled
ArcCAD was an attempt to integrate geographic and integrated into the core software system at the which to store the new on the back of a cocktail napkin, has the full power
data and spatial modeling into the design pro- 9.4 release. And subsequent releases of ArcGIS feature, click a construc- of GIS behind it: the sketch goes into the database,
cess. ArcCAD provided powerful mapping, data promise even more support for the use of GIS for tion tool from the pal- becoming a layer that can be compared to all the
management, spatial analysis, and display tools design. ette at the bottom of the other layers in the database. The experience ESRI
that worked directly with AutoCAD’s design and ArcSketch tool-style editing in ArcGIS 9.4 will window, and click the map to digitize the shape has gained while developing CAD integration
drafting tools. make editing simpler, with new streamlined func- of the feature. In ArcGIS 9.4, the edit sketch will tools, ArcSketch, and the new tools in ArcGIS 9.4
show a WYSIWYG preview with the symbology has led to an appreciation of the power that could
used for that template (layer). be derived by associating drawing tools, symbol-
Spatial Concepts in GIS and Design
Snapping is now enabled by default and has ogy, data models, and process models into one inte-
been broadened from being within an edit ses- grated framework for doing GeoDesign. Having
To what extent are the fundamental spatial con- sion only to being available across ArcMap. To “back of the napkin” design sketches available for
cepts that lie behind GIS relevant in design? To this end, all the settings you need to work with immediate analysis and feedback is one of ESRI’s
what extent can the fundamental spatial con- snapping are located on the new Snapping toolbar, primary areas of research and development over
cepts of design be addressed with GIS? Is it pos- including turning on and off snapping types (edge, the coming years, and our users will see the results
sible to devise a curriculum to develop spatial vertex, endpoint, and so on) and customizing the of these efforts in upcoming releases.
thinking in both GIS and design? appearance of the cursor and SnapTips. And the need for such tools has never been
To begin developing answers to such ques- The Fields tab on the Layer Properties dialog greater. We live in an ever more complex world,
tions, a specialist meeting on spatial concepts box has been redesigned for 9.4, making it easier where our impact on the natural environment is
in GIS and design was held December 15–16, to reorder fields, turn them on or off, sort them, and massive and can no longer be ignored. People
2008, in Santa Barbara, California. The purpose set other display and formatting properties. These are starting to recognize the importance Neutra
of the meeting was to discuss the potential for NCGIA meeting (Photo from the properties will be placed on the inseparable relationship between
integrating design more fully into GIS, as well as NCGIA Web site: Jake Sopher). used throughout humans and nature and to realize McHarg’s vision
the development of curriculum in spatial thinking. This was one of an ongoing series ArcMap, includ- of design with nature, and they want to act.
of such specialist meetings organized by the National Center for Geographic Informa- ing the editor’s “There is now a growing interest in combining
tion and Analysis (NCGIA) at the University of California, Santa Barbara, over the past attributes dialog box, table windows, and the Iden- design functionality with the broader geographi-
two decades. The meetings combine a small number of context-setting presentations tify dialog box. cal context that geospatial tools offer in order to
with ample time for discussion in plenary sessions, small groups, and informal social engage more deeply in land-use planning,” notes
gatherings. Meeting the Challenge with GeoDesign Matt Ball, editor at V1 Magazine. A GeoDesign
The meeting was cosponsored by NCGIA and ESRI and was attended by Tom Fisher, Integration of design tools with existing GIS func- framework will provide a robust set of tools for
Michael Goodchild, Fritz Steiner, Carl Steinitz, Ron Stoltz, Jack Dangermond, and a tionality is important, but it’s only the first step. design professionals and finally meet the chal-
number of other representatives from education and industry interested in the emerg- Ultimately, our vision is to expand the utility of lenge of Ian McHarg, letting us truly design with
ing field of GeoDesign. GIS to the point that it is a foundational design nature.
system. As humanity comes to grips with its over-
More Information whelming impact on the natural world, we are also More Information
A full participant list, as well as position papers and presentations, can be viewed at gaining a much better appreciation for our inex- For more information, contact Matt Artz, ESRI
ncgia.ucsb.edu/projects/scdg/participants-scdg.php. tricable link to nature. And with that, of course, (e-mail: [email protected]). AN
comes an enormous responsibility—a responsibil-
8
COVER STORIES
Maryland’s Programs Improve Life and Environment
Governor Martin O’Malley
Leads with GIS
This article is part of an ongoing series honoring individuals who have made a difference in the
world by applying a GIS solution to challenges or needs within conservation or their communities.
Since these unique individuals have been selected for their innovations or special achievements in
a particular field, the series is appropriately named GIS Heroes. ESRI recognizes Governor Martin
O’Malley as a GIS hero.
Governor Martin O’Malley of Maryland believes Service Oriented
that geography matters to the people he serves. O’Malley’s career has always been focused on
For him, it is critical to the relationships service. After graduating from the Uni-
that sustain us and vital to making gov- versity of Maryland School of Law
ernment work for the people. in 1988, he began his career as an
Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley.
“When you show people how you assistant state attorney for the City
are using GIS, they inevitably ask of Baltimore. Three years later, he improve other government activities, everything states O’Malley. “Government has tradition-
this question, ‘Can you show me my was elected to serve on the Baltimore from removing dead trees to repairing traffic lights ally been very good at measuring input, and not
house?’” says O’Malley. “People want City Council. And then he was elected to and collecting garbage.” as good at measuring output. This is where GIS
to know that they matter to their govern- govern the city from 1999 to 2007. At the time, the City of Baltimore was facing comes in to propel progress. Just as it is impos-
ment and that their government is relevant to During his first of two terms as mayor, high rates of violent crime, absenteeism and over- sible to steer a ship without a compass or controls,
them. They want to understand the forces at work O’Malley learned of COMSTAT, the success- time, slow response time to citizen complaints, it is impossible to drive government forward with-
around them.” ful GIS-based program the New York City Police and illegal dumping, to name just a few of the out measuring outputs and outcomes. It is only
He continues, “This question speaks to the Department (NYPD) was using to revolutionize problems. Seeking change, in 2001 the governor with that information that we know where chal-
innate human need to understand the relation- crime fighting. He began to consider applying the implemented CitiStat, a performance-based man- lenges and opportunities lie. With GIS, we can all
ship of oneself to others and to the world we live same method of performance accountability to agement process that holds government agencies see exactly where and how progress is being made
in. With GIS, we develop a deeper understand- improve life in Baltimore. accountable. GIS is at its heart. or where it is stalling.”
ing of our actions across time and space. With “The NYPD was using GIS to map crimes, Each week, O’Malley and top cabinet mem- With BayStat and GreenPrint, which measure
that knowledge, we can progress in a way that deploy more cops to those areas, and maintain bers would meet with representatives from a city Chesapeake Bay restoration projects and land con-
strengthens our relationships with one another and close follow-up on hot spots to drive crime down,” agency to analyze data, field research, and resi- servation, respectively, the governor has expanded
with the earth.” explains O’Malley. “We began to realize that if dent feedback. The GIS-based analysis provided his performance measurement programs in Mary-
[the NYPD] could use mapping technology to a framework for discussion and a way to see pat- land. They measure the health of the environment
improve law enforcement, it could also be used to terns, problems, and ways forward. in Maryland, help the government make decisions
“We started using GIS to map every conceiv- about the best ways to implement effective con-
able service, problem, and opportunity so we could servation strategies and preserve green spaces for
Save Time, Expense & Embarrassment! measure outcomes and performance every day,” future generations, and provide effective commu-
says O’Malley. “Then we were able to adeptly nication with stakeholders and the public.
deploy resources and make real progress.” “Sustainability is a defining issue of our times,”
The results of the CitiStat program are remark- O’Malley notes. “In Maryland, we must focus on
Spell check your maps with... able. During O’Malley’s tenure, for example, improving the condition of the Chesapeake Bay,
violent crime dropped 40 percent, the number of which has been polluted for generations. We are
children with lead poisoning fell 65 percent, and tackling this issue with the same approach we took
the cleaning and boarding of vacant houses moved with CitiStat and StateStat—using geography and
from response times of 319 days for cleaning and performance measurement to improve the bay’s
152 days for boarding to 5 days for each. health each year.”
“Governor O’Malley pushes GIS initiatives GreenPrint supports BayStat efforts, and the
forward because they give him the information he GIS-based GreenPrint Web mapping application
and his staff need to quickly and comprehensively serves as the framework for discussion in the com-
understand issues and examine program effective- bined BayStat/GreenPrint meetings. GreenPrint
ness,” says Kenny Miller, Maryland’s geographic data is also accessible via MD iMap, Maryland’s
information officer. “By displaying program launched portal into the state’s enterprise GIS.
information on a map, a clear picture emerges MD iMap (mdimap.com/imap), which
showing the best ways to target resources, track includes seamless, geocoded centerlines and
performance, and reach out to the public.” six-inch imagery for the entire state, provides an
Though O’Malley has moved on to govern overarching look into Maryland state govern-
the state, CitiStat remains a vital program in the ment performance. It gives citizens, government
mayor’s office, and the same model is now used in staff, and other stakeholders access to a variety of
cities across the United States, such as Springfield, information, such as designated open spaces, pro-
The MapSpeller 3.0 extension checks: Professional Edition: $295 Massachusetts, and Buffalo, New York. tected targeted ecological areas, and the progress
 Map and layout annotations Enterprise Edition: $495 of highway beautification projects.
Broadening Vision “Governor O’Malley’s administration has
 Table field aliases & values
* Spell checks conventionally & spatially (patent pending) When O’Malley became governor of Maryland in made what was once impossible become reality in
 Legends, including layer names ESRI trademarks provided under license from ESRI 2007, he brought the CitiStat ideals with him and Maryland—bringing together state and local gov-
ELA, volume & educational discounts available.
 Grouped graphics developed StateStat, which expands the CitiStat ernment to form a uniform GIS foundation across
model to a state scale and even includes stimulus the entire state of Maryland,” says Marshall L.
 Scale bar & text objects
spending statistics. Currently, the following agen- Stevenson III, enterprise GIS and public safety
cies participate in the process: the Maryland State manager, Frederick County, Maryland. “This was
Police and the Departments of Agriculture; Busi- first seen with the statewide road centerline and
ness and Economic Development; Environment; geocoding service project and is now moving
General Services; Health and Mental Hygiene; forward with the soon-to-be-created statewide
888-334-3832
Housing and Community Development; Human vector cadastral layer, with data provided by local
www.Edgetech-US.com Resources; Juvenile Services; Labor, Licensing, jurisdictions.”
Edgetech America, Inc. and Regulation; Natural Resources; Planning;
Public Safety and Correctional Services; and More Information
Transportation. For more information, contact Lindsay Major,
“There is great power in merging mapping, governor’s office, State of Maryland (tel.: 443-336-
Download FREE 90-Day Evaluation!
human effort, and imaginative public policy,” 1483, e-mail: [email protected]).
Unready Competent Proficient
“Geo Learning”
A column by Daniel C. Edelson,
Vice President for Education, National Geographic Society
Get Involved with Geo-Education Reform
We’ve got a problem in our country. The rate of is going to come from the people who can see the
geographic literacy—meaning the number of price that our society is paying on a daily basis
people who can synthesize geographic informa- for the lack of geographic literacy among its citi-
tion from a variety of sources and draw a sound zens. It is going to come from the relatively small
conclusion—is abysmally low. On the other hand, minority of geographically literate individuals,
ArcNews goes to almost a million individuals who especially the geographic experts.
earn their living by doing that kind of geographic So, what actions can individual GIS profes-
reasoning every day. sionals and other applied geographers take to Current (estimated) 2025 (Goal)
So, what we have is an enormous geographic help move along the incipient campaign to boost
literacy gap. We have a solid core of geographic geographic literacy? A rough estimate of the distribution of geographic literacy among 18-year olds in the U.S. today
experts, including the readers of ArcNews, but The first action is personal. It is important that (left) and the distribution that National Geographic is committed to achieving by 2025 (right).
once we get outside that group, there is a dramatic we start building public awareness of why geo-
drop-off in the level of geographic understanding graphic literacy is so important and what a good geography professionals with K–12 teachers to improvement of geographic education at local,
and skills. As the companies and agencies that are geographic education would teach our children. bring their expertise into the classroom. state, and national levels.
struggling to fill openings for GIS professionals Those of us who “do geography” on a daily basis At the ESRI International User Conference this In closing, I have two points to make. One is
can attest, we can certainly use more geographic need to start talking to the people in our families summer, we will be introducing this new program that the problem is urgent. The second is that the
experts in our country. However, from a societal and communities about what we do, so they start that will provide geography professionals with solution we are seeking will, at best, come slowly
perspective, I believe the gap in expertise between to understand that geographic literacy is not about guidelines for working with schools and materi- and only through serious and prolonged effort.
experts and the rest of the population is a much knowing where things are but about knowing how als for activities they can do with teachers in their There are things that we, as geographic experts,
bigger problem. to plan and make decisions. local schools. These activities will range from can and should do today, and I encourage you to
For our society to function effectively in the By talking to our family and friends about the “pre-GIS” activities using paper maps, crayons, begin right away. I must also caution you, though,
modern world, we need the vast majority of our kind of geographic problem solving we do, we and cutouts for lower grades and schools with lim- that improving education is more about tortoises
population to be either geographically competent can start to help them see what their children are ited technology access to real GIS activities using than it is about hares. So, if you do talk to a neigh-
or geographically proficient. These are terms I use missing in their educations. It is possible to talk to ESRI software in schools. bor, call your senator, or become a GeoMentor,
to describe nonexpert levels of geographic literacy. people about the kinds of work that GIS profes- The fourth action is financial. In most of the sci- don’t do it as a quick fix. Be prepared to stick with
Geographically competent describes individuals sionals do without using terms like symbology, entific disciplines, a substantial stream of funding it for a while. If we all do, we will be able to make
who are prepared for everyday geographic reason- constraint satisfaction, buffer, and model. It can be for educational improvement comes from scien- a change.
ing, such as choosing where to live or evaluating good practice for us and eye opening for them. tists and the companies that employ them. Over
a ballot initiative that would affect land use. In a The second action is political. At both the state time, the cause of geographic literacy is going More Information
well-functioning school system, most students and federal levels, it is important that people who to require that same level of support. In a future For more information, contact Daniel C. Edelson,
would achieve geographic competence by the end understand the importance of geographic lit- column, I will describe some giving opportunities vice president for education, National Geographic
of middle school. eracy advocate for improved geographic educa- for individuals and organizations to support the Society (e-mail: [email protected]).
Geographically proficient describes college tion in our schools. As a result of hard work by
readiness in geographic skills and understanding. a large number of “geoevangelists,” all 50 states,
Go Green
A geographically fluent individual is prepared for the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have
college-level coursework in subjects that require social studies, science, and technology standards

geographic skills and understanding, such as inter- that call for geographic literacy. However, these ArcNews Online
national relations or environmental science. At the state standards are revised every few years, and
National Geographic Society, we have set the goal if we don’t stay vigilant, they can be changed. If
www.esri.com/arcnewsonline
of achieving a 50 percent rate of geographic flu- you are interested in finding out about the cur-
ency among 18-year-olds by 2025. rent policy situation in your state, you can con-
While there are no statistics on the distribution tact your state geographic alliance (find yours at
among different levels of geographic literacy in www.ngsednet.org/communities). Paperless Option
the United States, there is pretty good evidence At the federal level, there is legislation pending
that a majority of Americans are not geographi- in Congress right now to establish a fund for the
cally competent. Our goal is to flip this distribu- improvement of geography teaching. Geography You can be notifi ed by e-mail
tion over the next couple of decades. Furthermore, is the only subject listed in No Child Left Behind when new issues of ArcNews
our goal is to have the geographically proficient as a core academic subject that has no federal Larger Screen Shots are available online. You can still
population be the largest, followed by the geo- funding program. The bill in Congress, called receive the print version as well,
graphically competent and geographically expert the Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act, or elect to save a tree and go
populations. has strong bipartisan support, but it will not pass You asked for more detailed completely electronic.
One reason that increasing the rate of geo- unless legislators know that there are constituents screen shots, you got it! Enlarge
graphic literacy is more important than increasing who care. All it takes is a few minutes to make a ArcNews screen shots simply by
the number of geographic experts is that the public phone call or write a letter, and it can make a huge clicking on them.
is the audience for the work of geographic experts difference. National Geographic has information
at the end of the day. We can no longer afford for about the bill and how to contact your legislators
corporate executives, policy makers, politicians, at www.nationalgeographic.com/foundation/
Expanded Content
and even the general public to be uneducated policy_initiative.html.
about geographic planning and decision making. The third action is educational. There are valu-
If they are, then the work of geographic experts able roles for geography professionals to play in
The online version of ArcNews
is largely wasted. Of course, the other reason is their local educational system. Many GIS profes-
includes the same content as
that if we increase the supply of individuals at the sionals teach at community colleges and in profes-
the print edition plus special
other levels of geographic literacy, then the pool sional seminars. This is very important for filling
features, such as podcasts and
for geographic experts gets larger. the pipeline for geographic experts, but there are
additional articles.
If we are serious about reducing this geoliteracy things we can do in the K–12 system that will start
gap, then the question we have to ask ourselves is, to boost the numbers of geographically competent
Where is the solution to this geoliteracy gap going and proficient individuals. However, finding and
to come from? It is not going to be solved by the developing opportunities to work in schools can Update your subscription preferences today at
majority. The majority are not even in a position be tricky. So, National Geographic and ESRI are www.esri.com/arcnewsonlinesub
to understand what they are missing. The solution teaming up on a GeoMentoring program to pair
1100 GGIISS PPRROODDUUCCTT NNEEWWSS
ArcPad 8 Now Available—Enhances User
Experience and Improves Customization
Helps Field Staff Manage Critical Information More Efficiently
Highlights called the ArcPad Toolbar Manager lets users and locations using the new lookup index. The
either modify the out-of-the-box toolbars or create extension is based on ESRI StreetMap Premium
n ArcPad has a new user interface with
their own. The previous ArcPad Startup dialog data derived from the Tele Atlas dataset and now
modern icons, toolbars, and menus.
box has been replaced with the Open Map dialog includes data for Europe in addition to North
n Update and synchronize ArcPad field edits
box, which can be used to browse ArcPad maps by America. The extension is included at no extra
directly with ArcGIS Server.
list or thumbnail. cost and supports the Smart Data Compression
n ArcPad customization tools and first year
format and enables display, address geocoding,
of maintenance are now included.
ArcPad Studio Now Included reverse geocoding, and routing capabilities.
ArcPad Studio, the development framework
ArcPad 8, ESRI’s field mapping and data col- to customize ArcPad, now comes with every Enhanced ArcPad Data Manager Extension
lection software designed for use with ArcGIS ArcPad 8 license. ArcPad 8 is a maintenance-based The ArcPad Data Manager extension now gives
Desktop and a variety of mobile devices, is now product, and the first year of ArcPad maintenance users more options when preparing data for
available. This major release includes new usabil- is included. Customers may subscribe to annual ArcPad. Users can configure an ArcPad project for
ity and performance enhancements to increase maintenance to get software updates and techni- repeated use with geoprocessing tools or author an
field productivity and help users manage their GIS cal support. Technical support will be provided to ArcPad project for publication to ArcGIS Server.
projects more efficiently. customers who are current on maintenance. Additional geoprocessing tools have also been
added to ArcPad Tools in ArcToolbox, which sup-
Integration with ArcGIS Server Improved GPS ports using ArcPad projects for geoprocessing and
The new no cost ArcGIS Server ArcPad exten- The GPS user interface has a refresh in ArcPad 8. deploying to mobile devices.
With ArcPad 8,
sion allows users to publish their ArcPad projects The position dialog box is now replaced by the new “From very basic to more advanced, sophis-
users can now syn-
directly to ArcGIS Server. Mobile devices that GPS status bar, a translucent toolbar that appears ticated applications, ArcPad 8 helps users get
chronize field edits
connect to the Internet (by cradle, USB, Wi-Fi, or at the bottom of the map screen. It shows much of up and running quickly,” says Jian Lange, ESRI
directly with the
phone connection) can now synchronize ArcPad the same detail from the previous position dialog product manager for ArcPad. “The customization
enterprise geoda-
field edits with the enterprise geodatabase via box, but now has visual color cues to indicate the framework now included with this release pro-
tabase via ArcGIS
ArcGIS Server. quality of the GPS fix. In addition, more detailed vides additional capabilities to complete mobile
Server. Inset:
GPS position information can be displayed on the GIS tasks and projects effectively.”
Identify target
Enhanced User Experience full-screen multitab GPS dialog box.
areas for inspec-
Modern icons, menus, and toolbars in the new More Information
tions and GIS data
ArcPad use less screen real estate than previous Improved StreetMap Capabilities For more information on ArcPad or to evalu-
collection.
versions. Toolbars can now be docked, mini- The StreetMap extension included with ArcPad 8 ate ArcPad 8 at no cost, visit www.esri.com/
mized, and maximized. Also, a new desktop tool now provides an easier method to find addresses arcpad.
ArcPad Eases Address
Bring the Best of the Web to Market Analysis and Site Evaluation
Canvassing in 2010 U.S. Census ArcGIS Business Analyst Online
The 2010 U.S. Census is less than one year away, and preparations are in Today’s economy and competitive pressures are forcing organizations to respond to new challenges
full swing. In April of this year, the Census Bureau launched the address can- faster and more decisively than ever. Opportunities arise quickly and are lost if companies cannot
vassing operation, where approximately 140,000 census workers verified the respond. Successful organizations understand the need to react within narrow time windows and
nation’s residential addresses and captured GPS locations for each of these armed with accurate information.
addresses using a PDA equipped with ArcPad software. The address canvass- ESRI’s ArcGIS Business Analyst Online helps improve performance to overcome daily business
ing operation helps ensure that everyone residing in the United States receives challenges. The next-generation release of ESRI’s popular hosted GIS for customer segmentation,
a 2010 Census questionnaire and helps simplify future census enumeration market analytics, and site evaluation, ArcGIS Business Analyst Online, powered by ArcGIS Business
operations by providing a specific coordinate, or “map spot,” of each house- Analyst Server, provides a rich and intuitive Web 2.0 experience to users as they analyze and explore
hold in case a revisit is necessary. The result will be the most comprehensive U.S. address list. a vast collection of economic, social, and geodemographic data.
According to Timothy Trainor, U.S. Census Bureau’s Geography Division chief, “The goal of
address canvassing is to go out and check the address list that we have and GPS capture each of ArcGIS Business Analyst Online Delivers Expert Analysis to the Novice
the individual housing unit locations.” The results of this effort will be used for the distribution of Business problems can be tackled by anyone using the guided workflows that are part of the user
2010 Census questionnaires to U.S. households. However, the U.S. Census Bureau expects that experience, or subscribers can take their own approach to analysis and exploration by using any
35 percent of all households will not return their census questionnaires on time, and follow-up will combination of analysis tools and data query reports.
be necessary. Says Trainor, “We not only use the address information [captured in address canvass- All ArcGIS Business Analyst software application products share a common architecture and are
ing] for mailing questionnaires, but we also use the coordinates to help untangle some of those built using reusable components. Any data, model, or analysis created on the desktop, server, or Web
difficult-to-observe or difficult-to-read situations. Now the enumerator can actually go to the right can be shared, mashed up, and integrated with any of the other applications, including ArcGIS and
unit based on a precise set of coordinates and record the information directly into a handheld com- other enterprise business tools.
puter. We believe that having a mobile infrastructure in place will head off many of the problems ArcGIS Business Analyst Online supports the sophisticated needs of line-of-business managers
with census nonresponse.” and analysts yet is intuitive enough for boardroom executives and casual workers to perform detailed
ArcPad is also helping the U.S. Census Bureau reduce costs and produce fewer paper forms. analysis without any prior training.
“We produced a lot of paper in the last census,” says Trainor. “And it wasn’t just the use of the For small businesses, retailers, real estate professionals, health care practitioners, franchisors, and
paper; it was all the things that go with the paper. We had to procure it, store it, and ship it. It was many other business segments, ArcGIS Business Analyst Online helps subscribers validate a busi-
just all over the place. One of the goals of the 2010 Census is to simplify operations, and we’re ness concept, understand market conditions, or investigate a hunch.
currently achieving that with the mobile data collection system.” For example, a marketing specialist can view a specific neighborhood and be able to literally over-
The U.S. Census Bureau is not a new user of ArcPad software. Andrea Johnson, the Census lay hundreds of data variables that influence consumer buying habits and preferences. On-demand
Bureau’s Geographic Products Branch chief, says that the Census Bureau has been using ArcPad access to more than 50 reports, 1,600 data variables, thematic maps, and time-saving “quick com-
since 2002 in various iterations in many of its census tests. “When we were planning for the 2010 parison” features allow users to explore a geographic region easily.
Census operations, we knew that the enumerator would need an integrated tool that could facilitate ArcGIS Business Analyst Online is reaching into many market sectors and industries that have not
many tasks,” says Johnson. “The combination of mobile hardware and ESRI software was the most had access to easy GIS functionality before.
interoperable and flexible solution for our address canvassing operation.” Retailers can explore markets through more innovative criteria to predict the success of
sales promotions or assess the impact of competitors’ activities on the customer base. For eco-
More Information nomic developers, the system helps fine-tune and consolidate the processes of attracting inward
For more information, contact Andrea Grace Johnson, Geographic Products Branch chief, U.S. investment to cities and counties by providing information that reflects local taste and mar-
Census Bureau (e-mail: [email protected]).