I’m frustrated. . . Really frustrated. . .
I’m fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to purchase a copy of Map2PDF for ArcGIS. What I’m not fortunate with is that it doesn’t work with ArcGIS 9.2.
Symtomps: I install the extension. I open a map document. I go to File > Export Map, then. . . ArcMap Dies! And you’d be amazed at how fast it closes.
While the excitement of having a portable map document available to those with the Adobe Reader plug-in to pan around, look up coordinates, and mark up the documents so that other “M2P4Jack” users can incorporate those notes spatially into a their “map” or “data” is high. Having “M2P4Jack” kill my mapping applications is a total mood killer. I’ve submitted the issue to TerraGo and to ESRI. Each are pointing fingers. So, to make it easy: I’ve decided to go with Manifold.
I’m kidding about Manifold.
Actually, this whole Map2PDF thing is why I’ve been working so (stupidly) at building server-based GIS. Then again, how the heck do I get/give data to my “disconnected” peeps?
Yes, I’m on the ESRI crack, but. . .
A few weeks back ESRI announced its code challenge for the Dev Summit and a lot of concern was flying around about, “What about the Desktop?” Well, I may have an answer for you. . . If you don’t mind being objective?
Well, think about this, I’m making plans with server-based GIS (in all its flavors) to enable my enterprise and to enable non-GIS users. This is important because not everyone in my enterprise has the want or skill to use desktop GIS. They are, however, smart enough to use the GYM maps, Mircosoft Excel 97, and MediaWiki (which they just learned.) What they constantly ask of me is, “Can I map “this” information?” Or they ask, “Is there an application I can use on our network that I can plot this info on?”
I have to say, “No. Not right now because, our network’s configuration management doesn’t allow for it. I am trying.”
So, I’m trying to be responsive. Sometimes my peeps ask me for a copy of ArcMap when they can barely spell GIS. I do work with them to get set up, but it’s a long learning process for them. So, I’m working towards the server-based GIS environment to crate a layer of data services and map services that will allow non-GIS folk to look up information. This is an important first step to what I’m getting at.
So, why is server-based GIS important and why is ESRI having a code challenge?
The two most hated words in our industry: Data Entry.
Remember how I mentioned that my non-GIS peeps can use GMaps, Excel, and MediaWiki? Well, if you aim to build a collaborative environment that allows your folks to edit your GIS themselves, with some structure, your data entry time shrinks tremendously. It also allows for your folks to fill in gaps in your database and to provide a level of quality assurance. This is largely why server-based GIS is important to an enterprise.
I want to emphasize that the Desktop is still important! GIS experts can still manage and analyze data with the tools the desktop offer. Perhaps even utilize geoprocessing services for higher-end geoprocessing of large datasets?
So, refering to Chris Anderson’s The Long Tail, that’s probably why ESRI has issued a code challenge for the Dev Summit. It sees its customers being just more than power desktop GIS users. Probablybecause GIS software is useless without data.
. . . And that’s why server-based GIS is important. (At least, in my ESRI crack smokin’ mind.)
I was telling Steve the other day why I hate “Enterprise GIS.” I have some bullets:
1) “My enterprise’s IT staff.” I could wrap so many expletives in this space right now that it won’t do me any good. In the end, I cop out and just point my (middle) finger to these guys.
2) “My enterprise’s IT infrastructure.” Again, pointing the finger to numero uno. “Dummy, you can’t do enterprise GIS without an environment that can handle it.”
3) ESRI and the Slippy Map Guys. For getting my hopes up, then dashing them when I realize that I have to work with my IT staff.
4) Chuck Norris. Chuck Norris gets GIS and even the concept of Internet technology. Why doesn’t my IT staff
Anyway, just a few goodies to get off my chest. I’m frustrated as hell lately and can’t stand my IT staff.
Just browsing through collaborative atlases again tonight, and something on the 43Places front page caught my eye.
Lindie_Lou Wants To Go To Omaha
I found that. . . interesting, yet. . . um. . . nuts.
Yes. I read Lindie’s post.
I’ve been to Omaha. You ever been? Yeah, not much at steak.
