PlanGIS is a simple and lightweight Geographic Information System (GIS) web application which allows users to publish and browse vector map layers on top of Google and Bing base maps, and perform map related operations to capture and display map data and generate reports. The application displays vector map layers with metadata, allowing users to set up and configure simple maps. It is easily accessible through a web browser and provides access to common data.

Non-GIS users in government departments usually rely on the GIS Specialist to perform their map queries and publication of maps as they themselves do not possess the skills to perform these tasks on their own. However, this often results in bottlenecks and backlogs as the GIS Specialist has to perform many other roles. The challenge that non-GIS users constantly face is how to ensure that their important reports and other information, often urgently required by senior government officials and ministers, is quickly produced in response to these requests. Dialog developed PlanGIS as a solution for the Victorian state government to resolve this problem. PlanGIS is a simple and lightweight Geographic Information System (GIS) solution that enables analysts and non-GIS personnel to quickly and easily:

• Publish and browse maps
• Perform map related operations to capture and display map data
• Generate documents and reports.

PlanGIS displays both vector and raster map layers with metadata on top of MS Bing and Google Maps, thereby allowing users to set up and configure simple maps. It is easily accessible without the need to install additional software and provides access to common data sources such as Victorian Spatial Data Library (VSDL) through any common web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer).

PlanGIS uses an Open Source approach to provide a far more flexible, scalable, automated and robust solution to allow a user to view map layers online, query map data, create their own maps and build (map centred) reports. The application architecture conforms to the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Architecture standards. Using the PlanGIS application, users without any spatial background can perform basic analysis and reporting scenarios without the need for any additional licensed software.

Benefits of PlanGIS

The PlanGIS solution is based on open source server and application software and its easy-to-use and scalable architecture offers the following benefits:

• Easy application administration through an Administrator section.
• Easily accessible using a web browser such as Internet Explorer, no additional software or plug-in installation required.
• Application can be hosted on any platform such as Windows or Linux.
• Ability to connect to multiple data sources, including Oracle Spatial, ArcSDE, Image Web Server (IWS) and Victorian Mapping and Addressing Service (VMAS).
• No additional license costs.
• Low maintenance costs.
• Highly flexible feature set to cater to your organization’s individual needs.
• High performance application limited by only the speed of your Internet connection.
• High scalability to cater for growth as your organization and data grows.

Information Source Management Model

Dialog’s final information model allows for a modular approach to future growth of spatial data.

The Spatial Information Infrastructure (SII) holds a central repository of all spatial data in the Victorian Spatial Data Library (VSDL). The spatial data repository follows the Conceptual Schema Definition Language (CSDL). SII also converts the data stored in RAE for access via its services for use by various government departments and external agencies.

PlanGIS ACQUISITION CHANNELS

PlanGIS uses the following acquisition channels:

• Direct Connection – This retrieves ArcGIS and Oracle Spatial data which is displayed on top of the base maps.
• Spatial DataMart - For ordering of spatial data through shopping trolley or repeat orders.
• Web Map Service (WMS) – Uses WMS to display vector map layers (ArcGIS and Oracle Spatial) on top of base maps such as Bing and Google maps.
• Web Feature Service (WFS) - Uses WFS to query, edit, publish and delete layers in GeoServer.
• Victorian Mapping and Addressing Service (VMAS) - Perform a VMAS search based on address information.
• Image Web Server (IWS) - Uses WMS to access Victoria IWS image sets to display on top of base maps.
• MyProfile Web Service - Uses MyProfile to authenticate user login and retrieve security roles.

Functionality

The PlanGIS user is able to perform the following functions:

• Access other services including Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) compatible services.
• View vector map layers on top of Bing and Google base maps.
• Search layers, perform a VMAS search, draw a canvas and authenticate against MyProfile web service.
• View vector map layers on top of Bing and Google base maps.
• Export vector map layer metadata and generate reports.
• Create spatial layers either at a private or public security level.

Administration

The PlanGIS administrator is able to perform the following functions:

• Add new datasets.
• Publish additional vector map layers on the fly.
• Manage users, layers and canvases.
• Manage layer level security by each individual user.

Outcomes

Using PlanGIS the Victorian government has been able to consolidate key geographical data into an easy-to-use interface for users from many agencies. PlanGIS led to better planning and investment decisions.

Contact us at dialogit@dialog,com.au to find out how Dialog can assist you with your geospatial systems.