Another EPC Success Story!

Cloudpoint is proud to be an active part of Esri’s Business Partner network. As part of this network, our leadership team regularly attends Esri’s Partner Conference to keep up with the latest technology from Esri and to help our clients stay current with the best practices in the industry. Here you will find Jon’s highlights of his recent visit to the Esri Partner Conference in beautiful Palm Springs, CA.

This was my first trip to the partner conference after hearing Micah come back each year and talk about what an amazing event it is. He kept saying “you’ve gotta go” so finally I went. It not only lived up to the expectations but exceeded them. Even more special was the fact that I was able to enjoy some time with my wife, Megan, as we celebrate 20 years together. I will definitely plan to be back to the EPC in the future. Here is a quick summary of some of the highlights of my learning experience.

1. A Business First Approach

   Too often we try to solve GIS problems by introducing a solution before we actually learn the problem very well. We were encouraged to openly communicate with the Client to learn their problems and pain points first, then find a GIS solution that solves that problem. A good example of this is Cloudpoint’s ability to configure GIS web applications using ArcGIS Online and Esri’s Web App Builder to analyze data, solve problems, drive decision making for our Clients. We listen to them closely and then go to work on solving their problems.

2. Be Release Ready

   Having release ready solutions and services aligned with the latest version of ArcGIS is a critical part of Esri’s strategic plan for its partners. Cloudpoint sees release ready as being an important part of its future as well. In order to stay aligned with Esri’s direction we will be pursing our certification for release ready services to best serve our customers. Stay tuned for more information on this.

3. Automate / Integrate: The Future of GIS

   With so many different solutions out there, one of the common questions we get is “how do I get software A, B, or C to talk to my GIS?” Being able to connect the dots by linking GIS system data and feature services with the customer’s existing applications is critical. Sometimes good data really doesn’t come to life until its display by location. Agencies are collecting data at a faster rate than what they can consume it. Creating automated workflows and integrating the links with their data to the GIS can start to give them an advantage in staying ahead of the curve. Lots of historic data is a good thing but connecting it to your GIS maps to drive decisions makes it even more useful.

Cloudpoint Geographics is pleased to be a part of Esri’s partner network and is thankful for the relationships our team has built over the years with both Esri and our clients.

Meet the Cloudpoint Team at the WLIA 2019 Annual Conference

Cloudpoint Geographics will be exhibiting at the WLIA Annual Conference Feb 20-22, 2019 at Red Lion Hotel Paper Valley in Appleton, WI.

Look for Cloudpoint’s Micah Williamson and Matt Junker at the upcoming conference. Stop by with any questions regarding our services including:

• Managed GIS Services

• Kickstart service packages

• NG9-1-1 GIS data cleanup

• Esri’s parcel fabric

Wisconsin Land Information Association has been an excellent organization to be a part of. Every conference is filled with learning opportunities as well as great social activities. Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of the latest GIS news in Wisconsin during this upcoming event.

Contact us for more information or to setup a time to meet at WLIA.

A Mapping Overhaul for Peoria's Springdale Cemetery

Did you know that Central Illinois’ largest cemetery has over 75,000 gravesites? And it is the final resting place of some of the most famous historical Illinoisans. When the cemetery needed an upgrade to their mapping software to ingrate a more user-friendly, web-based system, they turned to Cloudpoint Geographics.

Each section of the cemetery had its own set up maps and related grave records. These historic records were manually reviewed and data entered into the new mapping system. The final application will consist of a searchable, interactive, GIS web map for cemetery managers to easily update records for burials and track lot sales.

The team was able to provide drone flights and GPS data collection to introduce high-resolution imagery onto the scene and increase spatial accuracy of all gravesites along with the various sectional layouts of the cemetery. As part of the final project the Client will be receiving an interactive web-based mapping application to easily search, edit, and updated burial records, lot sales, and ownership information for each site. In addition, Cloudpoint will be providing a public-facing web map that allows the public to search by last name to find loved ones or to support genealogical research. For more information on how your cemetery can improve data management and benefit from integrating GIS technology contact us or call 877-377-8124.

Tazewell County 9-1-1 Receives GIS Data Upgrade

Late last year, the Tazewell County ETSB contracted with Cloudpoint Geographics to provide GIS Data Cleanup and Configuration in preparation for NG9-1-1. The contract includes the following major components that will be configured and delivered through Esri’s ArcGIS platform including ArcGIS Online for communities to submit updates to road centerline and address data.

• Data Assessment to review existing data and analyze errors

• Integration of GIS updates with the Client’s CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) system

• Coordination with local agencies to incorporate local GIS data layers

• Building structure points layer with classification

• Spatial updates to road centerlines and address points

• Correcting topological errors in boundary layers

• Converting data format and spatial reference to State of Illinois’ NG9-1-1 Data Standards

• Setup & integration of Enterprise GIS for data exchange with local agencies

• Ongoing GIS data maintenance

The results of this project will assist Tazewell County 9-1-1 dispatchers and emergency responders by improving data accuracy and increasing efficiency in response times. Additionally it will provide increased communications between the county 9-1-1 and local addressing authorities. For more information regarding Cloudpoint’s NG9-1-1 GIS data services please contact us or visit our NG9-1-1 services page.

Team Member Spotlight: Matt Junker

Matt and his talents further expand the services aspect of the Cloudpoint team. His previous professional exposure has given him a rare set of tools that allow diversity in our workforce. However, each previous employment opportunity has seemingly prepared Mr. Junker (pronounced: Yunker) to be a cohesive part of our team. Professionally, Matt has worked for public and private entities. His work includes cadastral data maintenance, creation and maintenance of GIS data for various county departments, development and maintenance of mapping applications, technical support for highway department sign inventory, and review of orthophotography proposals from vendors.

Matt plays a key role in providing managed GIS services for our clients and he plans to obtain his GISP certification in 2019 as he continues to take advantage of training and educational opportunities. Some of his favorite things to do in his spare time:

• Travel the Midwest on family adventures

• Play / watch sports (Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Fighting Ilini)

• Outdoor activities

• Listening to live music

When asked about his most interesting fun fact Matt says, “I was born during a blizzard, and my parents made it to the hospital with the assistance of County and State snow plows.” Thank goodness for our public servants who work so hard to keep the roads cleared. To describe where his interest in GIS started, Matt recalls, “My interest in maps started when I received a pocket atlas at about age 7. I collected my own traffic data on Route 89 in Varna from the living room window later on. After early plans for Architecture or Engineering fizzled, I chose Geography and worked as a Cartographer for my first professional gig. The interest in GIS built from there.”

Matt resides in Metamora, IL with his wife, Amy, and three young children. Cloudpoint Geographics is blessed to have Matt as part of our team of professionals.

Duluth, MN and Door Co, WI: Fish boils, Aerial Lift Bridge, Jeans, and Smoked Salmon

So recently I made my first trip to Duluth, MN for the GIS/LIS conference which consisted of well over 500 people from across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and many other states throughout the country. Micah Williamson and I were able to make the trek Northward all the way from central Illinois. One of the highlights of the trip up was the stop at Micah’s sister’s house in Eau Claire, WI where our timing was perfect as she was making burritos and kind enough to share with us, Thanks Amy!

The three days in Duluth at the conference were very enjoyable as we were able to meet many new faces and give out some wonderful gift bags of specialty coffee beans from the Blue Heron Trading Co located in Duluth’s popular DeWitt Seitz Marketplace which is the same building that houses our northern partner company, ​North Point Geographic Solutions.

While there, we were able to sample the amazing smoked salmon at a local favoritet, Northen Waters Smokehaus. A little free time the first night allowed us to squeeze in visits to my new favorite stores, Duluth Trading Company, where I picked up a much-needed pair of jeans, as well as the Duluth Pack Store which I highly recommend if you are visiting the area. However all of the luster of the tasty food and outfitter stores were both topped by the magnificent Aerial Lift Bridge which is an absolutely spectacular site, especially when lit up at night.

My second trip was to Door County, WI for the Fall regional meeting for the Wisconsin Land Information Association which was highlighted by the fish boil at the social night held at Waterfront Mary’s. If you’ve never been to a fish boil this is also a must see traditional event where they boil the fish in a big black kettle and boil it for 30 minutes or so over an open fire with all the right mix-in’s added in. For other highlights of our latest ventures at Cloudpoint Geographics please subscribe to our newsletter at cloudpointgeo.com/newsletter.

Montgomery County secures Long Range Transportation Grant!

The Cloudpoint team was able to assist the Montgomery County Highway Department in securing grant funding for the upcoming 2019 fiscal year through the Statewide Planning & Research Program for Asset Management.  This program will consist of data collection and inventory work for infrastructure assets that will be incorporated into a system-wide GIS application using ArcGIS Online.  The new application will give the department the ability to easily track and manage infrastructure assets all in one centralized location and improve planning for future capital improvement projects through the use of web maps and operations dashboards.  For more information on how Cloudpoint can help you organize your asset management program please contact us at 877-377-8124.

Scott County receives GIS Data cleanup for NG9-1-1

When Scott County, Iowa had a recent opportunity to secure grant funding to provide GIS data cleanup for NG9-1-1 they took full advantage and contract with Cloudpoint to compete this work.  The project had a very tight time frame being completed in less than 60 days.  This work involved cleanup of Emergency Service boundaries in the GIS, as well as repairing road centerline geometry, correcting road centerline address ranges, directional errors in digitize roadway directions, and reviewing site address data points that fell out of range with the centerlines.  Cloudpoint was able to complete this cleanup work using tools including curves-to-lines in ArcGIS Pro, creating topologies, and using the 'Align To Shape' tool for aligning emergency services boundaries with road centerlines and administrative or political boundaries where applicable.  Overall the project involved a over of 88,000 address points and more than 2,300 centerline miles.  Cloudpoint continues to provide high quality GIS data services for state and local governments throughout the Midwest.  For more information contact our office at 877-377-8124.

A screenshot of address points, road centerlines, and emergency services boundaries requiring review and data cleanup for improving emergency response and dispatch for NG9-1-1 services in Scott County, IA.

Another trip to The Esri User Conference in San Diego

Cloudpoint's Erin Strickler was able to attend the Esri User Conference, the world's largest GIS conference, in San Diego for the first time this year.  This is the fifth time that the Cloudpoint team has been represented at the conference where over 17,000 people gather to hear the latest GIS news and enjoy thousands of hours of one-on-one networking, collaboration, and fun with fellow attendees.  Erin shares some of her highlights of attending this year's conference in this blog.

Village of Burr Ridge receives a GIS face lift!

Burr Ridge is home to over 500 businesses occupying more than 6 million square feet of floor area and employing 10,000 plus people.

The Village of Burr Ridge has contracted with Cloudpoint Geographics to provide complete managed GIS services.  Cloudpoint's professional staff will act as an extension to the Village's internal staff when it comes to GIS needs and communicating with its constituents.  Here are some resources that the Client will soon be able to take advantage thanks to this newly formed partnership.

ArcGIS Online

Address Buffer Tool

Street Light Collection

Village staff had the foresight to see that a centralized GIS can be a "single source of truth" for both internal and external users to access critical information to help drive decision making processes.  The Cloudpoint team will be working closely with the finance director, assistant administrator, public works officials, and IT staff to remotely connecting to the Village's network to perform GIS upgrades and rolling out new applications for the system as well as providing regular training for their staff.  For more information on how your agency can take advantage of our affordable GIS services you can contact us through our website or call 877-377-8124.