One of the recurring themes that you will often read in DeLorme’s XMap informational literature is that XMap is equally well suited as a standalone GIS application or as an extension to your existing GIS infrastructure. As XMap continues to evolve, more and more emphasis is being placed on improving the interoperability with third-party GIS software and databases and on simplifying the exchange of data between the different platforms. Seen in this light, XMap functions as a bridge between your current GIS setup and those who need access to the data on an ongoing basis, namely your field staff or mobile workforce.
Before considering this question in the context of the current versions of XMap, it is worth taking a look back at DeLorme’s first venture into the world of GIS in the early versions of XMap.
DeLorme’s strength in the field of mapping technology has always been founded on the inherent mobility of its software. Companies with large field-based workforces were quick to recognize this and were equally quick to ask for additional functionality to support their field operations. One of the most frequent requests was for a tool to integrate corporate GIS datasets into this mobile mapping platform. DeLorme acquiesced with the release of XMap version 3, which offered a simple function for importing shapefiles as draw layers. The intention of this feature was simply to provide an easy-to-use and affordable means to display GIS data in the field. For this reason, the early versions of XMap were particularly appealing to GIS administrators.
Read More…
Since those early days, XMap’s development has followed two paths. A vast array of functionality has been added to allow XMap to serve as a self-contained spatial data management tool, typically for relatively small scale operations. Concurrently the XMap development team has spent a considerable amount of time designing the efficient data distribution capability that has been adopted by numerous large-scale GIS departments.
XMap is not intended as a replacement for your current GIS software, instead it adds value to your GIS investment by extending its reach. In the office, the Enterprise version of XMap is used to import and stage your data in preparation for distribution. It can even pull layers directly from your ArcSDE databases. XMap’s integrated Database Manager application is then used to set up the subscription process by which selected layers will be assigned to an individual or group as appropriate.
In the field, the Professional version of XMap provides easy, read-only access to these GIS layers with a simple click of a button. This synchronization process is initiated by the field user and it ensures that they have the latest version of each layer to which they are subscribed.
Perhaps the most appealing function of the XMap suite for GIS administrators is the redlining tool that is included in XMap Professional. As a component of the synchronization process, this easy-use-annotation feature allows field workers to communicate with their GIS administrator using a variety of markup tools. These redline layers are automatically delivered to the central database with each synchronization, allowing the data administrator to correct or update the master layers as necessary.
Most GIS managers will agree that a fully functional GIS is one in which all vested parties have access to the necessary data. XMap can play a key role in this process by simplifying the distribution of data and by providing an easy-to-use and affordable GIS viewer for field operatives.
One of the recurring themes that you will often read in DeLorme’s XMap informational literature is that XMap is equally well suited as a standalone GIS application or as an extension to your existing GIS infrastructure. As XMap continues to evolve, more and more emphasis is being placed on improving the interoperability with third-party GIS software and databases and on simplifying the exchange of data between the different platforms. Seen in this light, XMap functions as a bridge between your current GIS setup and those who need access to the data on an ongoing basis, namely your field staff or mobile workforce.Before considering this question in the context of the current versions of XMap, it is worth taking a look back at DeLorme’s first venture into the world of GIS in the early versions of XMap.
DeLorme’s strength in the field of mapping technology has always been founded on the inherent mobility of its software. Companies with large field-based workforces were quick to recognize this and were equally quick to ask for additional functionality to support their field operations. One of the most frequent requests was for a tool to integrate corporate GIS datasets into this mobile mapping platform. DeLorme acquiesced with the release of XMap version 3, which offered a simple function for importing shapefiles as draw layers. The intention of this feature was simply to provide an easy-to-use and affordable means to display GIS data in the field. For this reason, the early versions of XMap were particularly appealing to GIS administrators.
Since those early days, XMap’s development has followed two paths. A vast array of functionality has been added to allow XMap to serve as a self-contained spatial data management tool, typically for relatively small scale operations. Concurrently the XMap development team has spent a considerable amount of time designing the efficient data distribution capability that has been adopted by numerous large-scale GIS departments.
XMap is not intended as a replacement for your current GIS software, instead it adds value to your GIS investment by extending its reach. In the office, the Enterprise version of XMap is used to import and stage your data in preparation for distribution. It can even pull layers directly from your ArcSDE databases. XMap’s integrated Database Manager application is then used to set up the subscription process by which selected layers will be assigned to an individual or group as appropriate.
In the field, the Professional version of XMap provides easy, read-only access to these GIS layers with a simple click of a button. This synchronization process is initiated by the field user and it ensures that they have the latest version of each layer to which they are subscribed.
Perhaps the most appealing function of the XMap suite for GIS administrators is the redlining tool that is included in XMap Professional. As a component of the synchronization process, this easy-use-annotation feature allows field workers to communicate with their GIS administrator using a variety of markup tools. These redline layers are automatically delivered to the central database with each synchronization, allowing the data administrator to correct or update the master layers as necessary.Most GIS managers will agree that a fully functional GIS is one in which all vested parties have access to the necessary data. XMap can play a key role in this process by simplifying the distribution of data and by providing an easy-to-use and affordable GIS viewer for field operatives.
