gis-l: FDEP GIS - frequently asked questions and news

[North, Joe]

Good Afternoon,

Here are a few bits of general FDEP-GIS information that you might find interesting or helpful.

Most of OTIS/GIS's technical support requests this past month or so have involved ArcGIS desktop license choice and connectivity.  An archive of these periodic emails may be found at this link<http://lists.dep.state.fl.us/pipermail/gis-l/>

Question:  Which of the multiple ArcGIS desktop products that are available (ArcReader, ArcView, ArcEditor and ArcInfo) should I be using?
Answer:  ESRI's desktop products differ in the functionality that each product offers and in price to clients who are interested in buying individual licenses.  ArcReader offers basic viewing functionality.  Each of the other products in the order listed build in additional functionality with ArcINFO offering the fullest set of tools and functionality.  See ESRI's functionality comparison matrix for version 9.3.1<http://www.esri.com/library/brochures/pdfs/arcgis931-functionality-matrix-list.pdf> and/or functionality comparison matrix for version 10<http://www.esri.com/library/brochures/pdfs/arcgis10-desktop-functionality-matrix.pdf> for a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the products.  FDEP's Enterprise Licensing Agreement with ESRI allows for an unlimited number of each of the listed products so individual license costs shouldn't be taken into account when choosing a "flavor" that is most appropriate for you.

Question: How do I enable the ArcGIS desktop product that I need?
Answer: Select the Start button on your desktop's taskbar and then follow this path...All programs>ArcGIS>ArcGIS Administrator>Expand the Desktop folder>then select the software product to be used for ArcGIS Desktop applications, hit "apply", closeout the ArcGIS administrator dialog box and then begin using the software.  Note: for most users the License Manager for concurrent Use software products should be "ESRILIC".  If this doesn't work for you, please send an email to GIS.Librarian at dep.state.fl.us<mailto:GIS.Librarian at dep.state.fl.us>

Related item:  ArcGIS Desktop version 10 allows the ability for users to "Borrow" a license.  This has been helpful for a few laptop users who need to work out in the field or at a location that is disconnected from FDEP's network for short (less than 30 days) intervals of time.

OTIS/GIS news

The Aerial Imagery 2011 layer has been expanded to include imagery from Duval, Nassau, Union and Bradford Counties.  Other counties flown in the winter of 2010-2011 are currently being reviewed by USGS and will be made available to users department-wide very soon after USGS approval.

The department's Oracle Database Management System will be upgraded from version 10g to 11g.  FDEP's GIS stores enterprise data in a number of Spatial Database Engine (SDE) instances that will all be upgraded in the upcoming weeks.  The main instance that provides GIS layers for Data Miner, Map Direct and library database connections through ArcMap and ArcCatalog will be upgraded during the weekend of November 20, 2011.  This change should be transparent to the majority of GIS users but please report any data anomalies that occur after Nov 20th  to the service desk.

Several program area representatives and OTIS/GIS staff recently participated in a USGS enhanced elevation data needs assessment.  It is hoped that participation will result in the USGS creating and distributing improved Digital Elevation Models, contours of elevation and other LiDAR derived products.  The USGS is currently processing the requirements communicated by all 50 states and very recently presented their progress in a National States Geographic Information Council Conference.

Best regards,


OTIS/GIS



Please take a few minutes to share your comments on the service you received from the department by clicking on this link. DEP Customer Survey<http://survey.dep.state.fl.us/?refemail=Joe.North@dep.state.fl.us>.
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