SpatialNews Press Release

Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Recognized for ArcPad Applications

www.esricanada.com

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Kelowna, BC - The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) was presented with an Award of Excellence at ESRI Canada's annual ESRI Regional User Conference in Kelowna. Alex Miller, President of ESRI Canada, the leading geographic information systems (GIS) provider in Canada, presented the Award in recognition of their ArcPad applications. More than 150 GIS professionals were on hand for the presentation, which was one of the highlights of the conference.

"The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has taken GIS in a Regional District to the next level with innovative and progressive applications built using ArcIMS and ArcPad," said Alex Miller. "They are using new technology to vastly increase the capacity and public accessibility of their GIS - I applaud their efforts."

Over the past several years RDOS staff have input approximately 16,000 land parcels into a cadastral mapping format. In 2001, the system was expanded to use ArcIMS technology, which allows staff to access, view, and query GIS information including civic ownership, legal, tax code, assessed values, topographic, water systems, sewer systems, and various other data layers. It also allows users to select parcels, generate buffers, and create mailing lists directly from their web browser. In 2002, a 911 ArcIMS application was added to allow Fire Dispatch and area Fire Departments access to parcel location and owner information by entering a civic address.

Two ArcPad applications have been developed to track noxious pest control programs in the region (fruit tree infestations and mosquito control). The applications allow field technicians to record infested areas, contact owners, track action, and input digital photos. Based on the success of these initial applications, RDOS has expanded the use of ArcPad in 2002 to the region's water systems.

"It is a true honour to receive this Award of Excellence from ESRI Canada and to be recognized for our progress in using this technology," said Tim Bouwmeester, GIS Coordinator, RDOS. "The ArcGIS tools have allowed the RDOS to make more informed decisions and distribute important information within our regional government and to the public in an efficient and cost effective manner."

Fruit Tree Infestations:

In the spring of 2001, the Public Works Department requested that reports of infested areas be tracked and recorded. An ArcPad application, including a custom form with a calendar and pull-down lists, was created and loaded onto an iPAQ handheld device to allow staff to map problem areas and attach comments about the infestation while out in the field. The RDOS parcel base for the area of interest, including all civic and ownership information (9,100 parcels), along with the stream and road line work, was added to ArcPad for reference.

The field data is continually added to the GIS database and in turn the ArcIMS application is updated with the new data so office staff can see where the current pest problems are located and view the status of the problem. They can also click on the 'Photo' field and view an image of the infested area on the screen.

Mosquito Control:

Technicians check stagnant water bodies for mosquito larvae and predators that eat the larvae, and apply larval sprays where required. Using an ArcPad application on an iPAQ handheld device, the technicians indicate on a map where the sprays have been applied and record comments for each location including the type of site (flooded field, pond, riparian, etc.). This data is also periodically downloaded and added to the GIS database. It can then be promptly displayed through ArcIMS, permitting staff to obtain details about the locations where the mosquito control program has been applied quickly and easily.

Water Sampling with ArcPad:

The RDOS is also responsible for the supply, treatment, and delivery of potable water for four water service areas in the region. Weekly water samples are taken at numerous set locations throughout the water system. The samples are tested for a variety of water parameters including temperature, turbidity, pH, E.coli, and fecal coliform.

In early 2002, an ArcPad application was developed to allow Public Works staff to input the results of these tests for each individual location into a custom form, while in the field. Graphs of the various water parameters can be generated for each location to show changes in the data over time. Detailed water sampling data is recorded using this system and the results are published on the RDOS website, www.rdos.bc.ca.

About ESRI Canada:

Established in 1984, ESRI Canada is a Canadian owned company specializing in geographic information systems (GIS) products and services. ESRI Canada distributes the world's leading GIS software products including ArcGIS desktop (ArcInfo, ArcEditor, and ArcView); and ArcGIS servers (ArcIMS and ArcSDE). Additional GIS software products include ArcView GIS, ArcPad, MapObjects, and ArcLogistics Route. ESRI Canada also provides professional services including consulting, training, and enterprise GIS implementation. ESRI Canada has ten regional offices across the country, with headquarters in Toronto, Ontario. For more information, please visit www.esricanada.com or call 1-800- 447-9778.

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