Mapping and spatial software, like all
off-the-shelf products, is designed to serve a wide variety of industries and
applications. As such, it cannot be optimized for the day-to-day work processes of
any single industry or workgroup. The solution: software customization.
In a typical assignment, SGSI builds an application that creates a
regularly-needed report, map-based analysis, or other work product. The
result: more maps & reports in less time using less technical staff.
To complete these applications successfully, SGSI uses its
specialized expertise in digital spatial data, map projections & precision, map
navigation interfaces, RDBMS, digital cartography, and vendor-specific components.
With more than ten years of experience in this field, SGSI's custom software is used
throughout the US and worldwide.
In 2001 and 2002, SGSI received MapInfo Corp's "Partner of the
Year" award for North America based on its success in delivering technical solutions
to business problems.
An international vehicle manufacturer needs to quickly produce
standardized market analysis maps and reports for many different dealer territories.
These need to be based on current-year market and corporate sales data.
Solution:
SGSI creates a "MapGen" add-in for MapInfo Pro
software. Now a market analyst or administrative assistant can produce a set of
one-to-six maps for any dealer in approximately five minutes.
Step 1: Start the MapGen add-in via a custom menu choice:
Step 2: Enter dealer name,
select the type(s) of maps, press "OK":
Result:
Maps are automatically printed as a set. Each map includes
territory-specific content, plus standardized company logo, and other page
elements. Each year maps can be refreshed without programming, simply by
substituting updated sales data tables.
Utility "network mileage" map system
Problem:
Electrical, gas, cable TV and other utilities must report and pay
property taxes based on the value of strand, pipe, conductors or other assets falling
within each taxing jurisdiction. Value is estimated based on the mileage of type of
material. This is a complicated calculation as the utility lines are constantly
extended or replaced. It is common for there to be multiple city, county, library,
fire, transit, or other tax jurisdictions.
Solution:
Based on network digital maps, SGSI creates a "Mileage
Calculator" application to automatically compute the length of each type of pipe,
cable or other taxable asset. Because digital maps are linked to descriptive
databases, and compared to boundary maps of taxing districts, mileage reports can be
subtotaled by type of network link and by tax jurisdiction.
Note: For this application, the client must
supply or prepare network maps and tax jurisdiction maps as these maps are not available
off-the-shelf for most cities.
Result:
Maps are automatically printed as a set. Each map includes
territory-specific titles, company logo, and other consistent page elements. Since
the computation is driven by the maps of network links and tax jurisdictions, the same
custom software will refresh the report when utility or tax jurisdiction maps change.
Telecom "Market saver"
regulatory map system
Problem:
Telecom carriers, as a condition of their licenses, are commonly
required to report the extent to which they serve the residents of their licensed service
area.
Solution:
SGSI creates a "License Saver" add-in for MapInfo Pro
software. The add-in auto-generates "Covered Population" maps and reports
using RF coverage maps in conjunction with maps of current population.
The system creates dozens or hundreds of "License Saver"
maps per hour, all in a consistent format, using a consistent analytic methodology.
Step 1: Start the "License saver" add-in via a custom menu
choice:
Step 2: Using a custom
dialog screen, the user selects the markets to process and points to updated coverage and
population map files:
Result:
Reports, including both a map and a statistical summary table, are
automatically computed and printed for each specified market.
The same custom add-in can be applied to other markets or re-run
periodically, with no software changes. The client simply substitutes updated
population counts and provides updated RF coverage maps. Because the system is
automated, it is cost-effective to prepare "Covered Pops" reports using
alternative signal strength (dB) coverage maps.
Project budgets range from $5,000 on up, depending on the scope of
the work. Each project requires a definitive design before it can be
accurately quoted.
SGSI's billing rates for development and
application design range from $100 to $150/hr depending on the skill set needed.
Discounts are possible for larger projects with predictable schedules.
Please
contact SGSI's application design team at 1-206-0800 for a full discussion of your needs
or to request a quote. As noted above, each project requires a definitive
design for an accurate cost estimate.
