ESRI has added an "Open Data" tool to ArcGIS Online. Basically, it streamlines the data sharing process. For the first time in the history of GIS data can be shared and distributed easily via ESRI software. Not that it was terribly hard to share data before, but the "open data" tool is a more complete method in my opinion. Listed below are two items that make the new tools far and away better than anything previously available.
First, the data can be shared in multiple formats simultaneously, so more users can be accommodated with minimal effort. In other words, the open data portal translates the data semi-automatically.
Second, "permissions" are much easier to manage, which is manged through ArcGIS Online. The data can be shared with certain groups or with the general public.
In another session, I also discovered an easier method to update the GIS Amazon Cloud Server. ESRI has developed an application called ArcGIS Server Cloud Builder. It simplifies the setup process for the ESRI AMI on Amazon. It's very intuitive as opposed to creating an ESRI instance on the Amazon's site. For example, a few months ago, an Amazon Technical support rep had trouble helping me setup a new "more modern" server, so we scrapped it for another day.
First, the data can be shared in multiple formats simultaneously, so more users can be accommodated with minimal effort. In other words, the open data portal translates the data semi-automatically.
Second, "permissions" are much easier to manage, which is manged through ArcGIS Online. The data can be shared with certain groups or with the general public.
Interesting tidbit. The President and Congress have implemented an "Open Data" policy that all federal agencies are required to follow. Therefore, non-sensitive data is shared by those agencies. Justification for the policy includes "Open government" and several other items that are too lengthy to list in this blog. This coincides similar initiatives that have been implemented within some state and local governments as well. All counties in the State of North Carolina and York County, SC are just a few that are within the geographic vicinity of Pickens County.
In another session, I also discovered an easier method to update the GIS Amazon Cloud Server. ESRI has developed an application called ArcGIS Server Cloud Builder. It simplifies the setup process for the ESRI AMI on Amazon. It's very intuitive as opposed to creating an ESRI instance on the Amazon's site. For example, a few months ago, an Amazon Technical support rep had trouble helping me setup a new "more modern" server, so we scrapped it for another day.
No comments:
Post a Comment