The document discusses challenges with developing and maintaining web GIS applications, and proposes using a configurable software platform called Geocortex Spatial Application Infrastructure (SAI) to address these challenges. It notes that SAI allows organizations to leverage out-of-the-box configuration, workflows and activities to develop applications faster while reducing costs, while also enabling customization when needed through workflow and application programming interfaces. The key is focusing configuration and workflow over custom code wherever possible to streamline development and maintenance.

1. Scott Stafford-Veale
Harnessing Configuration
for Web GIS Application Development
September 25, 2014

2. •Server GIS software company –Customizable COTS solutions
•Professional services, support, and training
•1000+ clients worldwide
•95+ staff –focus on ArcGIS Server / ArcGIS Online
•Esri Platinum Partner
•Located in Victoria BC, Waterloo ON, Cambridge, UK

3. We see common web mapping challenges across hundreds of organizations and departments implementing GIS.

4. Challenge 1: Solving business problems often involves additional development to meet functional requirements.

5. Challenge 2: Maintainingmultiple web mapping applications.

6. Challenge 3: Technology changes quickly.

7. ArcIMS 
Web ADF 
Flex/Silverlight  ArcGIS Server 
Organizations are re-creating the same applications over and over…
Web ADF
REST + Flex/Silverlight
JavaScript/HTML5
ArcGIS Online/Portal for ArcGIS

8. Maximum simplicity…
with power & versatility

9. Pushing for Intuitive, Targeted Apps

10. “I need many compelling and powerful applications to serve my end users.
The required technology is changing rapidly but I’m budget restrained and moderately qualified to deliver them myself”
Anonymous, haggard GIS Manager

11. BeginnersExpertsPerpetualIntermediates
GISP’s as Web GIS Developers

12. The Challenge
“To accelerate the adoption and use of an application and lower the cost of ownership.”
Application Development within the
Geocortex Spatial Application Infrastructure
Out of the Box
Configuration
Workflow
Workflow/
REST API
Customization
Viewer API
Customization

13. Out of the box
Configuration & Workflow
Customization
1.Easy to implement and maintain
2.Doesn’t meet functional requirements
1.Easy to implement and maintain
2.More up front configurationthan OOTB
3.Doesn’t meet functional requirements
1.Code base needs to be maintained and maycause upgrade problems
2.More up front development cost
3.Improved user experience
Usability

14. Out of the box
Configuration & Workflow
Customization
1.Majority of application leverages core features.
1.Back-end configuration and management tools built using Geocortex Workflow.
2.Custom tools built using Geocortex Workflow
1.Custom modules built on Geocortex Silverlight or JavaScript API.
2.Maylead to upgrade concerns .
Maintenance

15. ‘configure’ wherever possible….

16. Potential Producer Nightmare
Database Connections
Map Services
Security
Custom Tools
Integration
Reports
Search
Workflows
Custom
Code
ArcGIS Platform
Viewer Application
Multiply this stack by 12…

17. An Approach
Database Connections
Security
Configuration
Custom Tools
Integration
Reports
Search
Workflows
Map Server
Feature Server
Geocode Server
ArcGIS Server
ArcGIS Online
Hosted Services
Hosted Data
Web Maps
Configurable Platform (COTS)

18. Build Application Using Geocortex Manager

19. What about sophisticated user interactions?
•Create Form Letters for a Proposed Zoning Change
•Investigate Emergency Response History
•Find documents associated with a parcel
•Investigate a Service Request
•Economic Development property searches
•Extract Spatial Data
•Detailed Parcel Report

20. Configuring Sophisticated User Interactions
Geoprocessing
Route
Query
Geocode
Open Form
Intersection
SQL
Send Email
Get User
Capture Geometry
Get Extents
Zoom to extents
Show Selection
Print map
Server-Side ActivitiesClient-Side Activities

21. Leverage Workflow Technology

22. Drawbacks of Configurable Software
May not have 100% of the look, feel, function you are looking for.
Might require compromise.

23. Advantages of Configurable Software
Faster development/deployment
Easier maintenance/upgrades

24. Advantages of Configurable Software
Less $$
(both immediate and long-term)

25. START
COTS
Enterprise
App
TIME & MONEY
CAPABILITIES
Workflow
Forms
Charts
Security
Search
Reports
Data Links
Viewers

26. Out of the Box
Configuration
Workflow
Workflow/
REST API
Customization
Viewer API
Customization
2
1
3
1.Leverage SAI Configuration: Common elements available in other applications, so why re- invent the wheel?
2.Focus on Application Adoption: Wherever possible leverage out of the box Workflow activities
butbe sure the solution closes the functionality gap
3.Be Smart about Customization: Although workflow can do most of the work, a few custom REST API and Workflow activities improved performance and maintainability.
Summary

27. Demonstration

28. Thank you
ssv@latitudegeo.com