1. Texas Apiary Inspection System
Texas Apiary Inspection System (TAIS) is a web-based application designed to ease the apiary inspection
process while minimizing the unintentional mistakes by providing a simple and user-friendly UI for both
inspectors and administrators. The design and implementation of this application ensure that the
technology and techniques used in this application are efficient and easily deployable in any scenario.
This system is made up of two main components: (a) Inspection component, and (b) Administration
component. The inspection component is designed to act as an interface between the inspectors and the
Database. The administration component is a web application running on our servers. It is used by the
system administrator(s) to produce periodical reports and keep track of the bee keeping permits and
inspector activities.
Microsoft and esri Development Technologies
The core implementation of the Texas Apiary Inspection System is based on Microsoft technologies. The
web components of the TAIS are hosted on Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS) and are built using
latest Microsoft web technologies including SQLServer, .NET v4.5, Bing Maps v7.0, and the C#
programming language. We have chosen Trimble devices that are best known for accurate GPS
technology, as the handheld inspection units. These devices operate under Windows Mobile CE 6.5
2. operating system and are equipped with built-in and accurate GPS sensors in order to locate the latitude
and longitude at any location. The inspectors use their devices to input observations via forms that are
implemented using esri’s ArcGIS® application.
Why Microsoft and esri Technologies?
The use of popular tried and tested Microsoft technologies ensures web site longevity in the face of rapidly
changing web site technologies. Specifically, backwards compatibility of Microsoft technologies will
ensure that the software will function ‘as is’ on upgrades to Server Operating Systems and Database
Management Tools. In addition we have used the technologies provided by esri, one of the pioneers in
Geographic Information System (GIS) software. By using ArcGIS® (an esri product) on Trimble Windows-
based devices, we provide a system independent inspection software. This will ease the process of
upgrading the inspection devices to any other mobile platforms (including Windows Phone, iOS, and
Android) while providing a uniform experience to the inspectors.
Modular and Extensible Design
The core design philosophy of TAIS requires each component of the system to be designed as a self-
contained module. Each module provides functionalities via Web services to other system modules. This
ensures future updates in the system can be done seamlessly without interrupting the system’s
accessibility. For example, in the case of changes in Graphical User Interface (GUI) or inspection devices
the back-end methods can be used untouched. On the other hand, back-end analysis and algorithms can
be optimized without interrupting the system users. Although the current status of the TAIS is tailored to
the requirements of the state of Texas, the modularity of the system allows for a rapid extension with
minor changes for new states or even nation-wide use of the software.
A Problem Independent Solution
Texas Apiary inspection System is one instance of a group of problems that can be tackled using this
software architecture. The software architecture in this system is designed to be an inspection system in
the first place. Since inspections are required in many different domains, this makes our software
architecture suitable for this group of problems, such as sites of special scientific interest (e.g. endangered
species, natural areas); and urban areas (e.g., hospitals, schools, city neighborhoods).
