Mannion Geosystems and St. George Consulting design and build new ArcSDE geodatabase for Massachusetts DEP

System offers multi-user editing, improved performance, and better integration with related enterprise systems

EDDINGTON, ME - Enterprise GIS experts Mannion Geosystems, LLC and St. George Consulting Group, Inc. (SGCi) have joined resources to design and implement a centralized geodatabase for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Based on ArcGIS 9 and Oracle technologies, the new system extends the DEP's existing GIS infrastructure and is anticipated to improve access to geographic data, integration with related systems, and performance.

The DEP geodatabase contains a diverse mix of data, generated both in-house and within other agencies throughout the Commonwealth. Spatial data previously maintained at the DEP as files can now be edited in a multi-user versioning environment, and shared more easily with users across the Department. Direct access to supporting tabular information is also enhanced through links to the Environmental Protection Integrated Computer System (EPCIS), another Oracle-based system at the DEP.

Also included in the new geodatabase are local copies of over 300 data sources organized by MassGIS, the Commonwealth's Office of Geographic and Environmental Information. Among these is a seamless mosaic of half-meter color orthophotographs for the entire state of Massachusetts. Created from more than one thousand TIFF files over more than a week's time, this 300+ gigabyte raster offers users on the DEP LAN almost instantaneous access to this valuable resource.

"Planning the physical design of this database took some time because of its size and diversity" says Michael Mannion, Mannion Geosystems database consultant for the project. "Implementing this system took the skills and coordination of many individuals from both the GIS and ITO (Information Technology Office) groups at the DEP. I think everyone can be proud of the results and look forward to having a stable, well-performing foundation for future GIS work."

"Another highlight of the project for me was working with Stu Rich" continues Mannion. "The St. George Consulting Group has an excellent reputation in the New England GIS community. Since opening our doors last year, I have been looking forward to the opportunity to partner with them. Based on our experiences in Boston, I hope this will be only the first of many such successful endeavors together."

"Mannion Geosystems has added great technical depth to our team." according to Stu Rich of the St. George Consulting Group. "I don't know of anyone else in the country that brings Michael's depth of understanding of geodatabase implementation and combines it with his ability to communicate that knowledge in a way that is easily understandable. Mannion Geosystems is always our preferred partner for challenging geodatabase implementations."

St. George Consulting Group and Mannion Geosystems participated in this project through prime contractor Venturi Technology Partners, LLC of Waltham, MA.

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