Issue link: https://resources.esri.ca/i/1001300
MRC de Coaticook decided to create a series of web apps and story maps using Esri's ArcGIS technology to make data easily accessible to residents. With ArcGIS, the geomatics division created visually appealing and user-friendly apps, and complex maps with details such as labels and symbologies. Since it was the most commonly- used software among GIS technicians, the division did not require any formal training. By investing in a basic ArcGIS Online license, the regional municipality managed to stay within its budget. ArcGIS Online allows users to access data through multiple browsers, which means employees can work on any device. They can easily publish data from their geodatabase directly to their website and anyone can access and share that data in real time. The general public can now access a series of interactive maps, all built with ArcGIS Online. The interactive maps allow users to zoom, move, research and click on maps to view information as they want. For more complex GIS data treatments and to manage larger raster datasets, the division combined Esri technology with Geomatica, a remote sensing desktop software from Esri partner PCI Geomatics. They also used the Maplex Label Engine in ArcGIS Desktop for labelling online maps to make them more informative and useful. Since the regional municipality was looking to digitize its cadastral data as well, ArcGIS' integration with the Python programming language proved to be another advantage. By leveraging ArcGIS Online for interactive mapping, MRC de Coaticook is making information available to anyone, regardless of their skill level. Previously, employees and citizens would have to contact someone within the municipality to get information, but not anymore. Not only can they access information directly from the site, they are pleasantly surprised with the extent of information easily available online. People do not need to call the public services departments as often, which has increased employees' productivity. With easy access to data, everyone has become more efficient. Providing information through user-friendly interactive maps has helped raise the bar for public services. Having access to data where and when they want it has turned out to be a big technological leap for the otherwise hesitant employees. Working in silos, most of them were not aware how GIS could help them move closer to their goal of becoming a smart community, and more importantly, raise the municipality's overall reputation as a progressive government among residents. With GIS, MRC de Coaticook is paving the way for digital transformation of its public offices and services, creating the much-needed enthusiasm among employees to embrace technology and innovation, and the confidence to do more with less. Their example shows that GIS is not just meant for the privileged few; a small municipality with limited resources can also leverage it for great success. Small Regional Municipality Dreams Big with ArcGIS Online | Esri Canada 2 "Since I began my career in geomatics, Esri technology has been indispensable to my day-to-day tasks. As the most commonly-used GIS software, it's easy to share data and workflows with partners. With Esri, I have confidence in turning an idea into reality." Martin Mimeault GIS Specialist MRC de Coaticook Solution Benefits MRC de Coaticook has produced more than a dozen apps using ArcGIS Online, making data easily accessible to residents and municipal employees.