Case Studies

Solution After learning about the benefits of ArcGIS Online and Portal for ArcGIS at the Esri User Conference in San Diego, the City was inspired to devise a new strategy that embraced web GIS—a system that uses web technology to communicate between a server and a client. The City believed that the HTML and JavaScript environment offered through Esri's web GIS platform would better integrate the City's server and web services. A project team comprised of GIS and IT staff collaborated on a strategy to configure and deploy a suite of focused apps for different groups. The project team's first step was to work closely with the City's Privacy Officer to complete a standard privacy impact assessment for the technology. This ensured they adhered to policies which satisfied the requirements of the municipality and province. Next, the project team conducted a thorough needs assessment with three departments—Engineering and Public Works, Planning and Development, and Parks, Recreation & Culture Services—to ensure the apps would suit their needs. The project team adopted an iterative process that involved leading and guiding groups with app demos and soliciting feedback based on the prototypes the team created. The project team leveraged out-of-the-box tools and templates, such as Web AppBuilder for ArcGIS, to efficiently configure and deploy a suite of apps that met or exceeded user needs. Benefits The outcome of the City's collaborative, agile approach to planning, creating and launching apps is a suite of web-based tools that has improved efficiency and productivity for city staff. The Public Works Field Map saves valuable time for staff and streamlines their ability to keep information up to date. Created to replace printed maps and map books used by staff in the field, the web app runs on tablets and is configured to display information from the City's centralized geodatabase that is relevant only to a user. The Pipe Inspection Video & Report App integrates several systems to give utilities staff a tool for investigating underground pipe conditions. The app has improved response times by eliminating the need for staff to search through a variety of databases using multiple software products to gather information before visiting a work site. Field and office staff can retrieve up-to-date videos and reports in the field or office by simply selecting a location on a web map. The Five-Year Capital Plan App has eliminated the use of six different paper maps, as well as information buried in the City's document management system, giving senior staff in engineering and public works an interactive, map- based interface for infrastructure planning in specific neighbourhoods. Staff can now compare current projects and planned projects by location with the tap of a screen, expediting the planning process and enriching insights. New Web Mapping Approach Moves City of Coquitlam Towards Greater Productivity | Esri Canada 2 Coquitlam's Engineering & Public Works Field Map keeps office and field staff connected with real-time updates about infrastructure assets. Thanks to the City's new Pipe Inspection Video & Report App, searching for utility information has decreased from approximately 30 minutes to less than 10 seconds. "Our experience has been that web GIS is an efficient way to share information, which leads to better decision-making for staff and the public." Sean Watson Business Systems Analyst, City of Coquitlam

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