Case Studies

Solution To connect field staff with the data they depend on, ESRD launched the Mobile Office Initiative. They deployed ruggedized notebooks installed with ArcPad, enabling the Lands Division staff to collect and update field data automatically to their enterprise GIS. ArcGIS for Desktop was also used to edit and analyze geographic information and maps. The notebooks were equipped with wireless connectivity using Net Motion, secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) access, bluetooth capability and built-in GPS functionality. This allows field staff to retrieve more than 200 sets of data with the click of a button. ESRD began the pilot project with only five notebooks but field staff quickly realized efficiencies associated with retrieving, updating and analyzing information almost immediately. It allowed them to increase the quality and quantity of decisions, such as where to drill oil wells, build utility corridors or harvest forests. They were able to provide immediate feedback to clients, enhancing customer service. Amplified GPS functionality also enhanced staff safety: when rangers encounter rough terrain, they can take a snapshot of their location and email it to the dispatch centre for assistance. As a result, more ruggedized laptops were deployed to more than 300 ESRD staff within 18 months. Benefits Mobile connectedness has essentially eliminated the time lag between actual data collection and system updating, increasing the accuracy and number of inspection reports completed. With staff spending more time in the field, productivity has increased by approximately 30%. The Mobile Office Initiative has also allowed ESRD to become more agile in delivering services which is especially critical to wildfire management. Now, fire staff can immediately head to the site without taking any paper files or maps. They analyze the area using online maps and create a perimeter guard to effectively contain the fire. Communication between the field and the office has significantly improved. Fire personnel used to fly out to assess wildfires and relay information by radio so that senior staff in the office could make decisions. Now, they can send aerial images of the fires so that the appropriate resources can be promptly dispatched to the site. Efficiencies have also been realized in the Fish and Wildlife Division. With direct access to corporate databases, officers can easily verify hunting and fishing licenses on the spot. They can access information on past infractions and warnings to identify repeat offenders. They can also enter occurrence information remotely, as well as receive and act on email notifications from the public regarding potential offenders. Modernizing Alberta's Resource Management with Mobile GIS | Esri Canada 2 Through the Mobile Office Initiative, the Alberta ESRD can create buffer zones to protect endangered wildlife such as trumpeter swans. "Efficiencies gained using mobile GIS allow the province and industry to save thousands of dollars in field surveys. In addition to improved client satisfaction, it also increases job satisfaction for our staff because they're now able to complete their work directly in the field, where they should be spending their time." Evert Smith Alberta ESRD

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