Student Blogs

Database Product

Without data my work as a GIS technician would be impossible. All GIS data is collected form official NJDEP website. Depending on the job itself the data I may be interested, information may vary form simple xls files to geographical and geological layers (pre-established maps). To start with any project I will have to have layers to begin with and I am using ArcEditor to collect all my data. ArcEditor is the midlevel software suite designed for advanced editing of spatial data published in the proprietary ESRI format. It is part of the ArcGIS product and it provides tools for the creation of map and spatial data used in Geospatial Information Systems [1]. ArcEditor is a powerful GIS desktop system for editing and managing geographic data. It includes all the functionality of ArcView along with additional advanced editing tools to ensure the quality of your data. ArcEditor supports single-user and multiuser editing, allowing you to disconnect from the database and edit in the field. With ArcEditor [2]. Minimum number of layers has to be 3, representing the state, county and the city you are doing project for. With ArcEditor I can bring in information regarding specific layers that I am interested in, and can manipulate with the same data. This means I can delete, add, combine and create a whole new set of layers that can be used latter on for more advanced and complicated projects.

1. ArcEditor allows multiple users to simultaneously modify data, build and maintain spatial relationships between features using topology rules and processes called validation. It also performs raster-to-vector conversion and creates data from scanned maps [3].

2. ArcEditor support multiple workflows, manage work order processing and implements questions as well as procedures for validating and edits important for project. Also monitors the database over time and evaluate what-if scenarios if any changes occur [3].

3. It would be useful if our maps that we created can be available to the public, where people through NJDEP website can download our already completed maps and do some changes if they have to. It stead we all have to download general layers that I mention earlier and do it all over again from the beginning.  For example, I know that my professor was working on some project to establish all monitoring wells in state of NJ, and if I did not know that I would have to complete entire process by myself just to get to that point where I can actually modify what he has done. But luckily, since I know him, he was kind enough to send me his work so it was much easier for me to modify some layers and get my final project.

[1]“ArcEditor.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 16 July 2011. Web. 16 July 2011. < en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ArcEditor>.

[2]Arceditor. (2009). ESRI Understanding or the World,1(1), 1-2.

[3] ArcGisr. (2010). ESRI,1(1), 3-4.

Hardware and Software

Central Processing Unit (CPU) is one of the parts of the computer that enables the data to circle between each of CPU. The speed at which information is traveling form one CPU to another can be upgraded through different types of memory.

A storage area network (SAN) is a term referring to the combination of computers, resources and networks from multiple administrative domains to reach a common goal. (Potter, July 2011) Grid computing Is rapidly increasing as we can see in some of leading companies such as Sun HP, Intel, IBM and Sun which are focused on advanced commercial use of global software.

Digital Camera is an input device used with PC to record and store images and video in digital form. (Stair, & Reynolds, 2012) It is able to theoretically put your ayes and ears to a specific site, and gets you better perspective.

Smartphone is a mobile device that is combining basic functions of mobile phone, camera, internet browsing device, and many other personal digital assistance device all in one. (Stair, & Reynolds, 2012) The future of Smartphone’s is number of mobile applications which will be able to serve us continuously without our active engagement such as collect data, analyze situations, and provide information in situ. ("Smartphones of the," 2011)

Touch-sensitive Screens is a pointing device that enables the user to interact with the computer by touching the screen. It can be used as input as well as output devices and these devices are widely used nowadays. 

Davies, Anthony. (July 2010). Grid computing. (July 2010). Grid computing. WikiProject.

Stair, Ralph, & Reynolds, George. (2012). Hardware-software. Boston: Course Technology.

Smartphones of the Future. (2011). Next big future. MIT.

Potter, R. (July 2011). Touch-Sensitive Sreens. (July 2010). Touch-Sensitive Sreens. WikiProject.

Information System

In chapter 1 we were able to get deeper understanding of IS through input, processing, output and feedback. Interesting fact is that most of these main phases in IS are included in our daily life, and even though our interaction with customer services, we already were engaged in some steps of IS.

Each system is highly complex set of number of different components working together for comment good. Every system has its boundaries dividing it from its surroundings. In every system we have input that goes into the system and as a result we have output, which is the final product that we see and pay for it (Blackburn, 1986).

Every system is highly complex structure with one and only purpose and that is “what it does” (Staford, 2001). Even though nowadays every system must be somehow influenced by computers and the same computers are making our lives so much easier. Computers create one central system like internet for example, and in case if that perfect system fails we have so called “domino effect” and entire system will crash. That is why having only one central system is never good idea, but combination of many systems that relay and support each other is the way to go. That is why we have certain phases in any IS making it highly complex system.

My personally the most favorite system is mobile commerce and the benefits that the system brings. Speed, accuracy, knowledge and awareness are the most important aspects of any information, hence the system. Mobile commerce can occur anywhere and any time which creates more opportunity for small businesses to introduce themselves in the world market.

New technology is rapidly changing and the system of producing and using technology changes as well with lightning speed. Ability to catch up with this changes will secure you position in these systems and ability to function.

Blackburn, J.R. (1986). General system theory. 10, 1-4.

Beer, Stafford (2002). "What is cybernetics?". Kybernetes (MCB UP Ltd) 31 (2): 209–219. doi:10.1108/03684920210417283. Retrieved 2008-08-24.

Staford, Beer. (2001). The purpose of a system is what it does. 1.

Social Networking

It is amazing how fast social networks gain on its popularity. I don’t really agree that social networks may be used as an easy way to create business. Social networks are for the people to socialize not to use this network in order to crate some business. But than again facebook was created so people can communicate to each other and now it turned to some addiction among some people mainly young generations.

The fact is that facebook destroys around 80% of all marriages in USA. As every system out there it can’t be perfect and that is why we always have some types of reviews through customer services, or updates and so on all in order to improve the system. If any system is no matter how good, be misused the consequences may be catastrophic.

For people who somehow got separated form their family or friends, facebook it is the way to go. Without social network such as facebook, skype or tweeter, social networking between people who are fairly far away form each other will be impossible. That is why social network as only one of the systems that can be useful and addictive at the same time. As long as you as an individual are able to control your own system, then the system of social networking will not be able to control you.

The bottom line is that system is here so it can service you, but not the other way around.  

Week 1. Task 2

"Choose any specific IS products sold on the market or developed in-house. Then describe its value for the coompany and describe what parts/processes constitute main systems components."

I am working for an environmental company as a Geographic Information System Technician (GIS), and at my job I am constantly exposed to use of new and updated software. My company doesn’t own this software but New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) does. This is fairly large transaction processing system from which all GIS technicians gather their data. This data can be anywhere from simple numbers of random household and its owners to the most accurate position of contaminants in the soil at any given moment. It all depends if I have to create a map representing geological or geographical content of the soil.

This information has to be verifiable, accurate and complete in order for me to produce secure maps representing a safe environment in which constriction workers may complete their work. The program that I use is called ArcMap 9.3.1 which enables me to download the data from NJDEP website, and Auto Computer Aided Design (CAD).     

CAD is used by architects, drafters, engineers, and artists to create plans and construction drawings. This program is very useful when I have to create diagrams in 2D or 3D dimension, representing the entire supporting structure for some house or above ground objects. Before people had to draw diagrams on the flat paper which created more room for mistake and would take extra time if mistake had to be corrected.  Nowadays this extremely precise program allows me to create entire diagram in matter of days. Before computers drawings and blueprints were created by hand, which is long and less accurate process than now. CAD is more efficient because the software records lines as vectors based on mathematical equations, which are very precise. Some parts of a drawing can be twisted, stretched, or moved which would otherwise be impossible without this program. The picture as a whole will automatically adjust, which makes more room form human error but at the same time program will correct that mistake instantly.

On the other side ArcMap program is specific because it uses already prepared data from the software and enables you to use that data and manipulate with it so you can create something new. You can think about this as DJ using some song to create new ones. GIS uses hardware, software, and other data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographical and geological information.

GIS allows us to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports, and charts, which are very useful for simplifying complex data so common people can easily understand the importance of the possible contamination treat, or on other hand benefits that their households may have.  A GIS helps me answer questions and solve problems by looking at my data in a way that is easy to understand. GIS technology can be included into any enterprise information system framework.

Collecting the date through using the ArcMap is a classical example of Input where raw data is almost useless on its own, but once captured and processed has a whole new meaning which is somewhat definition of Processing of the data itself. Once a map or a diagram are crated and submitted to project manager or civil engineer for review the process of feedback starts. Then the map can go back because of the incorrect data or the error that happen somewhere in processing the data in the first place. 

The combination of these software and programs enabled me and my company to create more accurate maps and reports for much shorter time. The fun part about all this is that all software are being updated constantly based on customer (GIS and CAD technicians) reviews. Without this software and programs creating highly complicated diagrams with minimal errors on the blueprint would be almost impossible. 

Blog Title

Blog will include a number of posts. The title of the blog that you have now can be the title of the post re W1T2 but the whole blog should have your full name in the title so other students and I will know who is posting work.