State of Arkansas-Geostor

Recognizing the benefits of spatial information technology, in 2005 the State of Arkansas deployed an enterprise system that enhances local, state, and federal government workflow processes and provides integration with the private sector. The State of Arkansas’ GeoStor solution is a single web portal for distributing spatial data, information and applications. GeoStor was developed for global use via the World Wide Web, and provides easy access to spatial data as well as map and feature services that can fuel public and private spatial applications. The GeoStor shared service architecture is becoming the nucleus for a suite of state applications and web-based services.

Prior to GeoStor, there were pockets of data storage across the state, explains Learon Dalby, State of Arkansas’ Manager of GeoStor. Many of them unnecessarily replicated and stored statewide GIS data sets on local and departmental servers, while reinventing applications with similar objectives and functionality.

GeoStor serves as a common data distribution system and web application portal. Arkansas’ spatial data and applications are provided by multiple local, state, and federal agencies. GeoStor presents and organizes spatial data and applications in a way that can be searched, accessed and retrieved by users using their own software or through a web service. GeoStor’s enterprise shared service architecture is a cost-saving approach which has eliminated the need for duplicate hardware, software and data collection efforts. Participating sites are unified by a common "GeoStor at the Core" logo and a consistent user-interface now provided by Geocortex IMF.

Until GeoStor, convenience and cost associated with data dissemination was also an issue. Public agencies often incurred considerable expense when contractors had to coordinate and compile spatial information for specific projects from various sources and in myriad formats, which increased project costs. GeoStor leverages Safe Software’s SpatialDirect so contractors can acquire the data they need in a consistent, efficient way.

GeoStor implemented Geocortex Statistics to quantify and better understand the way people use the system. Detailed statistics related to GeoStor use are monitored daily, with information about layer access, downloads, and ArcIMS/SpatialDirect use. The statistics are used to identify areas that require attention. In the first eight months of 2006, power users accessed or download over half a million datasets via GeoStor. "We can’t manage what we don’t measure," Learon Dalby observes, "and these reporting capabilities have enabled the Arkansas Geographic Information Office and GeoStor stakeholders to share compelling return on investment analysis to decision makers."

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