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Internet Mapping is the next generation in data management for your organization. Whether you are working through a NEPA permitting process, developing a new multi-million dollar resort complex or conducting long-range strategic planning, our Internet Mapping System will enable you to get your fingers on your mission-critical mapping and data at the touch of a button. It also allows you to have unprecedented access to your SE GROUP team. SE GROUP's system, called the Geographic Systems Network (GSNET), has undergone many design improvements, resulting in the current product, GSNET 2.0. Contents:Useful Web Links Internet Mapping Frequently Asked Questions Useful Web Links
Internet Mapping Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is GIS? What is ArcIMS? I am familiar with Mapquest... how is this different? How and when can I access GSNET? Is the system secure? Do I need special equipment or software to get started? How much does it cost? How will spending money on IMS reduce my operating expenses? How do I maximize the time and money saved using IMS? How will this improve the way we do business? Will IMS improve internal communication on projects? I'm not really a computer person, is IMS easy to use? What is GIS?GIS is short for Geographic Information Systems. You may be familiar with CAD and other drafting software programs. GIS is like a CAD program that attaches a database (are you familiar with Microsoft Excel or Access?) behind the map/graphic, so all data can be "attached" to each graphic feature. For example, if you are looking at a lift, the capacity, ride time, manufacturer, and install/maintenance info can be linked to the image. In this way, you can find and display specific data within the database.Return to Internet Mapping FAQ list What is ArcIMS?ArcIMS is an ESRI GIS product that allows us to display GIS data over the internet. IMS can be very simple (displaying basic maps and data) or more complex (advanced queries and reporting capabilities from GIS data).ArcIMS is the foundation on which SE GROUP's GSNET is built. Our customized ArcIMS system allows you to easily access your maps and data over the internet. Return to Internet Mapping FAQ list I am familiar with Mapquest... how is this different?Mapquest is an internet application utilizing internet mapping software. The functionality embedded within the website uses GIS data to find the quickest route between point A and point B. This is just one example of a simple internet mapping application.GSNET is a customized internet mapping application developed specifically for SE GROUP and our clients and can be customized to meet your needs. Applications could include facilities management, construction management/monitoring, snow depth tracking and reporting, or skier accident record keeping. Return to Internet Mapping FAQ list How and when can I access GSNET?You use GSNET by getting onto the internet anywhere you've got a connection, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All you have to do is go to www.segrp.com and log in through our secure website. We can establish user rights and privileges much like the user rights and privileges you may be accustomed to at work. We'll work with you to define user types/privileges and set up user names and passwords so your data is secure.Return to Internet Mapping FAQ list Is the system secure?Absolutely! GSNET and our portal have secured access (password protected) and are part of an integrated computer system that is backed up and protected. Only those persons with specific access will be allowed to get onto GSNET. We can customize access to your specifications as well.Return to Internet Mapping FAQ list Do I need special equipment or software to get started?All you need is an internet connection and a computer.Return to Internet Mapping FAQ list How much does it cost?GSNet is a free service, a benefit of doing business with SE GROUP. However, there are typically some startup costs, in order to get up and running. There are two factors that determine cost: what data do you currently have AND what would you like to accomplish with GIS/IMS.If you don't have any GIS data it will be necessary to convert any existing data you have to a GIS format. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days or even weeks, depending on how much data you want/need to convert. It may be necessary to compile additional data to meet your IMS needs/expectations. Creating additional data may require digitizing information off an aerial photo or collecting data with a GPS unit in the field. SE GROUP can work with you to create and/or convert any data you may need. The second part to this question depends on what you want to accomplish with GIS/IMS. In other words, what type of functionality would you like out of the program? IMS is capable of simply displaying data. However, it can be customized to perform more complex functions similar to some accounting software you may be using (data entry, management and reporting capabilities). For example, you may want to be able to track snow depth within the base area and/or summit of your mountain over the course of a season (or many seasons). IMS can be set up so that you have the ability to manually enter your snow measurement (or have it entered straight from the monitoring device, utilizing the same technology in our phones) and produce graphs and charts from your data from the comfort of your office, phone or wireless laptop. As such, there may be some initial setup costs associated with establishing an IMS site. Data conversion (as previously discussed) is one of them. Building custom functionality into your site is another. Return to Internet Mapping FAQ list How will spending money on IMS reduce my operating expenses?IMS has the potential to dramatically reduce your operating expenses.If, for example, you are currently involved in a NEPA process, you are probably accustomed to spending thousands of dollars in production costs and time to produce the maps for the numerous agencies and consultants on the project team as well as publication and distribution costs associated with producing documents online. SE GROUP is using ArcIMS and our website project portal to streamline the NEPA process by providing maps, GIS data and documents through our website. This represents a cost savings of approximately 50% on the production and distribution of maps and documents for project team review. Eliminating the time and cost associated with creating and distributing custom maps and documents can add up to substantial savings! In addition, SE GROUP's project portal provides team members an effective way to communicate by providing a portal that not only display maps and documents, but schedules, contact information, permit acquisition details and much more. Similarly, if you are in the process of a major development initiative, GSNET can be used to provide a common communications tool for all members of your extended team. Mapping and CAD data can be placed within the site to provide common access and data security. This can save significant time in communications and meetings. GSNET will also support your organization's long-term planning process. While projects often generate valuable data in the short-term, this data can often be mothballed and inaccessible in large printed volumes. With GSNET, all your most recent data is online and available to all those who need it. Operations, marketing, sales, administration and even authorized subcontractors, can view, download and even deposit new information into the system. GSNET is like having a full-time data administrator without needing to hire one. SE GROUP believes that IMS and GSNET will provide real savings in time and money. So much so that we are using the system ourselves as part of our own project management. Return to Internet Mapping FAQ list How do I maximize the time and money saved using IMS?A cost analysis for a typical NEPA project indicates an approximate savings of 50% on the production and distribution of maps and documents for project team review by using SE GROUP's GSNET. This 50% costs savings results from the elimination of administrative draft document production and miscellaneous map production expenses. Aside from this initial 50% in cost savings, additional savings will be realized through increased efficiency in initial data development, postage and delivery charges associated with maps production and distribution, and/or any outsourced map reproduction work that would have been necessary.Savings are also dependent upon the use of the site. The more people in your organization that have access to the site and the more departments that have the opportunity to utilize the data and IMS site, the more potential savings in time and money you can expect to achieve. Return to Internet Mapping FAQ list How will this improve the way we do business?This will improve the way you do business by opening up and providing direct lines of communication amongst your staff and thus, creating efficiencies along the way. No more digging for paper maps from your basement that were created in the 70's. Streamlined communication during planning and construction projects. Better Risk Management accounting and reporting processes. The list goes on.We look forward to working with you to develop customized solutions that will meet YOUR needs. Return to Internet Mapping FAQ list Will IMS improve internal communication on projects?Certainly! The portal that contains all construction documents/maps, outlines the players involved in a project, displays project timelines, and outlines the steps necessary for permit acquisition. This brings everyone ON BOARD and increases knowledge and communication about any project on which you embark.Return to Internet Mapping FAQ list I'm not really a computer person, is IMS easy to use?SE GROUP has created a site with the initial intent of making it simple to use for the computer illiterate. Further more, we've built in help documentation that clearly explains the functionality and use of each tool provided on the site. Help documentation will be updated as additional functionality is incorporated.Unveiling of any IMS site will include an in-house or over the phone tutorial of the site. SE GROUP will also be readily available by phone or email to answer any questions you may have as well as trouble-shooting that may be necessary. Return to Internet Mapping FAQ list Return to Introduction |
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