Is groundMapper suitable for non-GIS users?

One of the main purposes of Idox Geospatial's groundMapper is to make geographic information available to people who aren’t GIS specialists. It provides access to maps and spatial data through a web browser, allowing users to find locations, view relevant datasets and interrogate mapped information without needing the specialist skills associated with a desktop GIS.

For utilities and infrastructure organisations, for example, that can considerably widen the number of people able to make practical use of location data.

Who might use groundMapper?

GIS teams aren’t the only people who need to understand where assets, properties, projects and risks are located. Depending on the organisation, groundMapper could provide useful geographic information to:

• Engineers and asset managers

• Planners and project managers

• Land and property teams

• Environmental specialists

• Customer and operational teams

• Contractors and other project partners

Instead of asking those users to work directly with GIS files or specialist software, an organisation can present the information they need through an accessible online map.

What can a non-GIS user do with groundMapper?

The aim isn’t to turn every employee into a GIS analyst. A user might need to search for an address, identify an asset, inspect information attached to a mapped feature or understand what lies around a proposed site or route. groundMapper provides tools for interacting with geographic information without exposing users to all the technical processes involved in creating and maintaining it.

Organisations can also combine their own information with authoritative and commercial datasets, so users see relevant operational information in its geographic context rather than mapping in isolation.

Does that mean you don’t need GIS specialists?

No. Making GIS easier to use doesn’t remove the specialist work behind it. Complex spatial analysis, data management, modelling and creation of authoritative organisational datasets may still require experienced GIS professionals and specialist software.

groundMapper can instead help those teams extend the value of their work. Once appropriate data has been prepared and made available, colleagues elsewhere in the organisation can access and use it without repeatedly asking GIS specialists to produce maps or extracts for straightforward enquiries.

Making location data easier to use

For utilities, the value of location intelligence depends partly on whether it reaches the people making operational and project decisions. groundMapper provides a way to make selected mapping and organisational data available through a browser while retaining a more specialist GIS environment where one is needed.

Idox Geospatial can help organisations determine which users and workflows would benefit from browser-based GIS, which datasets should be made available and how groundMapper complements existing geospatial systems rather than adding another disconnected source of information.

How we can help

If you can't find exactly what you need, we can help you choose the right mapping data solution for your project via email, chat or over the phone.

For more information, reach out to our Customer Support team.

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