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66 Good data that is not accessible and presented to those who need it in an effective way delivers no value. This chapter includes recommendations for disseminating the data that has been developed (Chapter 5), and using the software that has been selected and configured (Chapter 6). The following methods represent some of the more effective means of disseminating data that are applicable to airport land use compatibility planning. Examples of airports that have applied these methods can be found in the case studies in Appendix C. GIS data that is disseminated comes not only in the form of maps, but may be presented in tabular format, lists of addresses, or other means of presenting data that conveys geographic content. Non-spatial data that results from a spatial query, such as a point of contact for a specific parcel, is also a relevant form of data. Maps and Exhibits Despite the growing variety of digital means of disseminating maps, hard copy maps and exhibits that contain spatial and non-spatial data are broadly used to disseminate GIS data to those who do not have access to GIS software, whether on desktop or web-based applications. Even if they do have access to such software, they may not have the knowledge or time to use such software. Often those who need maps and exhibits derived from GIS data have unique, one-time requirements that do not justify deploying new software capabilities. GIS technicians who prepare these maps and exhibits should ensure they leverage standard symbology and include fundamental elements of maps such as a title, scale bar, and north arrow. Basic metadata such as the date the map or exhibit was produced, who produced it, and any limitations on the use or distribution of the map or exhibit [such as mandatory labeling of sensitive security information (SSI) as defined by 49 CFR 1520)] should be provided as well. Although the majority of the data required for land use compatibility planning is non-sensitive, data that depicts or conveys information about security infrastructure or operations may be considered SSI (see 49 CFR 1520 for specific definitions). Other data, such as information on utilities, may also be considered sensitive and should be adequately protected even if it is not SSI. GIS technicians or their managers should track requests for maps and exhibits. Such logs can be used to indicate the use and value of GIS data to their organizationâs senior management. These logs may also identify a series of similar requests that may prompt an application or digital means of more effectively disseminating the information to those who need it. Desktops Based on an informal survey of airport GIS users conducted by the TRB Airport Geospatial Data Subcommittee, desktop computers remain the most common means of accessing and C H A P T E R 7 Dissemination Methods
Dissemination Methods 67 using GIS data. High-end laptop computers also are capable of running this software and are used by many in lieu of a traditional desktop computer. There are a number of GIS software options available for these types of computers. Some require an initial licensing fee followed by optional annual maintenance and support fees. There are a few open-source options as well. CAD and BIM software can also import GIS data. These thick-client applications offer a variety of viewing, analysis capabilities and the ability to produce maps and exhibits. Often GIS technicians have multiple monitors that allow effective viewing of a broad area of data when using these capabilities. Web applications are also commonly accessed via desktop computers. The capabilities offered via web application range from simple tasks to functionality that is comparable to desktop appli- cations. Typically, web applications are designed to support specific tasks or business functions. Client-Server Applications Web applications are enabled by client-server architecture. One computer is configured as a server to respond to application, data, and map requests from a client desktop or mobile computer. GIS server software is installed on the server, which is typically configured with suf- ficient processing and memory capabilities to quickly respond to requests from multiple clients at a time. GIS server software allows catalog (responds with information about available data), feature (responds with geographic and/or attribute data about specific features), map (responds with a map authored to include specific layers and symbology), and image (responds with raster data) services. Web application server software provides the HTML, Javascript, and other code necessary to present the GIS data responses in a meaningful way to end users. The approach of requesting data from a server is referred to as a service-oriented architecture (SOA). This SOA approach is increasingly being used not only to provide data to applications running on client computers, but as a means of exchanging data between systems, whether they offer GIS data or not. Many systems expose the types of requests that can be made of them via an application programming interface (API), which are specific to the type of system and data it is prepared to offer. Applications or other systems will receive the response in a particular format and be able to integrate that data into its own capabilities. Larger organizations that seek to integrate data from multiple systems sometimes implement an enterprise service bus (ESB), which serves as a hub for data requests from multiple systems. The ESB not only regulates and directs requests to the appropriate provider, but it allows requests to be agnostic from the systems from which they are requesting data. This makes it easier for organizations to switch software, because the vendor- specific nature of the requests can be handled by the ESB and not require reconfiguration of every system making those requests. Cloud Applications and Services The client-server and SOA architectures are increasingly being hosted within large data and computer processing centers accessible via the Internet and managed by third-party service providers. This approach is referred to as cloud services and includes when software (SaaS), application platform (PaaS), and server infrastructure (IaaS) are offered as a service. Web services offer several advantages when disseminating GIS data and applications. These are often easy and quick to configure. No physical hardware needs to be procured. Payment is often incremental based on when and how much the services are used. This allows organizations to benefit from a great deal of cloud computing capabilities at a very low initial cost and offers the flexibility to increase the scale of usage when and as needed.
68 Using GIS for Collaborative Land Use Compatibility Planning Near Airports When using cloud services, the performance of transmitting large quantities of data to a server that may be very far away should be tested. Sensitive data should also be secured through encryption and perhaps other means if warranted while in transit between the client and the cloud-based server. Encrypting data in storage provides an added level of protection against penetrations of the cloud providerâs infrastructure, some of which is the responsibility of the cloud services subscriber to set up and maintain. Mobile Devices Based on the previously mentioned survey, mobile devices including tablet computers and smartphones are a rapidly growing means of disseminating GIS data and capabilities to users working in the field. COTS data collection applications combined with data hosted in the cloud and cellular data Internet connections enable these devices to be excellent GIS data viewing and collection tools. This can be beneficial when recording land use impacts around airports. Some mobile applications include an augmented reality (AR) capability that allows planned or non-tangible GIS features to be superimposed on a live view of field conditions. Security is an important concern whether data is coming from an Internet source, local wi-fi network, or stored locally on these devices. Sensitive data should be encrypted when in transit between the host provider and the mobile device. Some airports require the use of a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing data in a mobile device. Data stored on these devices should also be protected should the device fall into the possession of unauthorized users. Crowd Sourcing Applications The increased use of mobile devices provides GIS data and capabilities to many users in the field. These users may be airport staff, consultants, or the general public. Together this crowd of people offers a valuable resource of observers who can report on situations and conditions more quickly than may otherwise be reported. Web applications that make it easy for users to report observations from the field are called crowd sourcing applications. These can be beneficial for compatible land use planning by enabling stakeholders in the community around airports to report noise and other land use impacts in a manner that is helpful to the airport staff who will address those impacts. There are many COTS crowd sourcing applications, as well as applications configured or developed to meet a specific airportâs needs.
