Esri Canada Releases Free Templates to Help Municipalities Quickly Deploy Web Apps for Improved Service Delivery – ArcGIS for Canadian Municipalities provides a common framework for publishing maps, as well as ready-to-use apps for increasing efficiency and citizen engagement
TORONTO – September 24, 2013 – Esri Canada today released ArcGIS for Canadian Municipalities, a series of free app templates built on the new Canadian Municipal Data Model. The solution provides a common framework for efficiently publishing maps, as well as ready-to-use apps that enable municipalities to more effectively engage citizens in their communities.
“Using a consistent information model minimizes redundancy,” says Alex Miller, president, Esri Canada. “ArcGIS for Canadian Municipalities allows high-quality maps and apps to be developed once and then be shared across the municipality. It connects information silos and integrates processes across departments so that governments can run more efficiently. As well, it removes the burden of developing apps from scratch, helping municipalities deliver important information and services more quickly.”
ArcGIS for Canadian Municipalities is based on a harmonized model of geographic information system (GIS) datasets, Web services, basemaps and editing workflows, which can be applied to numerous GIS apps. Having a common data model supports data sharing with other government agencies, increasing collaboration.
Specifically designed for Canadian municipalities, the Canadian Municipal Data Model conforms to the country’s requirements for publishing parcels, elections, demographics, addresses and other data. Municipalities can use as much or as little of the data model as required. They can easily configure it to support their specific business needs by selecting and implementing specific themes, adding fields or modifying field and layer aliases to reflect terms more commonly used in their organization.
The solution will include a series of apps organized into modules to support numerous municipal government functions. The Polling Place Locator App, available now, allows citizens to locate and comment on the conditions of their election polling place, get driving directions and obtain information about candidates. The app can be used on desktop, smartphone and tablet devices. It supplements customer service phone numbers and reduces the volume of calls to organizations that manage elections.
Availability and Requirements
ArcGIS for Canadian Municipalities is available free of charge to Canadian municipalities. It can be downloaded from ArcGIS Online.
· To use the Web app templates, you’ll need ArcGIS for Desktop, ArcGIS for Server or ArcGIS Online
· To develop mobile and custom apps, you’ll need the ArcGIS Runtime development tools
For more information on ArcGIS for Canadian Municipalities, visit: esri.ca/agcm.
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About Esri Canada
Founded in 1984, Esri Canada provides enterprise geographic information system (GIS) solutions that empower businesses, governments and educational institutions to make timely, informed and mission-critical decisions by leveraging the power of geography. The company distributes the world’s leading GIS software from Esri, Schneider Electric, Cityworks – Azteca Systems, Inc. and other technology partners. Headquartered in Toronto, the company serves over 10,000 customers from 16 regional offices across Canada. Esri Canada has joined the elite rank of Canada’s Best Managed companies and has been named to the Branham300. Information about the company can be found at esri.ca.