Doyt Bolling, Stuart
Thompson, and I spoke at length regarding the status of our infrastructure
management software packages. Our conclusion - management packages to
still be effective must be compatible with a GIS platform.
This moves many of our older packages, including RSMS, SIMS and DIMS,
to the waste bin. The real issue is where and how do we go from
here. A quick overview of our hallway discussions at the National LTAP
Meeting are:
1) We have to
work together to accumulate the desired packages. Reason - we can no
longer afford to create our own packages.
Task: We suggest that we establish a focus group to coordinate software
development, acquisition, technical support, and dissemination. If
interested email me and I will start the ball rolling. chgi@cisunix.unh.edu
2) We should
work with vendors to acquire, free, basic building blocks to implement or
compliment an existing GIS installation. Reason - there is a rapidly
expanding market of GIS compatible packages.
Task: Arrange meeting/s with vendors to explore our options for the
LTAP community. I have held an initial meeting with various local vendors
and they are now organizing a second meeting for next week inviting nationally
recognized vendors. Yes, they can get us started with free software. I
will forward an executive summary of the meeting to all those responding to this
email.
3) We should
coordinate our efforts with our DOT's to facilitate data sharing
through central repositories, the NHDOT is considering this possibility for
New Hampshire municipalities - it is a win-win proposal.
Task: The NHDOT scheduled a meeting to further this concept. I
will have an executive summary forwarded to all interested parties.
What are your ideas
I look forward to your comments and suggestions, Charlie
Goodspeed