Think about it. What fundamentally do your mobile staff want?
- A mobile ArcGIS app which is easy to use= YES
- An app which has the tools they need to get their jobs done = YES
- An app which works both online and offline = YES
But more fundamental than this list. Your mobile staff want the right DATA. In mapping vernacular these are map layers. Yet still we see data as the last thought about or forgotten ingredient.
Mobile GIS: its all about the DATA
Guess where GIS projects fail most often? Yep; incomplete, inaccurate, the wrong DATA. I’ve often described GIS data as the fuel which powers the engine: no fuel, or the wrong fuel can have serious consequences. Sure companies like ours can build or configure any mobile app you need. But we always start with the data.
- What do your mobile users need to see when they are in the field?
- Online or offline what layers will provide the context needed?
- Is there a need to edit data? Which layers and who has permission to make these updates?
A key part of what we enjoy as an ArcGIS consulting and development company is that client light-bulb moment. Often that starts with pulling data (layers) together in a single mobile app. Forget the tools, these often provide the second ‘aha moment’. When mobile GIS users can see all the key layers (valves, pipelines, parcels, buildings etc) around them, the value of ArcGIS comes sharply into focus. Whether it be a focused data collection app like Collector for ArcGIS or a super flexible mobile web app like our GeoAppSmart for ArcGIS. Mobile app success requires first pulling together, preparing and publishing the right data for your needs.
Have data questions? Contact us on 801-733-0723.

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Author: Matt Sheehan
Matt Sheehan is a Principal at WebMapSolutions. Matt evangelizes GIS and location intelligence around the world through keynotes, articles, tweets and his books. Follow him on Twitter:

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