Introducing Cloudpoint's latest edition!

Cloudpoint Geographics is pleased to announce the hiring of Matthew Dondanville to the position of GIS Technician!  Matt will be filling an important role in performing GPS mapping and data collection and providing client services involving GIS training and consultation.  He comes as a highly regarded graduate from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI with strong technical skills involving CAD and GIS applications.  Matt plans to pursue a Master's degree in GIS through the online program at Penn State University and his GISP certificate soon thereafter.  Welcome aboard Matt!

Stay connected with Matt:



Cloudpoint is always looking for talented people.  Send your resume to jhodel@cloudpointgeo.com if you are interested in joining our team!

Sign Inventories: Five Lessons Learned!

Cloudpoint Geographics has performed many GIS data collection projects so far and here are some of the valuable lessons learned from completing this work:

Sign Inventory snapshot from Concord Township in Bureau County, IL

1. Get the data when you're there.  Be thorough when in the field.  All too often we come back to the office and wish we had collected more information or question one of the sign attributes.  If we take the extra minute or two when out in the field it gives us the best end result and complete inventory.  This is one reason that mobile mapping is becoming so popular.  You bring much more data back to the office and can post process so much more... eliminating mistakes and questions including saving time and money from repeated site visits.

2. More data is not always better.  When it comes to feature attributes for GIS work, people can come up with some craze ones... color of sign post, angle of the leaning post, type of hardware.. and the list goes on.  Let's be realistic about it.  Is this necessary for our inventory and are we really going to maintain all of this information?  Focus on what information will be used in the initial inventory and what will be maintained upon future inspections.

3. One person, start-to-finish.  It's important for one person to be responsible for collecting data and that same person for assembling the inventory.  Often times a question comes up that only the person doing the field work will remember.  This makes it of critical importance that the same person be responsible for completing the final product.


4. Begin maintaining your inventory immediately.  Don't let collected data sit on the shelf too long.  For one, it helps with the issues described in #3, and it also allows for maintenance of the sign inventory to begin sooner.  If you complete an inventory and don't begin maintaining it for several months, by the time you get started it is outdated and you have a lot of work to get caught up.

5. Be creative with data collection.  It is important to be creative with data collection.  You want to work quickly and efficiently when collecting GIS data and this does not always equate to one out-of-the-box solution or software program.  At times it may be best to use a mapping software program to collect feature locations and a spreadsheet program to collect data on those features.  Other things to consider is how to quickly collect data in the field.  Don't rule out ideas such as voice recognition on smart phones or dictation to later be inscribed by other staff back in the office.

There are many things to consider when working on data collection projects, large and small, but most importantly is to remember that proper planning is the key to a successful project.  Those who fail to plan will plan to fail.  


Written By: Jonathan J. Hodel, P.E.

Cloudpoint acquires ArcGIS Server 10.....

We have recently signed up for an AWS (Amazon Web Services) account and setup ArcGIS Server on an EC2 instance.  To describe it in non-technical terms, we are using Amazon Web Services as a "server" instead of buying our own.  It's not only less direct overhead but also allows for scalability (only use what we need).  To learn more about this visit the AWS website.  This means Cloudpoint will be looking to offer a way for our clients to follow the progress of their mapping projects live and up-to-date as they are being completed.  It will also allow us to build some customized applications and have a method for field testing them before deployment.  Many of our clients are looking for ways to better manage their infrastructure and utility assets by way of a centralized GIS and we are working hard to bring the right solutions at an affordable price.  Also we have been telling you about our new website and new look that will be rolling out this summer.  Here is a sneak peak at our new logo...

Cloudpoint selected for fiber contract!

Cass Communications has contracted with Cloudpoint Geographics to complete utility mapping of its fiber optic network.  The project consist of gps data collection of the utility's fiber optic lines and infrastructure over a 13 county area.  The collected data will be used to implement a GIS system that will help the utility manage it's fiber network more efficiently.

CASSCOMM is comprised of many different companies specializing in the telecommunications industry. Based out of central Illinois and serving thirteen counties with the latest in technology, CASSCOMM operates Cass Communications Management Incorporated, Cass Cable TV, Cass Internet, Cass Telephone, Cass Long Distance, Cass Advertising and Greene County Partners offering services including: cable television, high-speed internet, digital phone, landline telephone service and cable television advertising.

The Blizzard of 2012!!!

LAST YEAR'S WINTER SEASON!

THIS YEAR'S WINTER SEASON!

Spring is just around the corner and it appears that we may be finishing one of the mildest winter season's on record.  If your snow removal budget is in great shape and you are looking how to best allocate those savings,  why not look at what Cloudpoint Geographics has to offer you.  Now is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your sign or culvert inventory, complete that town-wide water main mapping project, or explore how LiDAR can help with your next reconstruction project.  Whatever the case, Cloudpoint's engineering and GIS expertise can get you headed in the right direction.

Do You Know Your Retro???

OK, so the time has come for agencies that currently maintain traffic signs to have a management method in place so that you can maintain minimum reflectivity of your sign panels.  If you have not already started your inventory or if it consists of chicken scratches on a vendor-supplied notepad that you picked up at your last conference.... never fear.  Cloudpoint Geographics, Inc has completed several local agency sign inventories and has the professional experience to provide you with a thorough and complete package.  We come to your site and perform a complete analysis of your current traffic signs including information on the following:

• A complete field inventory of existing signs currently under city jurisdiction using GPS assisted data collection with ESRI ArcMap and ArcPad GIS software
• Summary of all signs including ID number, quantity, street name, description, MUTCD code, size, support type, sheeting type, height, & width.
• A map book (color, 11x17, bound with hard cover) identifying each of the sign locations with the corresponding ID number (click here to see a sample inventory)
• A full report including recommendations for improving the safety and efficiency of your agency's roadway/street network.
• A recommended sign inventory management method as required by the MUTCD

Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your agency's existing sign inventory!

A New Year, A New Face, and New Opportunities

Here at Cloudpoint Geographics we have started the new year off with a bang! We hired our first employee, Hannah Sauder. She is taking on the role of administrative assistant. It will be great to have an extra hand in the office as we begin to take on more jobs.

Speaking of more jobs, we are busy writing proposals and are looking for a GIS Mapping Technician to join our team!  For more information click here.  Applicants can apply online at www.cloudpointgeo.com/resources or mail your resume to Cloudpoint Geographics, Inc. 415 N. Main St., P.O. Box 1017 Roanoke, IL 61561.

We here at Cloudpoint Geographics are looking forward to this New Year and what it will bring. It is so exciting to be at the start of something new and see it beginning to grow.  God's blessings to each of you in 2012!