1. Mobile NFIP Inspection Tool
Hawaii Pacific GIS Conference
March 6, 2012
Steve Lettau, Onyx Group
Carol Tyau-Beam, DLNR

2. Discussion Topics
 Background
 Application Development
 ArcGIS for iOS Development

3. Region IX Mobile NFIP Inspection Tool
BACKGROUND

4. Goal…
 Desire to improve processes.
 Automate the inspection process.
 Allow for consistent evaluations.
 Ability to use the DFIRMs in the field.
 Take advantage of the technology available.
 Reduce the amount of
time transferring my written
field notes into an
electronic document.

5. How it All Started …
 Initial mobile device was developed in 2008.
 SQL Server 2005 backend database
 Mobile application developed in VS2005
 Windows Mobile 6 Device
 GPS capabilities were not
incorporated
 Limited reporting capabilities

6. Where it’s headed …
 Develop an application that would be
generic and have the ability to be used by
any State with DFIRM data.
 Continue development, but “dumb it
down”.
 Build on existing database.
 Develop an application that does not
require specialized hardware or software.
 “How do I get it on my phone?”

7. Integration with ArcGIS Online
 Operational Layers
 Base Maps
 FHAT “mash-up”

8. Region IX Mobile NFIP Inspection Tool
APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

9. Project Requirements
 Development of the application for use on industry standard mobile
devices running the Windows Mobile, Android or iOS operating
systems, with the ability to integrate other devices such as
rangefinders, GPS units and GPS-enabled cameras.
 Development of the application using commercial, off-the-shelf
software (Microsoft Windows, Android or Apple iOS operating
systems with ESRI suite of GIS software) on common device.
 Establishment of a standard backend database structure that will
serve as the baseline data repository for state-wide NFIP data.
 Development of the application in a “tiered” fashion, so the tool can
be deployed at locations with varying level of software requirements
and expertise.
 Enable overlay of FEMA’s DFIRM mapping layer onto TMK/street
map on GIS-enabled mobile device to determine flood hazard while
on site.

10. Design Concept
The key design concept is the development of the system
in a “tiered” or modular fashion. This will allow for users of
varying hardware and software capabilities and expertise to
use the application at their level. It is anticipated that three
tiers of development will be designed and developed for:
 Desktop (or laptop)
 Non-GPS-enabled mobile device
 GPS-enabled mobile device

11. Tier 1
Standalone Tool (Desktop/Laptop Application)
 Desktop tool utilizing
DFIRM data.
 No special hardware or
software.
 Simple dashboard.
 Scalable data behind.

12. Tier 1 Demonstration
 Tier 1 Demo…

13. Tier 1 Summary
Standalone Tool Summary
 No special hardware or software required.
 Reads FEMA DFIRM data directly.
 Based on standard backend database
(SQL Server Express).
 Reports generated to PDF on the fly.

14. Tier 2
Deployed to Non GPS-Enabled Mobile Device
 Database with server  Inspection forms
replication. customized for data
 Requires mobile device. collection.

15. Tier 2 Summary
Mobile Device Summary
 Developed in truly mobile environment (Windows Mobile 6
and ArcPad.
 Based on standard backend database
(SQL Server).
 Requires mobile device.

16. Tier 3 on Trimble Nomad
Tool Deployed to GPS-Enabled Mobile Device
 Includes custom ArcPad
application.
 Data read from DFIRM
attributes.
 GPS capability enables
location finding.

17. Region IX Mobile NFIP Inspection Tool
ARCGIS FOR IOS DEVELOPMENT

18. Tier 3 on iOS
Integration of ArcGIS for iOS SDK

19. Tier 3 on iOS
Deployed to iPad using ArcGIS for iOS SDK
 Based on standard backend database (ArcSDE on SQL
Server).
 Requires ArcGIS Server 10 (min. Enterprise/Standard)
 Development in Xcode.
 Requires iPad 2.
 Cloud-based.

20. Tier 3 on iOS
 iPad Demo…

21. Summary
 Establish backend database structure.
 Develop in tiered fashion to maximize usability.
 Scalable environment allows for easy migration/upgrade.
 Take advantage of off-the-shelf and online data sources.
 Focus on business processes.

22. Region IX Mobile NFIP Inspection Tool
BACKUP SLIDES

23. ArcGIS on iOS

24. ArcGIS on iOS

25. ArcGIS on iOS

26. ArcGIS on iOS

27. ArcGIS on iOS

28. ArcGIS on iOS

29. ArcGIS on iOS

30. ArcGIS on iOS