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Experiential Learning Portfolio Guide common schema that could be utilized for all projects. I was also populating database tables by
importing excel spreadsheets which streamlined the process since most deliverables from other
agencies was in an excel format.

Selecting A GIS Product

I was fortunate that the USACE provided me the opportunity to use both ESRI and Bentley solutions for
GIS. I am well rounded in both and prefer the ESRI product line since it is the most supported in the
industry.

Choosing a GIS product requires attention to detail and a vision for the future direction of one’s
organization. To find the right direction might involve a series of discovery utilizing Open Source GIS
(OSG) and other more common platforms from ESRI, Bentley, QGIS, etc. before the ideal candidate is
selected for implementation. Choosing a product will boil down to functionality within the organization
the following questions need to be answered:
• What functions must the GIS perform?

• What functions can it perform?
• What software has what functions?

• Requirements matrix: needs vs capabilities.
• Score and rank the products.

GIS products must meet their intent for a successful implementation. Capabilities such as raster and
vector need to be identified along with workflows to ensure the tools are adequate enough to provide
accurate products. Finally, other benefits of an enterprise GIS system can involve implementation of
server based products via technology such as Web Map Service (WMS) and Web Feature Service
(WFS) to GIS publish data over a network to end-users.
I have had the privilege of utilizing ESRI software and creating an enterprise environment around their
technology. I develop and maintain our District’s GIS vision and periodically reassess to ensure our
platforms meet the intended needs of the internal users and also external stakeholders. I have also
provided seLast Namel documented articles of our ArcGIS Online implementations for sharing data and
information with the public.

Know Where to Find More Information About GIS
In my profession, networking is crucial to understanding and implementing new GIS concepts into the
workflow. I attend yearly GIS User Group (GUG) meetings and the ESRI International User Conference
to ensure my organization has visibility within the industry.
Internet searches on various website such as GIS Stack Exchange, GISCafe and GISarea.com can
also provide information for GIS technologies and also provide forums providing help for issues.

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