The seminar was broken down into sections.  Here is a resource list that might be helpful to those who both did and did not attend based off of the seminars agenda. 

Session 1 Building Basemap

• Map Template Gallery (Download professionally designed templates to make better, faster maps).  http://resources.esri.com/maptemplates
• Best Practices for Working with Map Templates (Free one-hour online training seminar.  Learn tips on creating professionally designed maps using cartographically rich map templates and your data).  http://www.esri.com/training
• ESRI Mapping Center (ArcGIS cartographic tips).  http://mappingcenter.esri.com
• Cartographic Representations (Learn to symbolize your data).  http://www.esri.com/representations
• Labeling with Maplex for ArcGIS (Documentation for Maplex for ArcGIS includes a 60 day trial).  http://www.esri.com/maplexdocumentation
• Creating and Publishing Maps with ArcGIS (Instructor-led training course.  Learn techniques for creating professional quality maps using a standard cartographic workflow).  http://www.esri.com/training
• ArcGIS Community Basemap Program (Contribute or obtain authoritative geographic data from this ESRI-hosted, GIS community map).  http://www.esri.com/communitymaps

Session 1-A Deploying the Map

• Using Data from Different Coordinate Systems http://www.esri.com/article34129
• Managing and Configuring ArcGIS Server (ESRI White Papers).   http://www.esri.com/serverwhitepapers
• Geodatabase Replication  http://www.esri.com/article34131
• Authoring and Deploying Fast Web Maps (Free one-hour online training seminar.  Learn best practices for designing and publishing map services).  http://www.esri.com/training
• How to Plan a Map Cache  http://www.esri.com/mapcache

Session 2 Sharing Content

• ArcGIS Online (Sign up for free) (You will receive 1 GB of free storage, making it easier to share content with others through groups you either participate in or create).  http://www.arcgisonline.com
• How to Get Started Using ArcGIS Online (Online video).  http://www.arcgisonline.com/help/help.htm
• Layer Packages  http://www.esri.com/layerpackages
• Sharing Layer Packages with ArcGIS Explorer (This blog post explains how to create good layer packages for sharing maps and content).  http://www.esri.com/agxlayerpackages
• Creating Models (Online Video).  http://www.esri.com/creatingmodels
• Introduction to ArcGIS Server (Instructor-led training course.  Develop skills in authoring and sharing GIS content on the Web or across your organization).  http://www.esri.com/training
• ArcGIS Explorer (download for free) (Start visualizing, analyzing, and presenting your content now.  http://www.esri.com/arcgisexplorer
• ArcGIS Explorer Quick-Start Tutorial (Free one-hour online training seminar.  Learn the basics of working with ArcGIS Explorer and how to create dynamic geopresentations in ArcGIS Explorer)  http://www.esri.com/training
• Enhance ArcGIS Explorer with Add-on Tools (Click/Search: TOOLS)  http://www.arcgisonline.com

I’m not going to tell you what’s coming in ArcGIS 10. 

Look How EASY I Made It For You.  Let me know if you want me to also read them off and click the links…

I started Monday at 8:30 a.m. with the “Getting Started with the ArcGIS Web Mapping APIs Session” by Presenters Jeremy Bartley, Kelly Hutchins, and Sterling Quinn.  I’m telling you…lot’s of cool stuff in the new APIs for JavaScript, Flex, and Silverlight. The Version 2.0 Beta was released Sunday, so I am pretty excited about that and the new editing widgets that are avaialable in all three api’s.

Over the past few days I attended sessions back to back, including: “Using and Extending the ArcGIS WebMap for Flex”, “Working with the ArcGIS API for Flex”, “Distributed Geodatabase Development”, “Working with the ArcGIS API for JavaScript” and several user presentations on Javascript and Flex work.  All that flexing can wear you out!  But it is Palm Springs!

Of course, the most exciting news to some of you will be the new Iphone Application Development API.  There is also a rumor of an Android Development API, which was the subject of many questions during the mobile technology question sessions. Everybody seems to be hot to jump on the Android bandwagon.

I also spent a lot of time with several of the ESRI development team leads whom helped me with answering several questions and providing
issue solutions.

Well that was a brief flash of the summit.  I am incredibly pumped about getting the pre release and implementing all the new stuff as soon as I get back to work!

Blog at you all again soon!
Rodney

Oh to leave with a list of a few of the new things for ArcGIS Desktop here is a list straight from Jack Dangermon’s slide!

• An ArcCatalog window built into ArcMap for quick data access
• Easier and faster ways to find and use symbols and tools
• Auto hide and dockable windows (e.g., table of contents) so your focus remains on the map
• Ability to execute geoprocessing in the background, allowing you to continue to interact with your map
• Integration of a new window in ArcMap to simplify project management and collaboration
• New Query layers that allow you to access all data (including spatial data) stored in relational databases via standard SQL
• Creation and management of time-based data
• Can display and animate temporal datasets
• Python window console within ArcMap
• Being able to automate everything with Python
• Desktop add-ins template

GEO-Jobe GIS is the Authorized Sole Source Trimble Dealer for Mapping & GIS Solutions in Tennessee and is the only vendor in the State authorized to handle Trimble Sales, Training, Service, Support and Rentals. GEO-Jobe GIS is also an Authorized ESRI Business Partner, Consultant, Reseller, Developer, and offers Authorized ESRI Training throughout the State. In addition, GEO-Jobe GIS is the Authorized Reseller for LaserTech Laser Offset devices and LizardTech MrSID technology.

The Trimble Seminars will be held in Johnson City, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville, Jackson, and Memphis. We will be giving away a free 1GB iPod Shuffle to one lucky attendee at each of our seminars.

Each half-day seminar will include the following:

• GPS Theory Basics
  • What is GPS
  • Real Time vs. Post Processing
  • Learn about GLONASS (Russian), Galileo (European), and other satellite constellations
• Trimble Product Reviews
  • GeoExplorer 2008 Series (GeoXM, GeoXT, GeoXH)
  • Pathfinder Series (ProXT, ProXH, ProXRT)
  • Nomad
  • Juno ST/SB/SC
  • NetR5 Reference Station
  • Centimeter Level Trimble GPS (Trimble R8GNSS)
  • Hurricane & Zephyr Antenna’s for better Accuracy and use in tree canopy
• H-Star Technology Overview
• Real-Time Mapping – Do YOU want a High-Accuracy Real-Time Mapping Solution? – Come see it in action!! Requires no post processing for decimeter-level (4″) accuracy.
• Laser Offset Technology – For collecting assets in low satellite signal areas such as when you are close to buildings or under heavy tree canopy. If you can see it, you can capture it.
• Digital Photography – Our inventory is stocked with BRAND NEW 8 megapixel cameras with WiFi capabilities. These cameras allow you to capture high resolution imagery for assets in the field and then automatically transfer the image to the GeoXH/XT handheld maintaining a permanent link to the asset. As the data is exported out to the ArcGIS environment, the picture and link are automatically maintained and available for viewing back in the office.
• GIS/GPS Field to Finish Solution – Now you can get more done in less time with this turnkey package by GEO-Jobe GIS. Featuring out of the box solutions for Water, Gas, Electric, Stormwater, Wasterwater, Telecom, and more. We bring the complex down to a manageable workflow. With training added in, you’ll be up and running in no time.
• Mobile Editing - With so many handhelds and PDA devices now in the field, updating data in real time is not just possible, it’s now readily available. Access your data out in the field on the PDA and perform edits and updates which allows synchronizing back to the office as often as you see fit.
• In-Vehicle Mapping - GEO-Jobe GIS is a reseller of Panasonic Toughbooks and has already outfitted several utilities with In-Vehicle Mapping Systems. The latest Toughbooks come with internal GPS and broadband cards which provides flexibility for automated locating and updating in the field. This means workorders, for example, can be transmitted to and from vehicles from the office. Plus, add Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology and your fleet will be more efficient at responding to incidents when they occur.
• Fleet Equipment Management – GEO-Jobe GIS provides complete packages for your crews. From Toughbooks loaded with ESRI ArcGIS and ArcPad to Trimble GPS hardware and software packages, let us help you standardize your fleet so all of your employees are outfitted with the same equipment, fully setup and configured at GEO-Jobe, and delivered ready to go.
• Training – Do you need GIS or GPS Training?  GEO-Jobe offers a wide range of standard and customized Training Programs
  • ArcPad, GPScorrect & GPS Analyst
  • TerraSync & Pathfinder Office
  • Custom onsite Training
  • ArcGIS Desktop I
  • ArcGIS Desktop II (formerly Intro to ArcGIS I)
  • ArcGIS Desktop III (formerly Intro to ArcGIS II)

On November 3rd, the East TN GIS Fall Conference will take place in Kingsport at the MeadowView Conference Center.

On November 18-19, the 8th annual MAGIC GIS Day conference will get underway.  More info here.

Finally, on November 20-21, Middle TN gets its chance to shine with the Middle TN GIS User Group conference.  You can learn more here.

So there you have it.  Get out an enjoy the beautiful state we live in.

The exhibit area opened up this morning and it is amazing. There are hundreds of exhibitors here: Google, BAE, USGS, Trimble, Topcon, HP, ITT… (full list here) I’ll get some more pictures today!

For the first time ever, ESRI demonstrated a preview of ArcGIS 9.4! The user interface looks like it may borrow some styling and functional cues from Bentley’s WaterCAD with dockable and pinable windows (the TOC for example). The editing interface looks like it will be greatly improved, removing the “target layer” and introducing a type of “legend” of features to pick from which determines the features you are creating or modifying. The tag line for that demonstration ended up being, “editing is as easy as drawing on a map”.

The final speaker for the plenary session was Dr. Peter Raven of the Missouri Botanical Gardens on Biodiversity – The Foundation of Life. His talk was very moving, encouraging each GIS user to imagine the world as they would like it to be and strive in daily life to make the world as close to that dream as possible. Dr. Raven congratulated ESRI on its efforts to promote GIS in early education. While he never mentioned this phrase, it resonated with me throughout the entire speech, “Think globally, act locally.”

Finally, the Map Gallery… Hundreds of submissions this year for public display.

It is a great privilege to share some news about some Tennessee folks that have completed a rigorous training process and are now officially designated as Certified Mapping Specialists (CMS). In the world of assessment and appraisal, this is quite an accomplishment.

• Barbara Kizer, CMS – Assessor of Property for Lawrence County in Lawrenceburg, TN
• Johnny Stephens, CMS – GIS Coordinator for Maury County in Columbia, TN
• Delton Mayberry, CMS – Assessor of Property for Hickman County in Centerville, TN
• Melvin Huffman, CMS – GIS Technician, State of Tennessee Office of Local Government, Middle TN Region
• Charles Winchester, CMS – Appraisal Specialist II, State of Tennessee Division of Property Assessments

Congratulations to you all.

GEO-Jobe GIS is an IAAO member company with yours truly holding a full IAAO membership. As a company, we are committed to supporting the GIS needs of the Assessment community in Tennessee. We are an ESRI Business Partner and provide Authorized ESRI consulting, software reselling, and ArcGIS training.

The White Paper provides insights into the following areas:

• The function and makeup of the ESRI ELA team (called the Agency Central Support or ACS) that works with an end user agency
• Initial software shipments and the requirements gathering to ensure the correct software is made available (for example floating or concurrent licensing).
• Organizing mass installations
• Technical Support

You can find the document HERE.

Check out our new poll on this topic on the left.

So the big news for the ESRI user base is how Google and ESRI are going to work together at least in the technical sharing of data sense. From a keynote address, the following highlights show a glimpse of how this will play out (from APB).

ArcGIS Server 9.3 (available in about 4 weeks, per Dangermond) will make its metadata service “scrapable” into KML and thus findable via Google’s geographic search (once known as KML search). Further, ArcGIS Server will be able to publish not only that data as streaming KML (and GeoRSS) but also related services. Dangermond showed finding data from a Portland, Oregon service, visualizing it and then performing analysis, all from Google Earth. Said another way, all data and services served by ArcGIS Server could potentially be findable and usable in any Google mashup. Further, the resultant KML can be used in app that supports the OGC standard.

ESRI has enhanced the API for ArcGIS Server 9.3 (JavaScript/Flash) to make it more conducive to plugging into other Web mapping properties in mashups.

Google is making its geographic search available in its various APIs. To date it was only available via Google Maps and Google Earth applications. Now any Google developers will be able to do “local search” on explicitly tagged data (KML built via MyMaps or 3rd party apps like Platial and Flckr or your GIS!).

According to APB:

These announcements have some important implications for the geospatial marketplace:
1) the use of and demand for ArcGIS Server should rise
2) any geo data or services provider who wants to play on the Web needs to look at how it will provide findability and usability of its data and services in this way
3) geodata-finding portals may, in time, become extinct – if the KML vision for search and distribution becomes a de facto one as well
4) the technology may be available, but the institutional barriers to data sharing may still be blocking the path (as noted in a question at the end of the session)

It seems that costs should come down for budget conscious agencies looking to maximize the ingestion of free data available throughout the Where 2.0 map world, while at the same time managing only those internal datasets that are either required by law, security-focused, or otherwise need to be handled locally. This leaves a plethora of free data that someone else can manage and make available. This news means combining these disparate datasets is now easier and more seamless than ever. “Why can’t we all just get along” just flew out the window.