We have been using ArcView linked to our main SMR systems in Access for
about 3 years (with monuments, events, consultations, SAM attributes etc
coming through 'live'). These links can be done in many different ways, with
varying degrees of success (and bugs to be overcome) but are easiest using
the Database Access / SQL Connect functionality via ODBC, with complex
spatial data held in ArcView and attributes in Access.
Regarding user-friendliness, ArcView out-of-the-box requires a bit of
knowledge and ingenuity to be used successfully, ideally with an 'expert' to
hand to set up data capture, projects, themes, layouts etc. On the other
hand, ArcView's user interface is hugely customizable through the Avenue
programming language, dialogue editor etc. if you have access to a geek ;-)
This allows specific tasks and tools to be set up to meet your everyday
requirements.
(NB you should not be expecting any GIS system to be simple, especially if
you are going to be moving the whole focus of your SMR into this medium and
setting up and managing large spatial data sets. Make sure you get some
proper training and learn the basics! And plan for at least a three year
programme of data capture and transfer, taking things a step at a time.
Organisations with too much money and too many managers (not SMRs of course)
always tend to throw it down the drain with GIS plans that go pear-shaped -
take care.)
In addition, there is a huge community of ArcView users out there - if you
post problems to the ArcView-L list, you are guaranteed 17 responses from
users all over the world including Slovakian tank designers and Japanese
botany students (but mainly American forestry managers). And the ESRI
support is quite good, especially if you get hold of Mike Gill who used to
be an archaeologist and worked for WoSAS!
ArcView also now has very good tools for importing and managing OS mapping
data (NB Map Manager costs about £600 extra, and you need it unless you will
be accessing corporate mapping held and manged for you by the County).
The fact that your County already uses ArcView is a very big factor too, as
it means there will be experienced users and developers.
ArcView does have some limitations from the hard GIS perspective,
particularly for data capture and editing, but these should not pose
problems unless you are coming from a background in ArcInfo or some other
high-end system.
One other thing - ArcView eats bad PCs for breakfast. Make sure you have a
heap of RAM and decent PCs, and use huge monitors.
Hope this is some use!
Crispin (available for consultancy...!)
West of Scotland Archaeology Service
Charing Cross Complex
20 India Street
Glasgow G2 4PF
Tel: 0141 287 8332-5
Fax: 0141 287 9529
email: [log in to unmask]
The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire,
East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North
Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire and West
Dunbartonshire.
-----Original Message-----
From: Williams, Elizabeth <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: 30 March 2000 16:41
Subject: ArcView and SMRs
>I've been asked to find out if anyone is using ArcView with their SMR
>(preferably running on Access) or is in the development/trial stages. The
>reason for asking is that we at NCC are about to start developing our GIS
>and would like to have a look at other systems which are running
>successfully! We currently have an Extensive Urban Survey on ArcView but it
>isn't very user friendly and we are stuck with ArcView as its our county
>system. Any info gratefully received.
>_________________________________________________
>Liz Williams
>SMR Assistant, Conservation Team, Environment Directorate
>Northumberland County Council, County Hall
>Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 2EF
>Tel: 01670 534060 Fax: 01670 533086
>e-mail: [log in to unmask]
>www.northumberland.gov.uk
>
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