Autodesk MapGuide Helps Barnet Meet Targets

5,000 requests a day show success of all-encompassing GIS project

22 June 2004 - The London Borough of Barnet is using an online geographic information system (GIS) based on Autodesk MapGuide to deliver around 200MB of information answering 5,000 requests from residents daily. The council says it views the system, supplied by Allied Integrated Technologies, as one of the key delivery mechanisms in complying with freedom of information obligations, e-government targets and as an important component in its performance management framework.

The system has enabled Barnet�s website to be one of the first to offer live dynamic mapping with links through to a planning database. Users can click onto the planning application reference number on the map and see a full planning record. It also offers extensive local information such as bus timetables linked to routes, clinic opening times, organisation website links attached to locations and aerial photography.

Residents need to follow a link on the website to download Autodesk MapGuide Viewer free of charge. This allows them to view layers of information, clicking on symbols on the map to get further details and zooming in and out as required.

Peter Cridland, Barnet�s corporate information manager explains: �Using the GIS we are able to make geographic information and graphically illustrated performance statistics available at the council�s top-level officer briefing called Firststat. This aims to drive improvement by keeping the council focused on its priorities, tracking its performance against key objectives and holding managers to account.�

Mark Spence of Allied Integrated Technologies reports that one of the advantages to Barnet of choosing Autodesk technology is that this new system extends the borough�s return on investment in AutoCAD. �Barnet owns a large amount of AutoCAD data and one of its prime requirements was to be able to continue to use this,� he says.

Mark Marback, business manager, Infrastructure Solutions Division, Autodesk adds to this saying that applications such as Barnet�s show that GIS is developing from an isolated, specialist application into an enterprise critical resource. �New, integrated software such as MapGuide overcomes the traditional limitations of combining CAD and GIS by managing both in seamless and precise database environment, encouraging collaboration across multiple departments,� he explains.

More data on the borough�s schools, historic photography and mapping and a detailed information search facility will be added to the GIS in the near future.

About Autodesk

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