NWGIS Programming

Many GIS applications involve specialized programming to perform complex manipulations of the data not possible at the command level, to create tools for automating a series of data conversions steps, or to customize the graphic user interface. Special programming logic may be required during various stages of a GIS project. For example, incoming data may need to be converted from a spreadsheet or database file into a form that can be imported into the GIS. Data in one form (e.g., center points of cells) may need to be converted into another form (e.g., cell polygons). On the output side, creating complex maps in ARC/INFO often requires extensive ARC Macro Language (AML) coding. To create the optimum user interface for an ArcView project may require extensive coding in Avenue, it's object-oriented programming language.

Besides having expertise in AML and Avenue programming, our chief GIS consultant has more than 20 years of computer programming experience, including BASIC, FORTRAN, COBOL, Unix shell script, awk, Paradox ObjectPAL, and PowerBuilder. Other NWGIS staff members are also accomplished AML and/or Avenue programmers.

Key Benefits

	Extensive experience using the standard GIS programming languages
	Chief GIS consultant has more than 20 years of programming experience, including object-oriented and database applications
	Demonstrated ability to customize ArcView applications to facilitate use by non-GIS trained customers
	Extensive experience restructuring data for use in GIS, automating repetitive and complex procedures, and post-processing data derived from GIS
	Proprietary software tools for dynamic segmentations and interfacing ARC/INFO with PC graphics software

Reference Accounts

	Designed and developed a custom ArcView project for the Washington State Department of Transportation to display selected watershed improvement recommendations in the Snohomish River Basin (included extensive use of the Dialog Designer extension and Avenue programming)
	Developed proprietary software tools for creating map layers from ArcPlot and importing them into CorelDRAW to create high-quality, small-format maps (three large forest landowners and most other clients have benefited from this capability)

Developed special software tools for optimum placement of multiple, overlapping color-coded lines used for displaying attribute data associated with streams (primarily used in conjunction with the Snohomish River Basin Conditions and Issues Report for the Snohomish Work Group)

Information Request

For additional information on Programming, please call, send e-mail, or leave your contact information on our Feedback page.

Send mail to WebMaster with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: February 17, 1999