Cost-savings through integration of EDMS with GIS

The high cost of converting source records to a GIS has led many large corporations to seek out low-cost alternatives. Costs, competition and aggressive reengineering demand creativity in the use of available technologies. Engineering Document Management Systems (EDMS) provide quick access to scanned records along with sophisticated editing capabilities. Geographic Infonttation Systems (GIS) allow the capture of valuable data assets. US West's OSP-FM (Outside Plant Facilities Management) system is an integration of EDMS and GIS technologies. This hybrid approach combines a raster data editing and file management system,vith a relational database GIS. The implemented solution is client server based and is planned to service over 1000 users. This paper will discuss the system architecture of the hybrid EDMS/GIS solution in use at US WEST the conversion strategies that led up to ifs choice, and the lessons learned in its implementation.