Services Spatial Data Standards (TSSDS). REEGIS has quite literally set the standard
for the geospatial representation of river system mapping in the Corps, but how these
would be melded into the TSSDS were yet to be defined. This does, at least, raise the point
that consideration must be given to data standards such as TSSDS, metadata, or other
such structures used to document data. It may be possible that in the future SDE could
include an engine that would map data to TSSDS in a way that various clients (e.g., MGE,
ARC/Info ) could understand.
Problems encountered
It is rare that processes such as installing software, manipulating data, getting various
software packages to operate and communicate, etc., occur without problems. At the time
that this report is being written, we know that problems did occur and believe it is impor-
tant to document the details, because they represent lessons learned. At this time, how-
ever, we do not have a full assessment of the demonstration in this respect.
Summary
The Mississippi Valley Division's problem of combining disparate geospatial data
types into one system presents a complex problem. The existing data were expensive to
create. The districts have invested in equipment and expertise using the GIS/CADD soft-
ware of choice and would find it difficult to change. SDE offers a solution where the dis-
tricts can continue without wholesale conversion of their geospatial data format. There
are, of course, other technologies and possible solutions that are beyond the scope of this
report. Whichever solution is chosen, much planning is necessary to design a system that
will serve the organization well. It is hoped that this report has captured some of the key
considerations to be made based on the 12 May 1998 SDE prototype demonstration at the
Mississippi Valley Division.
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