Latest Contributions by DonFerguson

Hi everyone... I just posted a new video tutorial for IGT4SAR discussing the importance of Minimum Essential Datasets.  Historically we had limited ourselves to paper topographical maps that were static and typically outdated.  However, SAR response requires heightened situational awareness of the environment within the search area.  This is not only for managing responders in the field but also in understanding how the subject may respond to certain environmental conditions as this understanding could assist in finding the subject. Minimum Essential Datasets help provide situational awareness.  They also allow the maps to be dynamic and interactive.  And the availability of raster and vector datasets provides opportunities for analysis that were previously unavailable. http://youtu.be/RNO0P3wYakM It is not my best video but informative nonetheless. cheers, Don Ferguson ... View more

Can someone tell me how to access the checkboxes on the Attributes tab of the Editing Options dialog box (see attachment)?  I am trying to create an editor extension addin that will select (checkbox enabled) pre-determined layers at the start of an edit session.  I am using IAttributeWindow to access the Attribute Dialog Box but I would prefer to use the Editing Options method. thanks!! Don Ferguson ... View more

Hi all... One of the concerns with MapSAR_Ex is that we overburden the GIS technician with data entry.  Currently MapSAR_Ex relies on both spatial and non-spatial data to accurately track information during a SAR operation.  All of this data is vital to the mission and to prevent data loss and ensure all the information is tracked appropriately we want both spatial and non-spatial data to be stored in the gdb.  Robert Pincus has been developing add-ins that should ease the burden for the GIS Tech.  I have come up with a  complimentary approach thanks to Rick Laing from Ridge Meadows SAR in BC.  I have developed an Excel workbook that has a number of worksheets that are complimentary to the Tables and Features Classes within the SAR_Default.gdb.   The workbook even incorporates a number of drop-down lists similar to the Domains in the gdb.  Now someone running Excel on another PC can fill in tables for Subject Information, Incident Information, Team Members, Assignments, etc (all the non-spatial information).  This data can then be loaded into the MapSAR_EX Incident gdb using the Load Data Wizard in ArcCatalog.  This workflow significantly reduces the burden on the GIS Tech who can then focus on spatial analysis and task generation. The SAR_Default.xls is included in the new Incident folders and some instruction is included on the first worksheet, although I need to improve it.  Keep in mind that some of the data fields are different between MapSAR and MapSAR_Ex so the xls file will not work with standard MapSAR without some modifications. I would really like to explore how this could be used with ESRI Maps for Office!! I have loaded an updated version of MapSAR_Ex to the ArcGIS Online site: http://www.arcgis.com/home/group.html?owner=PaulDoherty&title=Using%20GIS%20in%20WiSAR or you can download it from DropBox: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/17428269/MapSAR_Ex.zip You can also download a copy of the SAR_Default.xls from DropBox: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/17428269/SARDefault.xls There are a few small bugs I am still trying to work out and I am working on some additional Projection for other parts of the globe and should have those soon. As always, let me know if you have any questions. cheers, Don Ferguson ... View more

Hi All... I put together a short primer on the use of statistical search area and some of the of models now possible using GIS.  Have a peek.  Let me know if you have any comments or questions. http://dl.dropbox.com/u/17428269/StatisticalSearchArea.pdf cheers, Don ... View more

Hi... I would like to automate the North Arrow rotation (to create a mag north arrow) using a Python script.  Is it possible to access the "Rotation" of the GRAPHIC_ELEMENT using a call from arcpy.mapping.ListLayoutElements? thanks, Don ... View more

Hi All... I have just finished a major update to the MapSAR_Ex project.  MapSAR_Ex expands on the capabilities of MapSAR by adding Search Theory and analytical tools.  You can download MapSAR_Ex from here: http://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=53e2cc1e61364a5eb7a9b3ac8b8e944f An incomplete tutorial is provided in the documentation which can also be downloaded from here: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/17428269/MapSAR_Ex_Tutoral.pdf A more complete tutorial is forthcoming. cheers, Don Ferguson ... View more