Latest Contributions by ShreeRajagopalan

National Mapping Strategies with ArcGIS Pro Watch the video In this webinar, national mapping and geospatial authorities learn about strategies for migrating to ArcGIS Pro. We cover some key topics to get you started, review details that will help make you successful, and discuss the product timeline and road map. ArcGIS Production Mapping and ArcGIS Defense Mapping extensions in ArcGIS Pro will also be explored. You can produce standardized data efficiently and cost-effectively with exacting quality and output requirements for end-to-end production workflows. Whether you are new to these extensions or a longtime user, learn how to implement an efficient production environment in ArcGIS Pro and explore what's new in the latest release. ... View more

National Mapping Strategies with ArcGIS Pro Watch the video In this webinar, national mapping and geospatial authorities learn about strategies for migrating to ArcGIS Pro. We cover some key topics to get you started, review details that will help make you successful, and discuss the product timeline and road map. ArcGIS Production Mapping and ArcGIS Defense Mapping extensions in ArcGIS Pro will also be explored. You can produce standardized data efficiently and cost-effectively with exacting quality and output requirements for end-to-end production workflows. Whether you are new to these extensions or a longtime user, learn how to implement an efficient production environment in ArcGIS Pro and explore what's new in the latest release. ... View more

With much anticipation, the 2020 Census data is officially integrated with Esri Redistricting! Software-as-a-service (SaaS), single seat users now can access the 2020 Census data for all 50 states and the District of Columbia in its entirety. Esri Redistricting delivers a complete suite of redistricting tools and packages the 2020, 2010, and 2000 Census data into a one-stop redistricting solution. With Esri Redistricting, you can create optimal redistricting plans that are compliant or leverage the built-in reports and integrity checks to ensure plans are constitutional. The 2.36.1 version released this month includes the features from the August release in addition to new features, capabilities and bug fixes to ensure you are equipped to tackle this redistricting cycle. These new capabilities will help you develop, analyze, and review plans throughout the entire redistricting process. Read on to learn about what’s been added this month: 2020 Census Data integration Overall Range Check Maximum deviation by decimal increment Note: The 2.36.1 patch for Esri Redistricting Enterprise will be available soon so that all users can take advantage of the latest features and fixes. We hope you enjoy the new tools and features. Be sure to check back for more updates! 2020 Census Data integration The wait is over! Over the last several weeks, Esri processed and validated the 2020 Census data, which now integrates the 2020 Census Data for all 50 states and the District of Columbia into Esri Redistricting to support on-the-fly calculations throughout all features and tools. Access the 2020 Census data to create redistricting plans at the state, county, and city and towns level. Using the latest 2020 Census data, run integrity checks, generate reports, and access the various demographic datasets to see immediate results and impacts as assignments are made. Legacy data from the 2010 and 2000 Census is also available within Esri Redistricting to recreate existing districts, comparison and reference. Overall Range Check The new Overall Range integrity check validates that each district is within the overall deviation range, such that the total over or under from the target deviation across all districts does not exceed the maximum deviation. The overall range is used to measure population across all districts and is expressed as a percentage in the attribute table to ensure constitutional compliance with the maximum deviation. The range in deviation allows the user to determine the full percentage range of the districts. This type of calculation is sometimes misstated as the maximum deviation. Maximum deviation by decimal increment Esri Redistricting now supports smaller maximum deviation increments to capture units to the one-tenth value ( +/- 0.1%). This feature will allow more granular maximum deviation calculations for redistricting plans, with direct impacts to on-the-fly calculations, thematic maps, reports, integrity checks, and other capabilities. And more… See the What’s New for a complete list of updates in this release. Off to the races Deadlines are around the corner and the race to create, revise, and submit redistricting plans has begun. The 2020 Census data is here! We’re off to the races. Best of luck to all of you who are participating in this redistricting season. Content Contributed by Elizabeth Wilcox Elizabeth is a senior technical consultant on the DC Federal Delivery team. She has been with Esri since 2007 and enjoys helping users succeed with ArcGIS and exploring around our nation's capital. ... View more

Esri is offering free, virtual 45-min appointments for data health checks at the 2021 User Conference. This popular offering benefits customers in various ways. Let’s take some time to explore its importance. What is a data health check? Accurate data is healthy data. Healthy data is vital to any successful GIS implementation.  Data health checks help create awareness about GIS data quality control and enable our customers to have error-free data. A data health check is a service provided by an Esri industry expert, who will review and analyze your GIS data. It is free, focuses expressly on geometry/attributes and takes about 45 minutes. We will use Esri’s data quality management extension ArcGIS Data Reviewer to run diagnostics and help you evaluate overall data quality based on business rules specific to your industry.  Participating in the data health check is as easy as uploading a sample of your data in a secure folder managed by Esri. During your appointment, staff will use your own data to explain how to configure key data checks (see example checks for water and electric). Any errors detected are then reviewed with you. The error features and an Excel report outlining the accuracy rates of your data will be provided to you for additional review in the same secure folder.  Data health checks are offered for water/wastewater/stormwater, electric, gas, linear referenced pipelines, land records, addressing, street centerlines, airports (airfield infrastructure), and Indoors datasets. Why is data quality control important? GIS data is used to help make important decisions for your organization. The data in the GIS is being maintained and updated based on new or updated information. Analyses are performed on a routine basis. These results are used to determine the next step. When there is missing information or data in the incorrect location, it will affect the outcome of how that data is being used. Having confidence in the quality of your data is important to trust the analyses and decisions made.  Data Health Checks give you an opportunity to see how clean your GIS is by providing insight into what types of errors exist and a % accuracy of your data’s quality. By integrating quality control in your workflows, you can improve your GIS operations and avoid risks in decision making.  What problems does it solve? Reliable data is indispensable to obtaining meaningful results. Some examples where error-free data plays a key role include:  Migration to parcel fabric or utility network Analysis on geocoded data  Connectivity issues in geometric network  Have a network traceable dataset  911 dispatching system  Have documented proof about your organization’s claims on data quality  Reporting needs or submission of data to authoritative agency  Understand inherited data or data from other sources Assess data from partners or contractors  Integrating GIS with third party systems such as asset management Indoors use cases includes hoteling/hot-desking functionality, space planning, and integrating work order management systems or other existing information streams. In-person Data Health Check at a previous conference How does this apply to me? Data quality impacts all levels of an organization. For example, the Chief Executive Officer cares about their organization’s reputation and saving resources; the Chief Information Officer is responsible for meeting compliance requirements; the Chief Technology Officer is interested in successful migration and integration with third party systems; the GIS Manager is looking for ways to improve efficiency while reducing costs, and the GIS Specialist benefits from less rework by automating their day-to-day tasks.  What do past customers have to say about this offering? Here are some comments from previous participants (names have been removed to adhere to PII laws). “It is an extremely useful service provided to customers around the world to give them an initial understanding of what it will take for implementation of the Utility Network.” “This was exactly what I was looking for to make sure I wasn't making digitizing mistakes with my pipeline data.” “Very worthwhile experience and data quality is of high interest at this time, so we plan to implement this soon” “Very useful. Especially for our Polygon and attribute data (domain validation) data. Learned about special reviewer tool for Geometric Networks. Will use it back in the office.” “Esri rep was very helpful. He listened to our history of how we got here answered all of our questions. We are feeling like we know exactly how to fix our issues.” How do I sign up for an appointment? If this resonates with you and you are keen on assessing the quality of your GIS data, sign up for an appointment today. Looking forward to connect with you at UC!   ... View more

Census 2020 redistricting data has been delayed due to COVID-19. Rather than waiting until the end of the summer you can get a jumpstart on redistricting today with Esri’s Proxy 2020 Redistricting Block Data. This exploratory dataset disaggregates Esri’s 2020 Updated Demographics block group-level data to the block-level giving the flexibility needed to experiment with redistricting today. This document outlines the terms of use and where to access this proxy data. Note that the data is only available for use in the Redistricting tool and with a Esri Professional Services engagement for implementation. It is not available as a standalone data sale. Contact us at redistricting@esri.com for questions. ... View more

This blog describes changes to the cartographic process for Defense Mapping users who are migrating from ArcMap to ArcGIS Pro. The cartographic process for Defense Mapping users in ArcGIS Pro has not changed that significantly. What has changed are tools and the product support files that are needed for the cartographic process. Defense Mapping supports specifications like MGCP Topographic Maps (MTM) and Topographic Maps (TM). The elements, symbology, and tools that are needed to produce these maps have been migrated to ArcGIS Pro. Product Files ArcGIS Defense Mapping users will need to download product files for the ArcGIS Pro version you are using. ArcGIS Production Mapping and ArcGIS Defense Mapping provide separate installers for the product files, including support files for doing end-to-end production with ArcGIS Production Mapping and ArcGIS Defense Mapping. For more information: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/get-started/install-and-sign-in-to-arcgis-pro.htm. Files for the following are included:               Predefined Geodatabases               Predefined Edit templates for Editing               Predefined QA/QC files for quality control               Map Layouts                              Symbology                              Maps                              Surround Information               Generalization Models / Generalization Rule Files               Predefined Workflow Manager workflows Cartographic Preparation Map Templates Predefined map documents in ArcMap have been migrated to ArcGIS Pro layout files. MTM50_TRD_4_X.mxd -> MTM50_layout.pagx MTM100_TRD_4_X.mxd -> MTM100_layout.pagx TM25_TDS_7.mxd -> TM25_layout.pagx TM50_TDS_7.mxd -> TM50_layout.pagx TM100_TDS_7.mxd -> TM100_layout.pagx These layout files contain surround information, map frames, layers, symbology, labeling, and elements needed to create MGCP and TDS standard specification maps. Symbology Symbolizing maps in ArcGIS Pro has significantly changed by using only standard symbology symbols. Representations are not used in the cartographic process for ArcGIS Pro. ArcGIS Pro only reads representation symbology and does not allow you to edit representations or overrides. ArcGIS Defense Mapping symbology for MTM and TM map products has been converted to this new standard symbology. The maps in the layout files have also been converted to using this standard symbology along with using Arcade expressions to assign symbols based on attribution. This replaces the ArcMap Visual Specification Table that would apply symbols to feature layers using sql statements. If you have customized map documents and symbology outside the out-of-the-box templates in Defense Mapping, please contact us for migrating custom map documents to ArcGIS Pro. Elements ArcGIS Defense Mapping has implemented the standard elements that are in the MTM and TM map specifications which are available in the predefined layouts for the MTM and TM specifications that are in the Defense Mapping product files. You can also insert these elements from the Insert ribbon in ArcGIS Pro under the Map Surrounds section. Elements available from the Insert ribbon include North Arrows, Meter Reference Guides, Slope Guide, Elevation Guide Bar. North Arrows are in the North Arrow drop down in the topographic section (towards the bottom) The other specification elements are in the Additional Surrounds drop down. Cartographic Geodatabase ArcGIS Defense Mapping delivers predefined cartographic geodatabase in the product files. These cartographic geodatabases are configured to work with cartographic refinement tools and automation processes in workflow management. The geodatabases have additional attributes for automated cartographic editing and the geodatabase structure is fine-tuned for automation. Cartographic Data Preparation tools In ArcGIS Pro you will see some differences in the location of tools for ArcGIS Production Mapping and ArcGIS Defense Mapping. Both Production Mapping and Defense Mapping geoprocessing tools are now located in the Topographic Production Toolbox. For more information: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/tool-reference/topographic-production/an-overview-of-the-topographic-production-toolbox.htm. Extract Data In ArcMap, the Extract and Clip Data tool was used to extracting data for Cartographic Product. ArcGIS Pro has a new tool called Extract Data by Feature for extracting data or creating checkout replica of the cartographic product area of interest. For more information: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/tool-reference/topographic-production/extract-data-by-feature.htm. Extract and Clip - > Extract Data by Feature Create Contours The Create Contours tool is now called Generate Topographic Contours tool and is available in the topographic production toolbox to create and smooth contours from an input raster. For more information: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/tool-reference/topographic-production/generate-topographic-contours.htm Create Spot Heights Creating spot heights tools in ArcGIS Pro are the same as the tools in ArcMap, except that the name in Pro has changed to Generate Spot Heights. For more information:  https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/tool-reference/topographic-production/generate-spot-heights.htm. Production Tools The production process of MTM and TM maps in ArcGIS Pro is similar to the process in ArcMap. Most of the same tools exist in Pro but are renamed and have some additional functionality. In the end the same output spec driven maps are created. Generate Product Layout The rapid graphic tool has been replaced by the Generate Product layout in ArcGIS Pro. The Generate product layout uses an input geodatabase and runs through tools to produce the map data needed for several map frames like Elevation Guide and Adjoining Sheet Guide. For more information: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/tool-reference/topographic-production/generate-product-layout.htm. Tools that get called within the Generate Product layout include: Generate Elevation Guide Features This tool creates data for an elevation guide diagram surround element as required by various supported map product specifications. The tool leverages existing banding and thinning tools to generate output elevation band features, spot height features, and hydrology features. For more information: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/tool-reference/topographic-production/generate-elevation-guide-features.htm. Generate Adjoining Sheets Features This tool generates features necessary for display in a typical topographic map adjoining sheets diagram. Features generated include sheet polygons for labeling, sheet lines for symbolizing sheets from different series uniquely, coastal polygons for displaying open water with coastal polylines for displaying shoreline, and a calculated area of interest (AOI) for generating a feature grid for the diagram. For more information: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/tool-reference/topographic-production/generate-adjoining-sheets-features.htm. Populate Map Sheet Info This tool populates text in graphic elements on a map layout. Text is populated with feature attribute values from a selected area of interest (AOI) feature in the map. The tool searches each graphic element for tagged (<tag></tag>) text. It compares tagged text to values in the PopMapInfo table. Any matching values are replaced in the graphic element with an attribute value from the selected AOI feature. For more information: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/tool-reference/topographic-production/populate-map-sheet-info.htm. Make Grids and Graticules Layer This tool creates a grouped layer of feature classes depicting grid, graticule, and border features using predefined cartographic specifications. Grid layers are ideal for advanced grid definitions that are scale and extent specific. For more information: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/tool-reference/topographic-production/make-grids-and-graticules-layer.htm. Cartographic Refinement We have built equivalent cartographic refinement tools in ArcGIS Pro Production Mapping. The following tools are used for cartographic refinement using the OCTS layout template provided in ArcGIS Production Mapping and ArcGIS Defense Mapping. For more information: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/tool-reference/topographic-production/populate-map-sheet-info.htm Apply Building offsets Aligns, moves, and hides building, or bridge marker symbols based on product specification rules defined in an .xml file. Calculate Bridge offsets Calculates the offsets necessary to properly display bridges at a given location. Thin Spot Heights Generalizes spot heights for a given area of interest in accordance with product specifications. For more information: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/tool-reference/topographic-production/thin-spot-heights.htm Make Masks from Rules Creates polygon masks for features based on color rules. For more information: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/tool-reference/topographic-production/make-masks-from-rules.htm Apply Masks from Rules Applies symbol layer masking to feature layers in a map based on an XML rule file and mask features created by the Make Mask from Rules tool. For more information: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/tool-reference/topographic-production/apply-masks-from-rules.htm Map Publishing Map publishing has changed from ArcMap. ArcGIS Pro now supports SPOT colors. All MTM and TM map templates have been updated to use SPOT color export as defined in the specification. The maps and layout files in the ArcGIS Defense Mapping product files have had the colors defined as SPOT. Export Map ArcGIS Pro does not use Production PDF. The layout and maps for MTM and TM have the SPOT colors defines on them. Use the ArcGIS Pro export tool with PDF option and the export files will contain the SPOT color exports incorporated into the PDF. No tool is needed like the Production PDF in ArcMap to export SPOT color MTM and TM maps from ArcGIS Pro. For more information: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/help/sharing/overview/pdf-export.htm Custom Colors If you have maps that have colors outside of the MTM or TM color specification ArcGIS Defense Mapping has a tool that can help in mapping these colors. The Replace colors tool will allow users to replace colors in a map, layout, or style in the catalog view. Use this tool to update color mapping, including specification-driven color changes, in which updates apply to all colors in a product. For more information: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/help/production/production-mapping/replace-colors.htm For migrating generalization processes from ArcMap to ArcGIS Pro, refer to this blog.  ... View more

ArcGIS Defense Mapping is now fully available in ArcGIS Pro. This blog provides information about the new topographic production workflows available in ArcGIS Defense Mapping Pro and the concepts and capabilities from ArcMap-based workflows that exist in this new workflow framework. Overview of  Topographic Production Workflows In ArcMap, Defense Mapping included ArcGIS Workflow Manager configurations (.jxls), additional Workflow Database schema tables, custom toolboxes, and other files that could be used to deploy workflows for data and map production. In general, the data production focused workflows could utilize any data schema, while the cartographic production focused workflows were usually used to create defense-specific products supported by Defense Mapping. In Pro, the workflow configurations for use with Workflow Manager and necessary tools and files are installed with the ArcGIS Production Mapping Product Data. Data production workflows continue to be schema-agnostic, while cartographic workflows support defense products and additionally Esri’s Civilian Topographic Map (CTM) specification for civilian customers. The Data Ingest workflows have been improved and new workflows have been added to support Data Generalization, including updating an existing database with the newly generalized data. What’s not changed? The most frequently used production workflow capabilities from ArcMap have been integrated into the Pro workflows starting at ArcGIS Pro 2.6. This includes vector data editing, quality control (QC), field editing, and automated cartographic product creation and cartographic QC.  All of these workflows utilize geoprocessing tools within ArcGIS Pro to automate most workflow steps, including creating and deleting versions, extracting and loading data, creating cartographic data and layouts, and synchronizing replicas and posting versions. Workflow steps also open maps and layouts already sourced to the correct data and zoomed to the Location of Interest (LOI). Jobs can be still be created using desktop tools or using an updated version of the Production Manager web application – in either case, their LOI’s will match polygon map index/grid feature class(es) that you define. As before, the workflows use a shared folder location for job artifacts (working files) and shared configuration files for the environment. ArcGIS Workflow Manager (Classic) Administrator, now renamed and available as a standalone download from MyEsri, provides the same familiar administration experience as the ArcMap-based tool. What’s changed/new? Significant changes have been made to both the user interface and the workflow framework in ArcGIS Pro, with the goal of providing a more integrated and streamlined experience for end users. Most notably, ArcGIS Workflow Manager is integrated directly into the ArcGIS Pro application. Users create a workflow connection once in their project, then familiar Workflow Manager views like job queries, the job list and map views, and job properties are visible as panes. Additionally, the ribbon interface includes a Workflow tab used to create and manage jobs. More details can be found here: https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/workflow-manager/what-is-workflow-manager.htm From an end user perspective, the new workflow framework should make for a more straightforward, streamlined process. In ArcMap, one long workflow existed for each type of production, necessitating manual handoffs between users. The new framework relies on parent and child jobs, where the parent job creates smaller child jobs, with each child job capturing a focused task and designed to be executed by one user. For example, Data Production can include four child jobs/workflows for Creating checkout replica, Editing data in Pro, QC, and Publishing updates. Each child job workflow includes only the handful of steps needed for the specific tasks. These child jobs are created automatically by a background process at the right time, so end users only need to work with the specific child job types and steps necessary for their task. Configuring the new workflow framework This new framework requires different extended property tables in the Workflow Database than previously used in ArcMap. There is no automated migration of the previous tables to the new format, meaning that your existing Extraction, Cartography and Field Editing Operations (for example) must be recreated in Pro. These are called Production Types in the new workflow framework, and it is a straight-forward process using a geoprocessing tool to create them and set key paths and properties. See below: The new workflow framework has been made more flexible with the introduction of Task Groups, which dictate, for a given production type, exactly which child jobs need to be included, in what order, their expected level of effort, and which groups or users should be assigned. Like Production Types, Task Groups can also be created and modified using a geoproccesing tool, and you will need to create them for your production environment before using the workflows. See the image below that shows the process for creating a new Task Group that uses the TDS EXTRACTION Production Type from the previous image. In the example, we are defining that for TDS Extraction, Tasks (child jobs) will be created in order to create the replica, maintain (edit), QC, and finally to publish the data updates. Sample task groups like this one are included in ArcGIS Production Mapping to use as a starting point. You can add, remove, reorder, and modify the tasks using the tool above as you need. For example, if a specific type of work does not have require a formal QC process, the DATA-QUALITY CONTROL task can be removed. Or, if all QC should flow through a specific group, the Default Assignment for the QC task can be set to that group . Additionally, expected levels of effort (LOE) can be defined along with standard working days and hours. This enables the workflow system to automatically generate an overall expected level of effort for each Task Group (parent job) by aggregating those of each child task, and track how delays in any child task will affect start dates of tasks downstream and ultimately the expected due date of the parent job. To summarize, Production Types (similar to the Extraction/Cartography/Field Editing Operations in ArcMap) and Task Groups are how you configure the system to your production tasks and files. Production Types dictate the key paths and files for the workflows to use, and Task Groups dictate which child workflows to actually utilize for a given Production Type. You must define these during the initial configuration of the environment using the geoprocessing tools pictured above. More automation The Production Mapping Product Data installer also includes scripts and .bat files to enable the automatic execution of key workflows. Specifically, the Execute Task Group parent job is designed to always run automatically using the supplied scripts and .bat file. This can be easily configured and scheduled using Windows Task Scheduler to scan for jobs that are ready to run and execute them. This ensures that as soon as a child job (say Data Editing) is completed by one user, the next job (Quality Control) is created and assigned automatically. Many child job types can also be configured to automatically execute their entire workflow, meaning tasks like creating replicas, publishing data updates, creating a cartographic product and generalizing data can run entirely without any user interaction. Capturing metrics The new framework captures valuable production information during and after the work is complete. At any time, users can see a job’s initial expected level of effort and remaining level of effort, which adjusts automatically if rework is required. Once work is completed, metrics are captured at the AOI, resource, and task (job type) levels. These include totals and averages of days spent on tasks, number of times rework was required, what percentage of tasks resulted in rework, and how many rework days were required. If you define a complexity value for your AOI’s, additional metrics will be captured including average complexity by user and task. These values could be used to better understand when existing work should be completed, assess resource performance, and forecast future production velocity. Configuration tools and documentation Finally, the deployment of the production workflows has been made easier with the inclusion of several geoprocessing tools installed with the Production Mapping Product Data that streamline the process. The Configure Workflow Database tool will automatically create the database, import the desired workflow files (.jxls) and create the necessary additional tables, automatically accounting for any RDBMS schema differences. The Manage Production Type and Manage Task Group tools shown above can be used to interactively create your Production Types and Task Groups as well as modify or delete them as needed. Standalone documentation is installed with the Production Mapping Product Data to walk you through this process, as well as the configuration of the background process. While this new framework is very different, these tools and documents will help you get up and running quickly. For migrating generalization processes from ArcMap to ArcGIS Pro, refer to this blog.  ... View more

ArcGIS Production Mapping and ArcGIS Defense Mapping are now fully available in ArcGIS Pro. This blog provides information about migrating generalization models from ArcMap to Pro, focusing on the differences specifically when using Production Mapping or Defense Mapping tools as part of your generalization. COTS Generalization Models In ArcMap, Defense Mapping included toolboxes containing generalization models for the TDS schema while Production Mapping provided a set of generalization models on GitHub as part of the CTM sample configurations.  In ArcGIS Pro, both sets of generalization models have been replaced with the new Topographic Mapping Generalization capabilities. A new set of Pro-based generalization models are provided as part of the Production Mapping product file installation. These models do not require a specific schema such as TDS or CTM but can be used with any schema by configuring a generalization rules spreadsheet.  Preconfigured spreadsheets for CTM are provided with the Production Mapping product file installation, and spreadsheets for TDS and MGCP are part of the Defense Mapping product file installation. When you install Production Mapping Product Data, you will find a Generalization folder within the install location. The Generalization Models subfolder contains all provided models in a series of numbered toolboxes. The Generalization Tools.tbx toolbox provides tools used within the models as well as a tool called Run Generalization which executes the generalization models in order and as defined by settings in the rules spreadsheet provided by the user. The Generalization Rules folder contains pre-configured generalization rules spreadsheets.  For more information about generalization models, documentation is provided as part of the product data install. Within the Generalization Models folder, the GeneralizationGettingStarted.pdf describes the concepts and how to use the provided generalization models. The GeneralizationModelDiagrams.pdf provides high-level flow charts that include the tools used in each of the models as well as the tolerances and fields used from the generalization spreadsheet.  If you want to modify the existing generalization rules spreadsheets or create one from scratch for your schema, the GeneralizationRulesConfigurationGuide.pdf in the Generalization Rules folder describes in detail the tabs and columns in the spreadsheet and how they are used. Custom Generalization Models You can create your own custom models in ArcGIS Pro to supplement those in the numbered toolboxes and modify a rules spreadsheet to manage how and when they are executed by the Run Generalization tool. If you have built your own custom generalization models in ArcMap, you should be able to use them in Pro. We suggest that you test the models thoroughly to make sure that they run correctly. There are a few differences that need to be considered when using models built in ArcMap within Pro. Please see ModelBuilder: Migration to ArcGIS Pro for more information.  If you have built your own python scripts as part of generalization, these may require some updates as ArcMap supports version 2 of Python and ArcGIS Pro uses version 3. To determine if your python scripts require modifications you can run the Analyze Tools for Pro GP tool to report functionality that is not supported in ArcGIS Pro. Some tools are not supported in Pro, so if your model uses one of these tools you will need to modify the model or find an alternative in Pro: Tools that are not available in ArcGIS Pro. If you used geoprocessing tools from ArcMap Defense Mapping or Production Mapping in any of your models or scripts, these will have to be replaced. The toolboxes for Defense Mapping and Production Mapping have been combined into a new Topographic Production toolbox in ArcGIS Pro. Additionally, many of the tool names have changed. In the table below, you will find a mapping of some of the commonly used generalization tools from Production Mapping in ArcMap to the new name in Pro or a similar recommended tool. Some Pro columns are left blank for ArcMap tools that have no equivalent in Pro. Production Mapping Tools (ArcMap) Topographic Production Tools (Pro) Alternative Tool Aggregate Polygons   Aggregate by Field – Generalization Tool.tbx in the Production Mapping Product Data install. Convert Polygons Eliminate Polygon   Delete Dangles Remove Small Lines   Delete Polygons And Extend Lines Polygon To Centerline   Extend Polygon Sides     Extract Data Extract Data By Feature   Fill Gaps Fill Gaps   Generalize Shared Features   Simplify Shared Edge and Smooth Shared Edge - Cartography Increase Line Length     Increase Polygon Area     Modify Underlying Polygon     Production Centerline Polygon To Centerline   Production Clip Extract Data By Feature   Production Dissolve   Dissolve – Data Management Prune Hydro Thin Hydrology Lines   Remove Cutbacks Remove Cutback Vertices   Remove Self Intersections Repair Self Intersection   Repair Bad Geometry   Repair Geometry – Data Management Split Narrow Polygons Identify Narrow Polygons   Thin Hydro Features Thin Hydrology Lines   Summary ArcGIS Production Mapping product file installer includes ready to use geoprocessing models and sample rule file spreadsheets for specific schemas and scales. You can modify a rules spreadsheet to enable these models to generalize any data schema to most scales. You can also create your own custom models in ArcGIS Pro to supplement these COTS models and modify the rules file to manage how and when they are executed by the Run Generalization tool. Keep in mind that if your custom models were created in ArcMap, there may be some tools that need to be replaced and additional testing is required. ... View more

Content Contributed by Dan Henderson, Esri Team Lead for Local Government My colleague @RichardLeadbeater and I were talking the other day about the continuous cycle of Redistricting that comes directly after the decennial census here is the US. It got us talking more about the location-based workflows and activities that cannot be done without high quality GIS/spatial analytics. While the census has gotten most of the press over the past one to two years, it’s the required actions that follow the census that have a large impact on State and Local jurisdictions; redistricting, voting precinct adjustment, and elections. Let’s talk about them for a bit.   Redistricting Before I dive too far into Redistricting, I do want to mention how states like California leveraged Esri technology to better manage their census activities. This included identifying historically low response areas, community outreach and education, community outreach and education (https://census.ca.gov/ ), helping direct and track where census enumerators should prioritize where they should concentrate their work. Even though this was the first digital census, there was still a significant on the ground effort to increase census responses. Once the census data collection was completed, the pandemic caused major delays in processing and quality checking. The normal springtime data release has been significantly delayed. State and local governments and their redistricting staff have been clamoring to start the process using 2010 data to test their approach and to start the public outreach and participation process. Esri Redistricting is being used by dozens of customers to more easily re-draw boundaries and comply with the Department of Justice (DOJ) compliance tests to ensure that any plan created complies with Federal requirements. The time savings on the creation of these plans far offsets the time spent by internal staff using other legacy methods. Redistricting Precincts While not as controversial as Redistricting, precinct creation and maintenance are a regular and time-consuming activity for elections staff. This is an activity that varies considerably between states considering their election formats and factors such as mail in voting, early voting, and population distribution. Jurisdictions can now leverage Esri Redistricting (Enterprise version) to revise their election precincts. There are also ways to leverage ArcGIS Desktop to accomplish this task, which typically occurs prior to each election cycle (often every 2 years). This precincting process can also be used to maintain and update school district boundaries, police precincts or beats, and utility districts. Elections Election day applications have been the core of Esri’s elections solutions. By creating election outreach websites, poll location maps, wait time applications, and election results application, state and local jurisdictions have improved their processes which typically were paper or phone call intensive and not automated. We have seen several of our customers recognized with national Clearinghouse awards for the efforts and GIS technology has played a significant role in modernizing their operations. Examples include Yolo County and Maricopa County.  Wrapping it up Location and spatial data are critical to all of these workflows. GIS and location intelligence have been critical to these efforts and as Esri’s tools have improved, the workflows are more accessible than ever by GIS professionals, senior staff, election commissions, and the public. As I have worked with several jurisdictions throughout my career, I have never been more encouraged by the increased transparency of the redistricting and election process. We still have a long way to go to eliminate partisan and racial gerrymandering but by using the best solutions in the market, state and local agencies can increase the level of trust in the results through active constituent engagement and clarifying the steps taken to ensure that adopted plans comply with the Department of Justice tests. Clarity in the process helps avoid/limit litigation and by doing so, reduces the financial burden on jurisdictions and taxpayers.  Esri Census 2020 Release for Esri Redistricting Customers: As of March 15th, 2021, the U.S. Census Bureau announced they will provide a redistricting summary data file in the legacy format to all states by mid-to-late August 2021 and the user-friendly version will be available by September 2021. Because of this, Esri will tabulate and process the Census Public Law data ahead of the original September 30th data release date. Two weeks after the August release date, Esri will begin data and software updates to current customers’ Esri Redistricting solution. All Esri Redistricting customers should work with their Project Managers on scheduling updates to their software and 2020 redistricting data leading up to the August data release timeline. We will process and deliver the updates to customers in terms of priority by the order of signed agreement. *Please note the August Census PL data release contains the same data as the September 30th delivery, rather in a legacy format. ... View more

Esri Redistricting is a web-based software that enables governments, advocates, and citizens to complete and share regulation-compliant redistricting plans. Using the power of Esri’s ArcGIS software and dataset components, Esri Redistricting provides comprehensive tools for plan creation, management, visualization, editing, and collaboration. Labelling Counties While before you may have needed to bring in a separate layer to label the counties in the area you are working with, you now have the option to label counties within the application. This functionality can be found under the Themes button under the Create tab. Click advanced and select label counties to bring in county outlines and labels. You can change the size of the font and color of the labels and lines to make them more visible. Updating the Homepage in the Admin Console In the admin console you now have the option to customize the homepage of the application to match your organization’s needs. Creating Regional Plans In the new release, we have implemented functionality that allows for you to merge multiple regional plans into a statewide plan, ensuring that no geographies are assigned to multiple districts. See the video below for a more detailed explanation of this process. New auto-save capability to allow for recovery in case of unintentional tab closure or internet connectivity problems Plan histograms and plan distribution charts can now show more than 50 districts. Publishing map packages is now publishing a plan package ... View more

If transparency and public engagement are important elements in your community, be sure to watch this recording and learn how Esri Redistricting, a complete software solution for redistricting, can make the redistricting process easier for you.   #Esriredistricting redistricting redistrictingplans #transparency, gerrymandering ... View more

1. Which browsers are officially supported by the Esri Redistricting software? Safari, Firefox, MS Edge, and Chrome.  IE 11 will not be supported moving forward. 2. Can I use my own boundary for my Redistricting process, or do I need to use the standard Census data? No, if using the single-seat (SaaS) implementation via ArcGIS online, however you can use your custom data as reference. Yes, if using the on-Premise or Managed Cloud Services version; the data can be customized to fit your redistricting solution as needed. 3. If using a Managed Cloud Services Redistricting solution, what is the standard infrastructure for a single server setup? Standard data storage is up to 500 GB Single cloud ArcGIS Server with 4 virtual computing units and 32 GB of Virtual memory Hosting period 12 months Up to 100 active users Target system availability = 95% Full weekly backups (incremental daily backups) Long term backup for 30 days Daily syncs with your data into your Cloud instance Microsoft Windows Server 2016 (or newer) operating system ArcGIS Enterprise licensing System Monitoring 24/7 with Esri COTS hosted software Operation support 24/7 from MCS 4. What is the advantage of using Esri redistricting solution vs. competitor software? Esri's Redistricting solution is a web-based solution that requires no software installation and is scale-able based on total users. Esri’s Enterprise Redistricting solution allows public participation in the redistricting process to ensure full transparency to the public. 5. Can a "Plan Population" summary report be exported to CSV or other formats for additional analysis?  There is not an "export to CSV" option; however, you can export to an Excel file, then "Save as" CSV". Other export formats are available such as HTML, PDF, and Excel files.  6. Can all plans be exported to shapefile and block equivalency files all at once? No, there is no bulk export of shapefiles or block equivalency files function. Only single exports of each redistricting plan are available currently.  7. Can I use my existing ArcGIS Online account for the Redistricting trial software? No. To use the free 21-day trial, you need to create a new ArcGIS Online account using the activation email you receive after submitting the form. If you want to use an existing ArcGIS Online account, please reach out to your Esri Account Manager and/or customer service representative and request to activate a Redistricting evaluation and provision licenses to the app via ArcGIS Online. 8. What is the difference between the free Districting for ArcGIS ArcMap extension vs. the Esri Redistricting SaaS option?  Districting for ArcGIS Esri Redistricting SaaS version Requires ArcMap Up-to-date web browser Not menu driven – no UI Robust UI specifically for political redistricting. Does not ship with Census P.L. data Comes with past and current P.L. 94-171 data Required GIS background and experience GIS experience not required Can work with other polygon data, such as work zones, school attendance zones, Police Beats. Is locked to P.L. data.  Can create other districts but only based on Census geography. Free, but requires ArcMap SaaS pricing = $4,500 Users must provide their own data to complete a district plan or boundary Access to Esri Living Atlas and ArcGIS Online via Esri Redistricting app No Esri support or active product development SaaS version has Esri support included   9. Does Esri Redistricting handle a large number of users if my jurisdiction requires public participation (ex: 2000 users)?    The foundation of Esri Redistricting resides upon ArcGIS Enterprise. The Esri Redistricting solution was designed such that the browser client does most of the heavy lifting which reduces the load on the ArcGIS Server in the background. Because of this, the Esri Redistricting application won't be the bottleneck in the system architecture. If there is concern over the number of users accessing the software, it may be suggested that an additional 4-core server be included to allow your system to auto-scale if necessary. #esri redistricting‌ #redistricting‌ #gerrymandering‌ #transparency‌ ... View more

If transparency and public engagement are important elements in your community, be sure to sign up for the upcoming webinar and learn how Esri Redistricting, a complete software solution for redistricting, can make the redistricting process easier for you. Webinar title: Delivering a Modern Redistricting Solution Webinar date: October 28, 2020 | 10 am - 11 am PDT Sign up here.  #Esriredistricting redistricting redistrictingplans #transparency, gerrymandering ... View more