Ann Arbor Technical Services, Inc.

Geostatistical and Spatial Modeling

Plan, monitor, and control the rapid application development of a series of tools that were used to automate geostatistical and geospatial analysis of the distribution of PCB in river sediments for the purpose of developing a defensible basis for divisibility and cost apportionment among responsible parties in a litigation matter.  Both SQL Server and MS Access views and queries gathered data from the correct data sources and performed automated calculations on the geospatial data.  ESRI ArcGIS spatial models and geospatial tools were used to perform spatial operations against data, such as intersections with geomorphic polygons, extraction of sampling data within polygons, and ultimately re-assembled the data after database processing was complete, followed by tabular reporting and graphics. 

Benefits:

• No client side software installation.

• Developed a means of automating a very labor and computationally intensive geostatistical and spatial modeling analysis with imbedded calculations, error checking, and reporting.

• Decreased transcription and calculation error rate and saved cost on revisions and modeling multiple scenarios.

• Uniform litigation quality of work product and improved customer relationships.

• Enhanced workflow management with built in flexibility and increased productivity and data quality.

• Facilitated communication with team and client with web enabled seamless integration of tabular and spatial data.

Secure Client Portal

A private cloud-based website with global access (“GeoPortal”) was developed to support near-real time data collection and environmental site characterization.  The GeoPortal is a .NET web application built with a SQL Server backend for data storage.  Data collected in the field via mobile data collection systems was synchronized with this SQL Server database for additional quality control, data retrieval, and analysis by staff from multiple companies located globally.  In addition to field data, the GeoPortal also provides a mechanism to upload and join associated laboratory results and information.  This provided a near-real-time spatial view of both field and laboratory data as it became available.  Data access through downloadable comma-delimited files, user specified privileges, online corrective action tracking, chain of custody tracking, customized QA/QC reports and a message board to facilitate communication between staff are examples of other system features.  The underlying data structure made use of a complex relational database, as well as ESRI ArcGIS Server for the storage and display of spatial data within the application.

The application was updated as new technology became available to provide a more streamlined user experience and enhanced functionality within the mapping component.  Map caches were added to create fast, smooth user experience when navigating the map.  Additional capabilities were added to allow a user to drill into information, beginning at a large scale, all the way to viewing specific analysis information for single compounds at various sampling locations.

Benefits:

• Client portal is a web browser based application that utilizes SSL (Secure Socket Layer) technology to create an encrypted connection between client computer and the file servers.

• Lean, performance-based data acquisition, management, and reporting system to support near-real-time Remedial Investigation, Feasibility Study and Remedial Activities.

• Generate and provide near-real-time, fully validated project data/information with imbedded QC that meets or exceeds project DQO criteria.

• Supported Remedial Investigation on schedule with substantial cost savings (2-3x over conventional means).

• Enhanced workflow management with built in flexibility and increased productivity and data quality.

• Facilitated communication with team and client with web enabled seamless integration of tabular and spatial data.

• Standardized data collection and reporting with improved data accessibility and integrity.

Mobile Data Collection Systems

The mobile data collection application was developed by extending ESRI ArcPad with custom forms and data layers.  Users could view on-screen maps with the integrated GPS and select sampling location for editing. Custom data entry forms follow Federal and professional standards (USGS, USDA) for data input.  Automated data transfer routines were built to manage synchronization of data between the mobile device and a centralized SQL Server database.

Benefits:

• No client side software installation.

• Decreased man-hour costs.

• Elimination of transcription errors by field/production personnel, increasing data accuracy.

• Elimination of data rekeying by office staff, increasing accuracy and decreasing cost.

• Easy data access and verification while in the field.

• Barcode technology that reduces data errors.

• Preloaded schemes that simplify sampling efforts.

• Enhanced sample tracking.

Electronic Document Manager/Vault

Document Manager was a web-based system developed using Microsoft Silverlight within a .NET web application.  It featured web based access, fine grained control of access (upload/download) to files.  The custom document management system was initially developed to support the litigation support activities associated with the investigation.  The scope required the litigation support teams review of tens of thousands of documents/data with systematic archiving and retrieval.  The application provided a unique keyword searches and relevance tagging system rather than simply storing documents in a tree-like folder structure.  This allowed users to tag and group documents in multiple ways, facilitating retrieval of the documents for later review with limited notice.  The system was developed using Microsoft Silverlight within a .NET web application.

Benefits:

• The Electronic Document Manager system ensured that no project member missed out on key information with no client side software installation required.

• The Electronic Document Manager system ensured that confidential information is protected and can ensure compliance with applicable legal regulations.

• Embedded transaction tracking and audit trail essential for management of critical records.

• Eliminated paper-based processes to reduce production/reproduction costs and costs for storage space of paper-based records.

• The systems provided users with a web-based solution for managing and sharing workflows, documents and conversations among members of project teams - everyone can access data and track changes on the shared platform.