BID Shares Field Asset Management Solution

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The DowntownDC BID’s Public Space Management (PSM) department began using a mobile application last year to better identify, report and track elements in the public space realm with the goal of enhancing Downtown’s overall physical environment and the pedestrian experience. Over the past few months, PSM attended a few regional geographic information system (GIS) conferences to share information on how the app enables the BID to monitor public space activity by conducting condition reporting, quarterly inventory, and GIS inventory. Its presentation, entitled “Field Asset Management Solutions Within a Thriving Downtown BID,” has been shared at the Esri Mid-Atlantic User Conference in Baltimore and the Esri Federal User Conference in D.C., the latter of which attracted more than 3,700 federal workers and GIS professionals at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Place) last month. PSM will also attend the Towson University GIS Conference in Maryland this month and the Esri International User Conference in San Diego this summer.

Last fiscal year, the BID worked with JMT Technology Group to develop a solution that properly addressed its customized needs and to overhaul a previously manual-based system. The BID solution includes using an iOS platform-based mobile application, Esri’s ArcGIS software, and integrating an open 311 system—all hosted on an Amazon cloud-based server for in-field data collection and asset management services. Both JMT Technology Group and Esri received DowntownDC BID Momentum Awards in December for helping BID personnel save both time and money while providing more accurate data within the public space realm.

Improved information, accurate data on assets and conditions and a strong working relationship with public agencies can address many public space problems. They will not only vastly improve the quality of public spaces in Downtown D.C. but will lead to a greater experience for all by helping similar organizations nationwide that are looking for creative solutions.

UPDATE: May 2013 – The DowntownDC BID and Esri ArcGIS solution has prompted a number of invitations to leading local and national industry conferences. More information on its success and purpose is highlighted in Esri’s spring 2013 ArcNews.