GIS in the Alignment Engineering Group

The  Alignment Engineering Group (AEG) stores and maintains large amounts of existing and new survey data. After a detailed study, a Geographic Information System (GIS) is being developed and implemented using ESRI ArcGIS software. This GIS will allow for sophisticated queries to be answered using intuitive graphical representations. Thus queries from simple proximity analysis ("what is nearest", "how many are close by", "where is") are possible as are complex queries that can display embedded information from associated databases. For example, one will be able to display such requests such as finding particular magnets that have been aligned at a particular time or have moved a certain amount during a certain time. Customers can have their data faster and in a clear and useful graphical format.

As the system grows, further data not necessarily related to surveying and Geomatics can be added to the GIS such as utility information or building keymaps. An accurate base-map that has been correctly projected to the earth's curved surface is necessary for embedding any spatial information. The AEG base-map is being expanded using RTK-GPS and other accurate surveying methods. This serves as the well-defined foundation for the GIS and will grow and change as SLAC moves into the future.