GGP Systems has announced a GPS and laser-assisted field mapping system for creating accurate maps of council-owned property, land and assets.  The development follows integration between GGP's Geographic Information System (GIS) and FastMAP, the mobile GIS Data Collection software from the Korec Group.  Rugged handheld PC's are used in the field to map features, collect asset information and report incidents, aided by GPS satellite positioning and laser rangefinder instruments that allow pinpoint-accurate mapping including heights.

The positioning technologies accurately record the position of an asset or feature against the on screen map display, which is compatible with Ordnance Survey MasterMap, and this information can then be uploaded to GGP's GIS.  FastMAP also enables additional information to be captured in the field by the use of data entry forms. These templates can be used to record additional asset information such as identification numbers, age or maintenance history or they can be customised to record additional attributes in order to monitor the authorities performance against national standards that are set by central government (Best Value Performance Indicators).

The field captured data automatically updates the corresponding map layers on the council's central map database providing a central, up to date, information resource for users throughout the organisation. GGP GIS can also be linked to the Council's land and property database, CRM or website so that information can be shared internally and externally to citizens and partner organisations.

"The user in the field needs a solution that is easy to use and reliable, however these users do not operate in isolation so any solution must be compatible with other Council management systems and data." Said Tim Maxwell, Managing Director and founder of GGP Systems. He continued, "The partnership of GGP GIS and FastMAP offers Local Authorities throughout the UK an advanced data capture solution coupled with the power of GIS to give a solution for truly ‘joined-up government'."

For further editorial information and photographs, call Robert Peel on tel. 01666 823306