• GeoConcept Internet Server
• Publisher for GeoConcept
• 3D for GeoConcept
• GC Image
• Geo Miner
• Isochrone for GeoConcept
• GeoConcept Development Kits
• Smart Label Editor
• FCM ( Fast Compressed Map )
• GeoConcept Defense
• Virtual Geo for GC: Three-dimensional display in real time
• GeoConcept Dispatcher
• GeoConcept Pocket
• GeoConcept Sales & Marketing
  
  Also see GCES ( GeoConcept Enterprise Solution )

1. GeoConcept Internet Server:

GeoConcept Internet Server (GCIS) is a toolkit extension to the GeoConcept Information System designed for developing or enhancing Internet, Extranet and Intranet sites. Users can upgrade their own sites to feature interactive geographic data handling, and create fully functional Web-based mapping applications. Maps designed and configured specifically for publishing via a web server can be easily upgraded to feature the simple map navigation functions GCIS provides.

Now you can use GeoConcept Internet Server (GCIS) -- an extension, a toolkit, for the GeoConcept GIS -- to upgrade your own (Internet or Intranet) site to feature interactive geographic data handling, and to create fully functional organization-wide Web-based mapping applications. GCIS is a module which allows you to use a browser to view previously created map-scenes and to perform queries on them, to create logical subsets, and to view the properties of map-objects. Separately you can create thematic maps using the GeoConcept package and the geographic data stored at the server. The processing is done by GeoConcept and the map is then passed to the user by GCIS as a gif/jpg file. Separately you can Edit the map-objects (create, move, change, etc) and also edit the attribute data for individual map-objects. GCIS makes use of JAVA applets, so that a java-enabled web browser can act as a GIS terminal. GCIS is a bridge between the GeoConcept and the Internet end-user. The direct advantage is that only one copy of GeoConcept has to be maintained, at the server, although (password-holding) users anywhere in the world can access the functionality. This has tremendous advantages since it makes it very much easier to control, edit, standardise, keep uptodate the maps, attribute data, and the views, while minimising the Training burden on the organisation.

2. Publisher for GeoConcept

The Publisher for GeoConcept module is a map editor designed to combine drawing and map data handling functions. GeoConcept and Publisher for GeoConcept together fulfil a requirement that has been expressed by a number of cartographers for a single tool that can be used to : capture map objects and their attributes ;

• access and manipulate the database and select objects in the geographical space
• add to drawings so they conform to your mapping house style
• store graphics parameters so they can be re-used in other maps
• provide a professional printer with a PostScript file from which printer’s film can be generated

GC Publisher has been specially conceived to provide better drawing functions that is, better facilities for creating text, line, polygon and symbol styles and applying them to GeoConcept objects in such a way as to make it possible to achieve very fine tuning of the cartographic database. The software handles drawing functions intelligently, in that it draws as a function of the editing scale of the map, and so the proportions of the display are respected.

GC Publisher allows EPS export as a standard feature, either by selecting objects, in which case GeoConcept can handle the entire map production chain : from the data capture stage to high quality bulk printing.

3. ( 3D for GeoConcept )

3D for GeoConcept is a module in the GeoConcept product range, designed specifically for visualising and analysing GeoConcept maps in three dimensions. With the 3D for GeoConcept module installed, you can access the three new functionalities in the 3D menu which enable you to :

• export maps in VRML format for visualising scenes subsequently using a utility that can read files in VRML format
• create profiles
• generate line-of-sight areas
• navigate by waypoints and much more...

4. Image

Image for GeoConcept brings to GeoConcept a full set of facilities for handling spatial data structured in raster mode.

The two applications together form a fully integrated Raster/Vector system, specially suited to handling interactivity between display, analysis, and interpretation of environmental data. Data input to Image for GeoConcept are raster data that are displayed in a map through the GeoConcept Rasters virtual layer (see the GeoConcept User Reference manual). There are two main application areas for Image for GeoConcept. . Teledetection (or Remote sensing) : to process and analyse aerial photographs or images and/or satellite pictures in the context of land use surveys. . Altimetric analysis : this is the study and measure of relief characteristics for a designated area of terrain using a Digital Terrain Model (or Digital Elevation Model). Applications include landscape analysis and/or prospecting for urban development.

5. Geo-Miner

A Spatial Data-mining module (enables spatial correlation of the attribute data of map-objects); This too is unique with GC.

The GeoMiner module is a GeoConcept add-on providing fine spatial analysis functionalities. Spatial analysis divides up geographic space into grids made up of grid cells of configurable size, the aim being to use grid cells that are smaller in size than the geographic elements presented on the map. Various operations can be applied to these grids, and it is possible, in particular, to overlay grids for the purpose of multivariate analysis.

6. Isochrone for GeoConcept

Calculating an isochrone involves defining a polygon object whose extremities can be reached in a given journey time, or by traversing a given distance. The Calculate isochrones command acts upon a point object selection. For each object, it scans the network, searching for the group of network points that can be reached in a given time, or having traversed a given distance. Once these points have been identified, the command then constructs a polygon object around these points. Interpreting and analysing an isochrone should be approached with caution. The inclusion of a point in the isochrone zone does not necessarily indicate that the point can in reality be reached within the time or distance specified for the calculation, since obstacles such as rivers, mountains, or buildings are not taken into account. The risk of faulty interpretation of an isochrone is reduced increasingly the lower the density of the network, and the more homogeneous (flat, and with few features) the terrain.

7. GeoConcept Development Kits

GeoConcept is fully open to application development and functions improvement through development kits. These development tools are actually function libraries which can be used in the main standard environments (C/C++, Visual Basic, Power Builder, Delphi...).

The development kits allow :

• modification of the interface, of GeoConcept’s functions
• incorporation of cartographic functions within an external application
• addition of new functions to GeoConcept

The integration of cartographic functions within any kind of application is possible because of this non-proprietary language approach. Programmers can combine GeoConcept’s engine powerful cartographic functions with those of standard environments.

The GeoConcept development kit presents several major assets : a function library and API dedicated to cartography (access to over 600 functions).

An ActiveX component, GeoConcept eXplorer, which enables easier and faster integration of certain cartographic functions within an external application.

GeoConcept Internet Server kit and a Routing kit are also provided beyond Standard kit.

8. Smart Label Editor

This module fulfills two important functions in GeoConcept : It automates display of GeoConcept object attributes; It optimises text or label display on the map.

For any Subclass of map objects, SmartLabel will display the information contained in the object fields on the map, applying graphics parameters set by the user (colour, font, size...). SmartLabel is particularly useful for displaying place names or streetnames on city centre plans or street maps generally, but it has other applications including consistent cartographic labelling on data expressed at different scales (country names, land use, construction plans, network modelling...).

Each time the map is redrawn on screen following a zoom or a map movement SmartLabel reorganises the text display intelligently so labels remain completely visible, without overlap or truncation.

Smart labels are of much use in maps which are hosted on Internet using the GCIS( GeoConcept Internet Server ) module. In GCIS a request is made by the user to to see a map, processing done at server and then response sent to the user in the form of a GIF or JPG image of the portion of the map. It all takes some time and if the image returned to the user displays labels which are cut off or truncated at the edges then the user has to again move the map in order to read the full label to identify the map objects. If the maps hosted on GCIS are made using the Smart Label Editor, they automatically adjust their orientation and placememt so as to display themselves completely. This ensures that the user need not move the map again and again in order to see the labels.

We have hosted the map of Pune City on our website. This map has been created using the Smart Label Editor. Click here to work on the Pune City Facility Map created using the Smart Label Editor.

9. FCM ( Fast Compressed Map )

It is a compression format to get access to mega geographical databases from a light client The FCM is the best adapted format for solution on the field, PDA applications, your applications on CDROM (it gurantees the cartographic editor to keep the original quality)

The advantages of the technology:

• Win: factor 2 on the disk: Save space on the servers
• Needs very little RAM memory
• Really adapted for nomad configurations like GC Pocket

10. GeoConcept Defense:
It is a fully functional geographic information system geared to data handling, display and communication for military operations.

GeoConcept's cartographic engine:

• Handles custom-created objects representing areas of interest on a mapped background
• Shares and distributes data with full interoperability between different information systems. Principal import formats supported
• Raster : USRP, ASRP, Spatiocarte, BMP, TIFF, GIF, BIL, SPOT, JPEG, WMF, PCX…
• Vector : DCW in Digest VPF/VRF format, VMAP0, VMAP1, SHP (Shapefile), DXF, MIF/MID, ASCII, EDIGéO, E00… Principal projection systems available
• UTM MGRS on WGS84, ED 50…
• UTM on WGS84, ED 50…
• Lambert 1 to 4, Lambert 93, Bonne UTM gridlines can be generated in GeoConcept Defence as overlays to GeoConcept maps. Simplified and integrated access to the GPS network
• Fixed and mobile operating modes
• Wide-ranging applications: vehicle tracking, navigation, location finding
• Display of current position, speed and direction
• Plot display of a recorded journey
• Direct point capture via GPS
• Distant point capture with laser binoculars 3D for GeoConcept extends GeoConcept Defence to maximise simulation benefits gained from Digital Terrain Models. DTM standards used by the military - DTED1, DTED2, DMED… - are all supported Mobile tracking on a raster background Styles match NATO APP-6 symbols Display for object attributes, and so text labels, colours and symbols conform to styles set for ADAT P3. Display parameters can be edited and adapted to suit other symbol standards. The drawing tools enable line directions to be added, or lines representing overland movement of vehicles or troops.

11. VIRTUAL GEO for GC:

Three-dimentional display in real time with VirtualGeo for GeoConcept you can integrate data from your geographic information system in real time and in three dimensions for A1 quality depiction of real life places and events on screen. Navigating in the third dimension With VirtualGeo for GeoConcept, real time 3-dimensional representations can be made interactive so the user accesses geographic data stored in the GIS directly, displaying, validating, analysing and exchanging dynamically with their data resource.
These functionalities are indispensable in a wide variety of professional settings in industry, and in many specialist fields in defence, environmental research, urban and rural development….

Applications in every domain VirtualGeo for GeoConcept is the ideal tool for comprehending and displaying projects having a geographical dimension:

• land development or building projects (town planning, motorway construction, laying power lines...)
• mission planning and rehearsal (rapid reconnaissance, radar zone definition…)
• telecommunications (GSM infrastructure installation support)
• combat simulation
• air traffic route handling. creating a particular mood or atmosphere ... As well as being invaluable for validating completed sur-veys, the VirtualGeo for GeoConcept module is also an excellent decisional aid in the fields of communications, marketing, training…

12. GeoConcept Dispatcher

GeoConcept Dispatcher is a route optimisation decision-support tool providing a simple and effective solution to everyday routing and route planning tasks. Easy to set up and use, several routes can be analysed at once, even for completely different business missions; for example, sales prospection, delivery rounds, repairs and maintenance visits.

GeoConcept Dispatcher exists in two versions:

• GeoConcept Dispatcher SingleRoute is for optimising individual routes, one at a time. This means that the automated procedure by which route stops are transferred from one route to another is blocked ;
• GeoConcept Dispatcher MultiRoute is for optimising a series of routes, and one route in relation to another, so automated transfer of route stops from one route to another takes place.

13. GeoConcept Pocket

GeoConcept Pocket, a version of the world-class GeoConcept geographic information system that runs on Pocket PC handheld devices. Users who are attracted by the power and flexibility of the full GeoConcept system can now extend its capabilities out into the field.

The mobile option is likely to appeal to a wide range of organisations involved in activities such as field service and mobile sales, public utility maintenance, land management and surveying, emergency service provision, road maintenance, traffic management, urban planning and development.

GeoConcept Pocket transfers many of the capabilities of the full PC-based product on to the handheld platform. Users can scroll around maps, zoom in and out, view overlays showing types of premises or terrain, search for specific locations and call up background information on selected places or objects. The new version adds advanced data synchronisation features , and also makes provision for users to develop more advanced mobile GIS solutions, using a special development kit.

It provides sharp, detailed images that can be modified and enriched to meet user requirements at any level. It allows the user to synchronize easily and in real time with the central workstation and applications including databases. GeoConcept Pocket boasts high quality image display, thanks to the exclusive GeoConcept SmartLabel technology which intelligently positions and sizes labels such as symbols and toponyms. GeoConcept Pocket is an ideal solution for mobile workers who require the most up-to-date information, particularly in the areas of cadastral management, urban utility network design and maintenance, road maintenance, industrial and commercial logistics, and management of mobile sales teams.

The new features incorporated into the latest version of GeoConcept Pocket can lead to increased productivity and enable mobile and office-based users to work on one project or field of study at the same time whilst adapting to each individual user’s needs. Roads, networks, places of interest, road works and areas used to conduct surveys can all be created, modified or deleted on the embedded screen with no need to update details on the central workstation. Using GeoConcept Pocket with GPS means changes can be made with great precision.

GeoConcept Pocket now features a view handler and each map can display the user’s required level of detail. Substantial progress has also been made in facilitating projects involving more than one user. GC Pocket ensures data is easily and accurately transferred between the user’s PDA and a central computer. GeoConcept data is uploaded to GeoConcept Pocket before it is put to use remotely, and data is then directly transferred with no loss of information. Any new data entered remotely is automatically transferred via GIS to the PC. The ease of communication between the mobile worker and the central computer means project work is easier and can be completed more quickly. GC Pocket can be personalized and programmed according to user requirements, thanks to an enhanced user kit that gives the user around 150 further functions, including virtual layers and distance calculation. The kit is based on the C++ programming language, and offers great flexibility to developers creating their own mobile cartographic application. "GeoConcept Pocket 2.0 is the perfect tool to meet the increasing needs of mobile workers. Being able to work remotely on up to date information without experiencing data loss means the user can work with great precision and achieve increased productivity. GeoConcept Pocket 2.0 offers unrivalled functionality for enterprises and industry," said Eric Lanzi, President of GeoConcept SA.

Version 2.5 has introduced new synchronisation capabilities, allowing changes on the Pocket PC to be transmitted seamlessly back to the office-based server, using a wireless link such as a GPRS connection. Similarly, changes made to the data centrally can be sent out seamlessly to mobile units.

If the handheld device incorporates a GPS or can be linked to one, field workers making changes to the map data can be confident that the new information reflects ground reality accurately. They can now also record the exact location of “waypoints” (places they visit) automatically at set intervals or distances. And organisations using the system can now more easily set up their own search criteria for staff, using “parameterised” searches that might for instance be based on distance and type of location users need to find (street, railway station and so on). Whilst the application is available as a stand-alone system for use purely on Pocket PC devices, its real strength is the high level of integration it offers with corporate geographical data systems. For instance, users can prepare map data on the desktop version of GeoConcept for use on the Pocket PC, creating a specially compressed file format that allows high levels of detail to be incorporated without demanding undue storage capacity.

Connection of GC Pocket to GPS

• To create objects and tracking
• New interface and improved performances: with the coordinates of the GPS
• Parameterisation of waypoints : choice in the method to create waypoints either by distance (in metres) or by time duration (specifying a value).
• Specification of Class / Subclass in which the waypoints of the GPS are created
• Options in display : make visible or not on the map the position, the cape, the compass, the speed, sent by the GPS, the visible satellites, the cursor, the speed vector and the waypoints.
• Parameterisation of the communication configuration between the Pocket PC and the GPS : transfer speed, Parity, Bits, Bits of stop.

Access to advanced queries

• The queries can be parameterised by the administrator via an XML file and are specific to each map
• These parameterised queries allow a user to search for objects on the map with variables parameters
• These queries are created from GeoConcept map, copied and pasted in a pseudo SQL language and can be modified in XML (through the own grammar of an application like GCPocket).

14. GeoConcept Sales & Marketing

The new version of GeoConcept’s geomarketing solution, GeoConcept Sales & Marketing is a fully functional decision-support tool for taking strategic steps such as investing in new sales outlets, setting up sales territories, or setting targets for direct marketing.
GeoConcept Sales & Marketing also benefits fully from new features in GeoConcept’s Miner module. This highly specialised spatial analysis tool enabling crossing of heterogeneous data so advanced « scoring » analysis methods can be applied to data now includes striking new functionalities : an in-depth remake of the interface, plus introduction of a straightforward logic tree presentation has made creating and crossing analysis grids a much simpler operation.

• Automated creation of catchment areas lets you create catchment areas for every branch or sub-section in your network. To further refine your surveys, you can designate up to three sub-zones or catchment areas (primary, secondary and tertiary) and GeoConcept Sales & Marketing then automatically updates the relevant statistics.
• Enhanced tools and page layout models for easy manipulation of the results of your analyses
• Better legibility with preview vignettes inset on screen : the survey zones and analysis types are saved to memory, and remain accessible via a simple mouse-click on the relevant vignette

Also see GCES ( GeoConcept Enterprise Solution )