Missoula, MT - GCS Research is pleased to announce the successful deliver of a custom ArcIMS Web-based mapping application for Flathead County, Montana.  The “Flathead County GIS” system was developed over the course of several months through the close interaction of GCS Research and Flathead County GIS professionals.  The website was launched publicly this week and represents a county-wide GIS solution designed to meet the needs of multiple local government users as well as the general public. 

GCS Research developed the application utilizing ASP.NET against the .NET Framework, Microsoft IIS Web Server, ESRI’s ArcIMS 9.0, ESRI’s ArcSDE 9.0, and Microsoft SQL Server.  The application is fully integrated into Flathead County’s IT Department with extensive consideration given to the optimal configuration for ArcIMS-ArcSDE performance.  Flathead County developed and stores extensive vector and raster data as an enterprise geodatabase and performance in the delivery of these data exceeds expectations.  GCS Research also provided consulting services on routines for AutoCAD-based parcel record conversion into the geodatabase format. 

See:  http://maps.co.flathead.mt.us/flathead/default.htm

The site replaces an AutoDesk MapGuide application that had been previously utilized by the county.  Prior to initial design and functionality development, Flathead County conducted an extensive needs-assessment to determine the user requirements for the Web-based application, focusing upon a series of search routines and custom tools to query a variety of land records maintained and updated by the Flathead County GIS Department.  Based upon these requirements and close-interaction with GIS Manager, Mr. Tom Reynolds, GCS Research developed every component of the Web application to the specific requirements of the client. 

“We are pleased with the performance of the system and the successful implementation of a state-of-the-art solution,” states Alex Philp, President of GCS Research. “This has been a highly complex, intricate project.  It is very satisfying when our clients can take ownership and drive the application into the future.”

As an overarching objective, Flathead County wanted the ability to add additional datasets on a routine basis, manage these data through editing of the ArcXML project, and update the Web configuration files.  GCS Research designed the application so these objectives were achieved and the Flathead County GIS staff has full management capability of their system.  As a database-driven, Services Oriented Application (SOA), the site is designed to leverage the power of ArcSDE and Microsoft SQL Server.  Currently, GCS Research is working with the Flathead County GIS Department to add additional functionality, continue to refine the performance, and enhance the site’s administration by the Flathead County GIS Department’s dedicated staff.

For technical information about the site or to learn how your organization could develop such an application, please contact GCS Research at 406-532-3254, or write This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , and visit http://www.gcs-research.net for product and service information.  Visit GCS Research’s main website at:  http://www.gcs-research.com.

GCS Research LLC is headquartered in Missoula, Montana and maintains an office in Portland, Oregon, servicing clients across the country.