Summary

Xentity provides support for the USFS to provide evaluations of emerging geospatial technology related to equipment, software, data methods, applications, and relevant workflows. Furthermore, evaluations will include tools and workflows to assist agency staff geospatial data and enhance current operations. Each project will include an initial scoping document followed by a technical review and evaluation. This involves using a combination of research along with in-person testing and use. Besides assisting USFS staff in performing their work, 

Problem and Solution

The scope of services included research and evaluation of new technologies, applications, workflows, and more. All of which may be of value or significance to the agency. This task involves researching different focuses as identified and assigned by the Forest Service and includes reports on information and findings from researching these technologies and what benefits they may offer.

We evaluated new technologies, delivered project demonstrations, and shared the transfer of technology between partners and stakeholders. This work is performed in an effort to improve business workflows and evaluate new technologies and solutions for the agency. Technical evaluations play a key role in this effort. They form the basis for insightful decision making based on trade-offs and situations involving  when to use these applications and where they may be beneficial.

Xentity provided the requested geospatial technical evaluation of emerging geospatial technology related to equipment, software, data methods, applications, and relevant workflows. Evaluations included tools and workflows to assist agency staff geospatial data and enhance current operations. Each project included an initial scoping document followed by a technical review and evaluation. This involves using a combination of research along with in-person testing and use. Xentity conducted evaluations by performing investigation including hands-on work and research, review findings with USFS staff, documented findings in final brief for each technology, prepared final report highlighting key findings, and provided requested briefing presentations.

Outcome and Benefits

Xentity recommended new approaches to augment the use of geospatial data and enhance current operations to support USFS business requirements. Technologies evaluated includes PowerBI, Dashboard Comparison (Tableau, PowerBI, AGOL), XToolsPro tool compatibility, Portal for ArcGIS, ArcPro implementation, Geoanalytic Platforms, and many more.  Each technical evaluation will focus on increasing USFS understanding of GIS capabilities, identifying limitations, and informing future technology investment decisions. The technology evaluations will be conducted using a combination of research and a hand-on approach.