Community Information Systems

GeoMemes creates dynamic map-based community information systems (CIS). These systems are typically built to store and manage GIS and map data such as use and occupancy study data, and have additional functionality such as customer relationship management (e.g. referrals communication and reporting). By design CIS can support much much more.

Think of a CIS as a super-charged website.

Here are some key elements of a typical CIS system for a First Nation:
1. Core multiuser website build & spatial data management functionality (maps!)
2. Manage your traditional use study (TUS) and archaeology data
3. Build pages for your Community (events, calendar, job postings, housing)
4. Client relationship management functionality (manage "referrals" from government; build economic development through 3rd party consultation support)
5. File management functionality (redundant archiving, access control, sharing, versioning, collaboration)
6. Multimedia links functionality (language and culture revitalization)

The following phases describe a typical CIS build for a small community. Each build is customized, but builds on tools developed on other projects. The systems are very flexible and extensible, and can be "phased in" to suit your needs and budget.

Phase 1. Core multiuser website build & spatial data management functionality (maps!)

  • Design and set-up dynamic website with mix of public pages and private pages. Private pages and panels are accessible only by community staff.
  • Add database structure to accommodate the commmunity's spatial data (map layers) and ingest

Phase 2. Add functionality via "Toolboxes"

  • Add "community data" toolbox
    • Work with you to determine what information your community would like to share, and create an access/permissions system
    • Add functionality to add, edit, comment on: community announcements, newsletters, meetings, events, housing, images, blogs, job opportunities, etc.
  • Add client relationship management (referrals) toolbox
    • Build one or a series of web-forms that industry representatives fill out to build a relationship with you community. Add spatial information requests (Where does the proponent want to develop their project?).
    • In the BC First Nation's context, industry and government have a duty to consult when in the process of developing resources in a First Nation's traditional territory. Our CIS can be built to act as a "referrals management system", tracking (1) incoming/outgoing communication on development, and (2) staff actions to respond to referrals.
  • Add file management functionality
    • Expand the system so that it can interface with your office systems. Begin with a simple shared hard-drive.
    • Evolve the system so that is interfaces with your Microsoft Office applications (Sharepoint), and your document scanning and PDF generation work-flow.
  • Add multimedia links functionality
    • The core CIS set-up has the ability to upload multimedia files such as audio clips and video. These files are often restricted access files such as elder's video and language revitalization material.
    • Expand your CIS by allowing community members access to the multimedia store. Build community web pages with your school teachers so students learn language and culture by listening and watching their elders.