GIS plotting output gets larger, slower and more complicated every day. All users have trouble when files grow in size due to the abundance of aerial and satellite imagery available. Simply trying to plot challenging files impacts productivity. Users even give up trying to plot these files because repeated unsuccessful attempts become very time consuming.

Organisations attempt to overcome these obstacles by various means, including:

* Adding additional plotters.

* Adding memory to plotters.

* Equipping plotters with PostScript capabilities.

* Printing only subsets of data as a trade off.

* Accepting lower service levels for production output.

These approaches sometimes work but they still do not solve the problems and many will require some type of sacrifice. As a result of these issues, users and support personnel consume an inordinate amount of time attempting to resolve or bypass a problem, paper and ink are wasted due to reprints and hardware is not being utilised effectively. The end result is that difficulties with plotting distract users from their work and have a negative influence on their workflow.

A solution

ZEH's plot management solution resolves the complexity often found in the GIS environment. ZEHPlot for Workgroups handles the complex tasks of processing and printing large GIS files. The solution allows the user to submit print jobs directly out of their ESRI applications, which greatly simplifies the process. Files can also be submitted for processing via a browser-based interface. The system handles PostScript and raster output formats from most applications and supports both Windows and UNIX environments.

Key features of the system include:

* Server-based processing - off-load processing from users workstations and plotters to a server. Allows for the printing of large files, improved throughput, and assures job completion.

* ESRI integration - take advantage of ZEH processing without changing your workflow.

* Web-based submittal - select PostScript or raster files and print without opening an application.

* Web-based status checking - Users can easily find their images in the system without having to leave their desks to look for a physical plot. User productivity increases when users concentrate on data ... not on plotting.

* Web-based administration - administrators can manage Plot Express from any workstation with access to the site's intranet. They can manage queues and plotters, schedule jobs to run at a specific time (eg, at midnight), and monitor user activity.

* Web-based file preview - view PostScript and raster files

* Before plotting, without having to open the application that created them.

* Accounting - administrators can track plot sizes, the number of plots per plotter, number of plots per user, as well as the colour and amount of ink used per plotter and much more.

For more information contact Erna Liebenberg, Aisel Systems, 012 663 2054, erna@aisel.co.za, www.aisel.co.za