Our Work

Blue Raster helps you tell your story through interactive
mapping technology. Make your message clear, exciting,
and user-friendly for both mobile and web platforms.

ArcGIS Online

Blue Raster Pioneering Imagery Management Technology and Delivery Workflows with ArcGIS

Many organizations prioritize the accessibility of imagery and image-derived products for visualization and analysis among both internal and external users. As such, efficient  management and delivery workflows are crucial for these organizations to fully harness the power of spatial data and maximize their product impact. Use cases for aerial images and raster data include land cover classification, urban planning, natural resource management, emergency response and disaster management, precision agriculture and conservation, environmental monitoring and change detection/climate change analysis.

Blue Raster specializes in utilizing the robust capabilities of GIS and cloud services to facilitate the seamless assembly, analysis, management and dissemination of multiresolution imagery, and raster data from different sources and timeframes. Our expertise helps organizations enhance their spatial data management and analysis capabilities.

Employing ArcGIS for Imagery Hosting, Analysis & Management

Empowered by cutting-edge technology, Blue Raster excels in tapping into the full potential of ArcGIS for image hosting, analysis, and delivery workflows across ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Online. With ArcGIS Image Server and ArcGIS Image for ArcGIS Online, we enable organizations to host and conduct dynamic imagery analysis on an unprecedented scale.

The scalability and performance of ArcGIS Image Server redefines the boundaries of what is achievable in geospatial analytics. Additionally, by integrating imagery into the ArcGIS Online platform, organizations can create compelling and informative maps that facilitate a deeper understanding of their spatial data.

Providing On-Demand Imagery Delivery Services

We specialize in providing swift, on-demand collection and smooth delivery of imagery through versatile means including API keys, custom widgets, online user interfaces, and application plugins. Our expertise ensures that you have the necessary tools and support to cater to diverse requirements and preferences.

Whether you need quick access to specific imagery, or a tailored solution embedded within your applications, Blue Raster stands ready to assist, offering a range of flexible and efficient options to meet your unique needs.

Furthermore, we recognize the importance of seamless delivery workflows in ensuring timely access to critical imagery resources. Our solutions are designed to optimize delivery pipelines, minimizing latency and maximizing efficiency. Whether it's delivering imagery to remote field teams or integrating seamlessly with existing systems, we prioritize speed, reliability, and scalability to meet the dynamic needs of our clients.

Our commitment to innovation extends beyond just technology; it's ingrained in our culture. We're constantly exploring new ways to push the boundaries of what's possible, whether it's through advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, or data visualization. By staying at the forefront of technological innovation, we empower our clients to stay ahead of the curve and achieve their objectives with confidence. Our teams of professionals are here to assist you in developing and deploying your delivery workflows.

Pioneering Collaborative Cloud-Based Imagery Management

For over a decade, Blue Raster has been working with clients and partners to deliver large volumes of imagery to support various geospatial workflows. Our cloud specialty has opened new frontiers for collaborative  management. Maximizing the cloud's scalability, organizations can now store, share, and analyze vast amounts of data in real-time. This not only streamlines internal processes but also facilitates effortless collaboration with external stakeholders.

Across the globe, our clients and partners are employing our services to manage and deliver their imagery to support their projects and organizational goals. Here are some examples:

Learn more about our work here

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Transitioning from Web AppBuilder to Experience Builder: Get Ready for a New Experience

ArcGIS Web AppBuilder has been a reliable product for many GIS users to quickly deploy applications, serve data out to their customers, and provide access to maps and analysis. It has a breadth of out-of-the-box widgets available and allows ease of UI/UX design for rapid application deployment. As ArcGIS Web AppBuilder now officially moves towards retirement, ArcGIS Experience Builder presents itself a suitable commercial-off-the-shelf replacement for users to continue building and deploying their web applications.

ArcGIS Experience Builder - migrate from Web AppStudio today

What is Experience Builder?

ArcGIS Experience Builder, introduced as a next-generation web application and design tool, empowers users to create immersive and interactive web applications with ease. As an upgrade to its predecessor, It  provides a more intuitive and flexible environment for designing web applications, allowing users to craft dynamic layouts and incorporate advanced functionality effortlessly.

One of the standout features of is its drag-and-drop interface, which simplifies the process of building web applications. Users can easily add and customize widgets, such as maps, charts, and media elements, by simply dragging them onto the canvas and configuring their properties. This intuitive approach streamlines the development process, reducing the learning curve for both new and advanced users.

experience-builder-layout

Another notable aspect of Experience Builder is its integration with other ArcGIS products and services. Tapping into the power of ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise, users can easily incorporate maps, layers, and spatial analysis tools into their web applications, enriching them with geospatial data and insights.

Why Experience Builder?

For those familiar with ArcGIS Web App Builder, the transition may initially seem daunting. After all, change can be unsettling, especially when it involves a tool as integral to workflows as Web App Builder. However, as we delve deeper into what this new tool offers, it becomes evident that this evolution represents a significant leap forward in GIS capabilities.

The transition from ArcGIS Web App Builder to ArcGIS Experience Builder marks a significant milestone in the evolution of GIS web application development. By embracing its innovative features and capabilities, users can unlock new possibilities for creating immersive and interactive web experiences that resonate with their audiences.

ArcGIS Experience Builder offers greater flexibility in terms of design and customization. With support for responsive layouts, users can ensure that their web applications adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes and devices, providing an optimal viewing experience for end-users across desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Additionally, it provides extensive styling options, allowing users to fine-tune the appearance of their applications to match their branding or design preferences.

Try Experience Builder

How do I Migrate from Web AppBuilder to Experience Builder?

As with transitioning to newer technology, transitioning your ArcGIS Web AppBuilder application to ArcGIS Experience Builder requires some effort. Prior to migration, it is important to review the widget functionality matrix which details the Web AppBuilder widgets that were migrated to Experience Builder and all new widgets available in Experience Builder as well as their functionalities. Keep in mind that the migration process might require modifications to ensure smooth functionality your newly configured application.

Luckily there are several resources to help your migration. Here are a few:

Blue Raster is Here to Help

Web AppBuilder to Experience Builder

Blue Raster has assisted numerous clients, spanning a variety of industries, in both developing Experience Builder applications and migrating existing Web AppBuilder apps into Experience Builder. Since the two applications are not completely analogous, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Experience Builder provides a wide range for customization and design, allowing for applications with multiple pages, and no requirement for a map on each page. It is highly responsive, enabling analysts or designers to optimize the application for viewing on multiple devices and resolutions. It also allows more interaction with other ArcGIS apps – like Dashboards and the ability to create a survey within the builder.

experience-builder-examples

If you are new to Experience Builder or transitioning from Web AppBuilder, Blue Raster is here to support you as you embark on your new web experience.

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Exploring KoopJS: Simplifying and Enhancing Geospatial Data Integration

In the ever-expanding landscape of web development, the integration and presentation of geospatial data poses unique challenges. As applications increasingly demand the seamless incorporation of location-based information, developers find themselves grappling with diverse data sources, formats, and APIs. It is in this dynamic environment that tools like KoopJS emerge as indispensable assets.

What is KoopJS?

KoopJS is a powerful Node.js-based server application designed to bridge the gap between geospatial data from diverse sources. This innovative tool enables users to maintain their data in its native format and location while effortlessly transforming and serving it for consumption by a multitude of clients.

Serving as a middleware, KoopJS acts as a bridge between diverse geospatial data sources and standardizes the process of accessing and delivering this information. By doing so, it enables developers to efficiently connect to different APIs, transforming and presenting geospatial data seamlessly.

KoopJS diagram

Creating a Custom Plugin

A standout feature of KoopJS is its robust plugin architecture, which allows users to create custom plugins. These plugins define how data from disparate sources should be transformed, offering a high level of flexibility.

For instance, if you needed to showcase data hosted on platform like Carto that may not be inherently compatible with tools in ArcGIS, KoopJS allows you to craft custom plugins to seamlessly integrate and present the data. With KoopJS, a developer can craft a plugin tailored to convert the data into a format compatible with the ArcGIS suite of tools. The custom plugin serves as an intermediate layer between the Carto data source and ArcGIS, ensuring smooth integration and presentation of the data.

KoopJS

Why KoopJS?

KoopJS enhances the accessibility of geospatial data by providing a unified API that can be easily consumed by web applications. This simplifies the development process and promotes interoperability across various platforms. Whether your data is hosted on a different platform or exists in a non-compatible format, KoopJS offers a flexible and scalable solution to elevate your geospatial workflows. This unique application opens up new possibilities for enhancing geospatial workflows and facilitating seamless integration of diverse datasets.

In conclusion, KoopJS is a valuable tool for developers working with geospatial data, offering a practical solution to the challenges of integrating and serving location-based information in web applications. Contact us today to get started.

Learn more about our recent work here.

 

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Blue Raster & Smithsonian Promote Internship Program with ArcGIS StoryMaps

Blue Raster worked to develop an ArcGIS StoryMap to promote the Smithsonian Institution's Leadership for Change Internship Program. The Leadership for Change Internship, helmed by Smithsonian Affiliations, provides paid internship opportunities for students at museums, cultural, and educational organizations that are partners within the Smithsonian Affiliations network. To help showcase the impressive reach of Leadership for Change, Smithsonian Affiliations collaborated with Blue Raster to develop a StoryMap highlighting past internship projects and explaining the program to potential applicants.

What Leads to Successful StoryMap Development?

Blue Raster worked directly with Smithsonian Affiliations to plan and create an ArcGIS StoryMap to meet their goal of promoting the Leadership for Change Internship Program. In planning out the StoryMap content, Smithsonian Affiliations used the StoryMap Accelerator offered by Blue Raster. The StoryMap Accelerator aids development through a series of guided discovery questions that help to outline the narrative and content to be used in the ArcGIS StoryMap.

Highlighting the Internship Experience

Smithsonian Affiliations identified StoryMaps as their preferred platform because it enabled a multimedia showcase of both the opportunities afforded through the Leadership for Change Internship Program and the impressive student internship projects created across the country.

SI Affiliates StoryMap Home Page

The StoryMap provides a multimedia experience for those looking to learn about Leadership for Change

Smithsonian Affiliations is utilizing the StoryMap as their homepage for the Leadership for Change Internship Program this year. Blue Raster worked within the Smithsonian’s timeline to allow for a launch date right at the beginning of 2024.  The deadline to apply for the Leadership for Change internship program is February 26th, 2024. We encourage everyone to share this great opportunity with young people that may be interested in applying.

Map Showing national impact of intern projects

The map portion of the StoryMap highlights the nation-wide community impacts of past internship projects

Enrich your Projects with ArcGIS StoryMaps

Blue Raster is here to discuss your project and explore the possibilities of ArcGIS Story Maps. Our talented team of designers and GIS analysts will work closely with you to understand your goals and vision. Blue Raster can turn your ideas into immersive and engaging narratives that leave a lasting impact. Contact Blue Raster now to embark on a journey of storytelling, innovation, and project enrichment.

SI Affiliations StoryMap Overview

Overview of ArcGIS Story Map

Are you ready to tell your story?

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ArcGIS Monitor Maintains Healthy ArcGIS Enterprise for Collin County, TX

Blue Raster worked to deploy a well-architected ArcGIS Enterprise installation to support the growing GIS user base of Collin County, Texas. Just north of the Dallas – Fort Worth metropolitan area, Collin County has a rapidly growing population of over 1 million residents. With such a large and growing GIS practice to manage, the county looked to Blue Raster to install ArcGIS Monitor to aid in monitoring its GIS infrastructure and ensure that it stays up and running.

What is ArcGIS Monitor?

ArcGIS Monitor is a powerful tool from Esri that allows organizations to monitor the health of GIS infrastructure in real-time. It can help organizations identify and fix issues before they become major problems, saving time and money in the long run. This tool excels in:

  • Real-time monitoring of environments
  • Alerting and notifications for issues
  • Collection and analysis of performance data
  • Detailed resource utilization reporting
  • Monitoring of security events
  • Visualization of data in dashboards and reports

ArcGIS Monitor displaying performance metrics for Collin County's ArcGIS Enterprise

ArcGIS Monitor Provides Real-Time Performance Metrics for ArcGIS Enterprise

ArcGIS Monitor Helps Identify and Resolve Issues 

Blue Raster worked with Collin County to deploy a robust, well-architected installation of ArcGIS Enterprise 10.9.1 on-premises in 2022 and later added ArcGIS Monitor to maintain a healthy and stable environment. With Monitor, improved insights were apparent quickly with better visibility and quantification for issues related to Collin County's enterprise GIS. The tool saves time for GIS Supervisor Bret Fenster, providing a single location to monitor all components of ArcGIS Enterprise and make quick decisions based on real-time metrics.

"With ArcGIS Monitor, we’re able to assess the performance of our services and multi-server environment easily. Before we had Monitor, we had to RDP into each server to see exactly what was going on. Now, we can see CPU and RAM performance with one login and a well-crafted dashboard configured by our consultant, Blue Raster. "

- Bret Fenster, GIS Supervisor, Collin County

With improved visibility and insights into their ArcGIS Enterprise, Bret and his team were able to immediately address patterns they noticed with server performance and allocate more resources to the problem. The deeper level of metrics provided by ArcGIS Monitor helped Bret and team to address data and content governance with their internal customers, improving performance for all users of ArcGIS Enterprise.

ArcGIS Dashboard displaying metrics from ArcGIS Monitor

ArcGIS Monitor Displays Metrics Highlighting Need More Server Resources

"We’re able to determine where we need more resources immediately. For example, recently we noticed our hosting server began to consume more RAM (90%). We worked with our server team to get 12GB added to the VM. After the increase in RAM, the hosting server continued to use more RAM and motivated the team to look at ArcGIS Server manager and inventory the services. We noticed some new, unexpected layers published from our internal portal that were created by another team. We were able to contact that department and remove the services that were creating the impact and resolve the issue."

- Bret Fenster, GIS Supervisor, Collin County

ArcGIS Dashboard displaying metrics from ArcGIS Monitor

ArcGIS Monitor Displays Improved Performance of ArcGIS Enterprise after Increasing Server Resources & Addressing Data Publishing Governance

Is ArcGIS Monitor Right for You?

Collin County’s success with implementing ArcGIS Monitor for their ArcGIS Enterprise deployment demonstrates that the insights and resulting solutions stemming from the data collected and visualized provides value to the County’s GIS and IT teams. The ability to support observations with quantified metrics empowers Collin County’s team to maintain a performant enterprise GIS environment and reduce downtime. Blue Raster strongly recommends including Monitor in all new deployments of ArcGIS Enterprise or adding it to existing installations. If your organization would like better insights into your enterprise GIS environments, please explore our ArcGIS Monitor Page and Contact Us Today!

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