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Blue Raster & Esri Host ArcGIS Hub Innovation Workshop

Posted on by Ben Masters

The 2025 ArcGIS Hub Innovation Workshop, co-hosted by Blue Raster and Esri, brought together local government leaders and GIS professionals at Blue Raster's Arlington, VA office to foster collaboration, share the latest innovations, and provide hands-on learning experiences with ArcGIS Hub. This event provided attendees with insights into product roadmaps, innovative use cases, and opportunities to collaborate on Hub deployments tailored to their community needs.

Workshop Recap

Esri Shares ArcGIS Hub Roadmap & Generative AI Examples

Presentation of advanced use cases for ArcGIS Hub.

Ben and Mary presenting advanced use cases for ArcGIS Hub.

Andrew Turner, Director and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Esri Research and Development Center, kicked off the workshop by presenting the ArcGIS Hub roadmap and showcasing examples of its practical applications. He then provided updates

on GeoAI and highlighted use cases for Generative AI. Andrew also shared Esri's Hub Gallery - check out the great Hub examples to find some inspiration for your own Hub site!

Blue Raster Presents Advanced Hub Use Cases & Customer success Stories

Ben Masters, Mary Bracho, and Phil Satlof from Blue Raster demonstrated how they have pushed ArcGIS Hub to its limits across multiple projects. Some highlights included:

These projects, along with others, sparked insightful discussions and led to several meaningful hands-on breakout sessions.

OC Works Hub Page
OC Works Hub Page
Main Street America BOOMS Tracker

Hands-on Breakout Sessions for Special Topics

One of the most valuable portions of the day was the hands-on Bring Your Own Hub workshop, where attendees worked directly with Esri and Blue Raster experts to explore solutions for their existing or proposed Hub deployments. We covered:

  • User Feedback and Roadmap discussion with Andrew Turner
  • Automation and Scripting Workflows
  • Custom HTML & CSS for Dynamic UI/UX
  • Getting Started with Hub

Beyond the technical deep dives, the workshop was an opportunity for collaboration and networking. Attendees connected with local peers, shared best practices, and discussed the evolving role of GIS in public sector innovation.

Ben leading Getting Started with Hub breakout session.
Mary leading the automation and scripting workflows breakout session.
Justin leading the custom HTML & CSS for dynamic UI/UX breakout session.

What’s Next? Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

With such great discussions throughout the day, we’re excited to continue supporting agencies in their ArcGIS Hub journeys. Whether you’re looking to launch a new Hub, expand an existing deployment, or tackle specific GIS challenges, our team is here to help.

We also invite you to connect with us in person at Esri’s FedGIS Conference (February 24-26)—stop by our booth and let’s talk about what’s next for your GIS initiatives!

At Blue Raster, we’re dedicated to pioneering GIS solutions that transform how industries operate. We invite you to reach out and explore how we can collaborate on your next GIS project. Stay connected with us for updates on future events and opportunities to innovate together.

Blue Raster Collaborates with MIT to Address Environmental Hazards in Carceral Facilities

Posted on by Chigo Ibeh

At Blue Raster, we are committed to leveraging technology for equity and environmental justice. Our latest collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab - Space Enabled Research group and Fight Toxic Prisons (FTP), is a participatory research initiative designed to shed light on the environmental hazards faced by prisons, jails, and detention centers across the United States. From extreme heat and air pollution to flooding and wildfires, this project aims to document the challenges that these facilities impose on both the incarcerated individuals and the surrounding communities.

MIT Media Lab

The heart of the project lies in its community-driven approach. It brings together a diverse team of academics, grassroots organizers, and, most importantly, those directly impacted by incarceration. Our role at Blue Raster was to transform the vision of this initiative into an interactive mapping tool that not only highlights these environmental hazards but also elevates the voices of formerly incarcerated individuals. By incorporating their stories, we aim to facilitate a deeper understanding of the human impact behind the data.

Blue Raster's Role in the Project

Our team was tasked with transforming a wealth of qualitative and quantitative data into a user-friendly mapping tool. Our development process emphasized community engagement, gathering input from focus groups and interviews to ensure the platform reflects the needs of those most affected by the carceral system.

The development process, led by Dr. Ufuoma Ovienmhada from MIT Media Lab’s Space Enabled Research Group, unfolded in three pivotal phases. It began with in-depth interviews with community organizers, many of whom had firsthand experience with the prison system. These discussions highlighted the essential environmental data needed to support their advocacy efforts. In response, we designed a tool that enables users to visualize key environmental hazards affecting prisons, empowering organizers to drive meaningful policy change.

The tool developed using ArcGIS Dashboard and Experience Builder was utilized to house and display all the information captured as part of this initiative. It featured several tabs for viewing carceral facilities on map with more specific details to each facility attributed to each point using pop-ups and info tables. Additionally, users can navigate to the 'Insights' tab to learn more about  risk factors these facilities experience. These  risk factors include particulate matter, wildfire, overpopulation, extreme heat, flooding and drought intensity. And finally, user can navigate to the 'Storytelling' tab to read and listen to narratives and accounts from previous inmates around some of the environmental conditions they faced when they were detained or incarcerated at specific facilities.

The team collaborated closely with Fight Toxic Prisons (FTP), a human rights activism group. The FTP movement is inspired by the abolitionist movement against mass incarceration and the environmental justice movement, which have both been led by the communities of color who are hardest hit by prisons and pollution.  For this project, they were very instrumental in outlining requirements for the tool and further refining the tool based on the feedback gathered from focus groups.

Gathering stories from individuals within the system.

Monitoring of Environmental Hazards

Utilizing Esri’s powerful GIS software, we designed an accessible interface that features not only quantitative data but also qualitative narratives. These personal stories add a vital layer of context to the environmental data.

In its Beta form, the Toxic Prisons Mapping Project is a starting point for ongoing monitoring of environmental hazards related to carceral facilities. We envision this tool evolving through continuous feedback and contributions from the community, particularly those who have been directly impacted by the system, providing a resource for real-time awareness and long-term advocacy.

The dedication of individuals like Dr. Ovienmhada, Mei Azaad, and the many activists who shared their stories has been instrumental in bringing this project to life.

We invite you to explore the mapping tool at it's official website.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to refine the tool and expand its capabilities.

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Recap of Blue Raster’s 2024 North Carolina ArcGIS Users Group Conference Experience

Posted on by Diane Trif

The 2024 North Carolina ArcGIS Users Group Conference brought together the North Carolina GIS community in Wilmington, NC. Hosted by annually by NCAUG, the event showcases a wide array of topics, from practical applications of GIS in various industries to advanced Analysis using Artificial Intelligence. This year, the event theme was "Mind Maps - Exploring the Intersection of GIS & AI".

Ben and his teammates at Reem’s Creek Golf Course in Asheville, NC

Ben and his teammates at Reem’s Creek Golf Course in Asheville, NC

Blue Raster Stays Involved in North Carolina

Marking Blue Raster’s second time attending the conference, Project Manager Ben Masters represented Blue Raster in Wilmington where he showcased the ways Blue Raster implements innovative GIS solutions for our customers. The week began on the golf course with the annual pre-conference tournament, where Ben connected in-person with other conference attendees and learned more about how each of his teammates utilized GIS in their day-to-day roles.

The following day was the opening of the conference, exhibit hall, and plenary session. Blue Raster was a platinum sponsor of the conference, giving us the opportunity to present company information and introduce Blue Raster to the community during the Vendor Parade. The opening of the exhibit hall allowed us to connect with our partners at Esri, businesses, and state and local government GIS professionals to understand their current GIS needs and showcase Blue Raster’s latest solutions and services.

Parting Thoughts

The NCAUG Fall Conference in Wilmington was a great way to connect with GIS professionals and stay involved in the North Carolina GIS community. Ben enjoyed getting to meet new people and connect with old customers and colleagues. Blue Raster looks forward to the next NCAUG event and connecting with those we met at this year’s conference to help solve their GIS problems with innovative solutions.

Wendy McGuire of Esri Representing Blue Raster on her laptop with some conference swag!

Wendy McGuire of Esri Representing Blue Raster on her laptop with some conference swag!

At Blue Raster, we’re dedicated to pioneering GIS solutions that transform how industries operate. We invite you to reach out and explore how we can collaborate on your next GIS project. Stay connected with us for updates on future events and opportunities to innovate together.

Supporting the 2024 AANHPI National Unity Summit

Posted on by Diane Trif

Blue Raster supported our client, the Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC) during the 2024 AANHPI Unity Summit in Washington, D.C., focused on "Lifting Our Community Voices in Building Unity and Affecting Change." This event provided a vital platform for AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) organizations to engage with policymakers and address pressing community issues such as immigration, civil rights, and racial discrimination. 

Blue Raster's Commitment to Civic Engagement

During the summit, our colleague Mary Bracho presented on behalf of Blue Raster at both the White House and the U.S. Capitol, where she collaborated with community leaders and government officials to amplify AAPI voices. The two-day event brought together key figures, including Krystal Kaai from the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, and Kota Mizutani, Senior Advisor at the White House, further highlighting the significance of unity in affecting change.

As part of the summit, Blue Raster collaborated with the Asian American Unity Coalition (AAUC) to support the launch and demonstration of the AAPI Partner Network application and the AAUC Hub site. Developed using ArcGIS Experience Builder, with key components built in ArcGIS Dashboards and Survey123, the AAPI Partner Network now boasts the most comprehensive and robust database of AAPI organizations. The platform empowers users to explore data, identify gaps in services and support, make informed decisions, and foster collaboration within the AAPI community.

 

The event featured panels addressing key community issues such as immigration, civil rights, and racial discrimination, with a focus on building unity across diverse ethnic groups. As our partners noted,

“Blue Raster's unwavering support and contribution played a pivotal role in the successful execution of our 2024 National AANHPI Unity Summit… expanding the reach of AAUC and furthering our mission to promote civic engagement among Asian Americans.”

Blue Raster’s partnership with AAUC extends beyond our support at the summit. We’ve been instrumental in the development of the AAPI Community Hub Project, which leverages our expertise in ArcGIS to provide community organizations with powerful tools to advocate for change and engage with lawmakers.

WhiteHouse Briefing

Our Commitment to GIS for Good 

At Blue Raster, we believe in the power of GIS to drive positive social change. Our partnership with AAUC and our involvement in the 2024 AANHPI National Unity Summit are examples of how we utilize ArcGIS technology to help amplify voices that often go unheard. By providing the tools and resources necessary to elevate community concerns, we are proud to play a role in fostering unity and advocating for meaningful change.

As we look forward to future collaborations, we remain committed to leveraging our expertise for the greater good, working alongside organizations like AAUC to build a more inclusive and just society.

Stay connected with us for future updates on how we're partnering with organizations like AAUC to amplify voices and foster unity. Interested in learning how GIS can empower your organization? Contact us today to explore how we can help you make an impact!

Enhanced Performance with Blue Raster’s Cloud-Managed Services: Integrating Zabbix and ArcGIS Monitor for Proactive Management

Posted on by Chigo Ibeh

At Blue Raster, we understand that organizations rely on uninterrupted access to their geospatial data and services. With the rapid shift towards cloud-based infrastructure, it’s essential to have a solution that not only supports deployment and scalability but also proactively manages and monitors these environments. That’s where our cloud-managed services come in, offering an all-encompassing solution designed to ensure your ArcGIS Enterprise environment runs smoothly and efficiently.

 

 

Why Cloud-Managed Services Matter

 

The complexity of modern GIS environments means that organizations need to stay ahead of potential issues before they impact performance or cause downtime.

Managing an ArcGIS Enterprise environment involves more than just deploying servers—it requires constant oversight of infrastructure, software updates, system performance, and security compliance.

Blue Raster’s Cloud-Managed Services provides a comprehensive solution, taking the burden off your internal teams and ensuring your systems are optimized and up-to-date.

 

Zabbix and ArcGIS Monitor: A Perfect Partnership

One of the key features of our managed services is proactive monitoring. We leverage industry-leading tools such as Zabbix and ArcGIS Monitor to give clients visibility into system performance, helping to anticipate issues before they become problems.

  • Zabbix, a powerful and highly customizable monitoring tool, offers real-time monitoring of cloud infrastructure, allowing us to track server health, certificate expirations, license renewals, and more.
  • ArcGIS Monitor provides deep insights into the health and performance of your ArcGIS Enterprise deployment, tracking usage patterns, service response times, and system resources.

While both capable of working as standalone monitoring solutions, the ability of Zabbix and ArcGIS Monitor to work in tandem creates a dynamic duo, offering comprehensive monitoring across both your infrastructure and GIS-specific components. This ensures that our team can monitor everything from hardware utilization to application-level performance. By utilizing both tools, Blue Raster can help you maximize uptime, optimize resources, and ensure that your GIS operations are always running at peak efficiency.

Cloud-Managed Services Tailored to Your Needs

Our managed services aren’t just about keeping the lights on—they’re about future-proofing your investment in GIS technology. With our cloud management services, you can be rest assured that you’ll have a partner dedicated to not only monitoring your systems but also optimizing them for long-term success. Whether it’s managing updates to ArcGIS Enterprise, renewing licenses, or ensuring security patches are applied, Blue Raster has you covered.

Let Us Handle the Heavy Lifting

With over two decades of experience as an Esri Partner, Blue Raster’s team of DevOps engineers and GIS experts are equipped to handle the most complex cloud environments. We offer a tailored approach to meet your organization’s unique needs, ensuring that your GIS infrastructure stays secure, efficient, and scalable. Our services go beyond deployment to provide continuous monitoring, management, and optimization.

By incorporating tools like Zabbix and ArcGIS Monitor, we not only track the performance of your entire GIS ecosystem but also give you peace of mind knowing that potential issues are caught early. This allows your organization to focus on what matters—delivering value through GIS, without worrying about downtime or performance bottlenecks.

 

Contact us today and learn how we can help you maximize your system performance.

 

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