| Stage |
Motivation |
Process |
Tools |
Issues and Lessons |
| Encode and analyze one flat file of static data |
Assemble facts about number, nature & outcomes of zoning
variance cases |
One-person project (summer intern) on agency's XT with standard
software |
dBase III+, Lotus 1,2,3, Systat, Reflex on micro |
Variable definitions, encoding & accuracy; dataset size
& speed |
| Link encoded data with other datasets |
Interpretation requires comparison with other demographic
and neighborhood data |
Encode neighborhood statistical area & link to Census
data; 1 analyst |
dBase III+, Lotus 1,2,3, Systat |
Early attention to geo-coding, moving data among packages,
standard data formats |
| Look for spatial patterns |
Use thematic maps to compare patterns across neighborhoods |
Use micro to digitize boundaries & draw shaded maps;
1 analyst |
Lotus 1,2,3; Multimap; & Atlas |
Boundary files & graphics: learning & support strategies;
graphic standards |
| Provide on-line queries of static database |
Allow "comparable case" analysis by planners reviewing new
zoning variance appeals |
Develop inquiry screens & documentation for use by others |
dBase III+ for use by others; screen generators & .prg
programs |
Develop application elegance/ease-of- maintenance tradeoffs |
| Provide on-line queries/updates of dynamic database |
Track progress of conditionally approved variances subject
to a design review |
Develop multi-table database & complex inquiry/update
screens with edits; multiuser setting |
Query languages & reports using dBase III+ and INFORMIX-SQL
on network |
Value/complexity of truly relational dbms & standard
query languages; record locking |
| Link database, analysis, and interactive graphics tools |
Allow on-line spatial analysis of variances in terms of
viewsheds, zoning maps, traffic |
Link dbms, analysis and mapping tools on graphic workstation |
INGRES, ODYSSEY, 20/20, & DIME files on IBM RT, DEC
MicroVax II |
Value/complexity of integration efforts & maintenance/use
of multipurpose cadastres |