GCS assists with upgrading three software applications for the MDT.

Construction Survey Startup System and Project Directory Creation System

GCS is proud to offer comprehensive services for the Construction Survey Startup System and the Project Directory Creation System. Our services include:

Analysis: In-depth evaluation of existing systems to identify improvement areas.
Design: Creating tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT).
Programming: Developing robust software applications using the latest technology.
Testing: Conducting thorough testing to ensure reliability and performance.
Implementation: Seamless integration of new systems into existing MDT workflows.
Documentation: Providing comprehensive documentation to support ongoing operations and maintenance.

Knowledge Transfer and Standards Compliance

GCS collaborates closely with the MDT Project Manager to ensure ongoing knowledge transfer to the MDT Information Systems Division (ISD) staff. Our development and maintenance activities adhere strictly to Montana ISD standards, ensuring quality and consistency across all projects.

Construction Survey Startup System

The MDT Construction Survey Startup program is essential for MDT Field Construction and Survey personnel. It enables users to:

Update local CADD standards files from network shares.
Set environment variables and modify the MicroStation site.cfg file.
Operate in both networked and non-networked modes, facilitating field surveys in remote locations.

This system ensures that construction personnel can efficiently complete surveys while maintaining compliance with local standards.

Project Directory Creation System

The MDT Project Directory Creation program streamlines the process of creating project directories for storing and managing project files. Key features include:

Simplified directory creation while enforcing standard structures and naming conventions.
Direct access to project information, allowing users to incorporate project locations and descriptions into folder names.
Automatic creation of directories and sub-directories based on user-selected project information.

This program enhances organizational efficiency and standardizes project file management across various MDT departments.

GCS assisted the Montana Department of Transportation with upgrades to critical operational software to the latest Esri and Microsoft technology offerings.

Highway Economic Analysis Tool (HEAT) 2

GCS also assisted MDT with critical upgrades to the Highway Economic Analysis Tool (HEAT), designed to enable quick and consistent economic analysis of road improvement projects. The HEAT tool features:

A series of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that facilitate various workflows involving different datasets and editing tasks.
Integration with external analysis applications to enhance output quality and accuracy.

Evolution of HEAT

As the field of Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) evolves, so does the need for HEAT to adapt. The upgrade to HEAT 2 focuses on:

Streamlining workflows and processes using modern technologies.
Maintaining essential features and outputs from the original application.
Ensuring a flexible and modular design to support future enhancements and technology changes.

The current version of HEAT has faced functionality challenges due to outdated workflows and dependencies. GCS is committed to upgrading HEAT to align with modern GIS and IT technologies, ensuring its viability for future use.