docSTAR and Fountains Spatial Develop GIS Enhancing Software for Government Agencies

Schenectady, NY – docSTAR, a leader in document management software, has joined forces with Fountains Spatial, a leading international developer of geospatial software. The team has produced a suite of GIS software tools called docSTAR MapConnect™.

docSTAR MapConnect combines the power of the ESRI® ArcGIS® architecture with docSTAR's award-winning document management software. MapConnect is designed to enhance GIS applications by associating documents with geospatial features; thus it enables users to instantly access and process documents. The result is significant savings of time, resources and tax dollars.

"80% of documents used by municipalities are tied to a location," says Jeff Frankel, docSTAR VP of Business Development. "MapConnect delivers immediate access to the latest documents from within their existing GIS software. This can impact emergency response time as well as day to day operations."

docSTAR MapConnect allows local government to address many different facets of their document storage and retrieval needs. Land-based documents, such as deeds, plans and permits can be easily associated with parcels, while asset-based documents such as inspection records can be linked to features such as hydrants or signs for quick access. Finally, documents such as floorplans and infrastructure drawings can be linked to structures to assist with facility management, emergency response and homeland security.

"If there's a catastrophe you need to know what's there," explains Larry Spraker, President of Fountains Spatial. "MapConnect provides government agencies with risk mitigation in that first responders can have immediate access to documents related to assets and infrastructure. The goal is to increase speed and safety during disaster relief."

Fountains Spatial initially developed MapConnect for use by the Town of South Windsor, CT. The town needed a way to quickly make complex decisions while facing economic challenges as well as increasing legal and regulatory requirements.

"Integrating GIS and document management is critical today more than ever," declares Scott Roberts, IT Manager for South Windsor. "Having access to our historical records quickly, and more importantly by location, dramatically improves staff efficiency and overall customer satisfaction. Today we can answer questions within minutes that in the past could have taken days."

The docSTAR MapConnect suite includes three applications that seamlessly integrate with ESRI ArcGIS software. MapLink™ allows users to quickly link documents with geospatial features. MapView™ is a web-based mapping application which enables users to click a point on a map and retrieve all associated documents. ArcMap™ Toolbar for ArcGIS Desktop lets users geographically retrieve documents without leaving their GIS software.

MapConnect, like all of docSTAR's document management solutions, has a host of universal benefits. Along with time and cost savings, docSTAR provides long-term document preservation. The software guards against theft and provides disaster protection. Document authenticity is secured by the USPS Electronic Postmark and compliance is supported for many regulations including GASB-34 and NPDES.

About docSTAR
docSTAR is a recognized leader of comprehensive and integrated document management solutions. docSTAR allows instant access to documents and immediate cost savings while delivering ease of use, fast implementation, safety and security. For more information, go to www.docstar.com.

About Fountains Spatial
Fountains Spatial is a leading provider of geographic information system (GIS) services, offering a full range of GIS and other geospatial technology services. For more info, visit www.fountainsspatial.com.