Ron Greenland, Owner of BeSmart Land Audit, contacted me to help create a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Database and interactive map of known environmental land use restrictions. The purpose of this work was to create an app that helps potential land owners asses the potential of property before purchasing. I worked closely with Ron for about four years from the inception of the project through shortly after the initial launch.
Initially, the project encompassed creating the GIS database utilizing ArcGIS software from ESRI that would be utilized within Google Earth. The database was populated with a number of shapefiles that represented data from Federal, State, and Local government agencies. These agencies provide data concerning anything from landuse to wetlands to pollution to wildlife. I took these files and transformed them into files that could be used in Google Earth. While this was the initial purpose of the project, it quickly grew into a full-fledged app and corresponding website.
Although I worked on the website, another contractor built the first iteration of the website. I was primarily focused on building out the interactive mapping application via ESRI Online. I took the database that I built out for Google Earth, and transformed it for ESRI Online. Eventually, this app was connected to the website only accessible via purchase of one of the available subscriptions.
When the main build-out of the app was complete, I focused my attention to enhancing the website. The website was WordPress based, so I was able to easily install and setup several plugins to help manage the website. Specifically, I setup WooCommerce to manage the subscription plans and access to the app, as well as Yoast SEO to help with the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) of the website.
In addition to everything above, I also served as a business consultant and project manager. As a business consultant, I help determine the vision and branding of the company. And as a project manager, I helped manager the workflows of the various sub-contractors on the project. I typically provided the guidance for the sub-contractors work based on the needs and priorities of Ron and the company. Furthermore, I reviewed the completed work to make sure that it was completed as expected within the allotted time frame.
I am no longer actively involved in the project, however I do still keep in contact with Ron regrading the projects status.