Brett's Thesis addressed the development of practical GIS functionality for small Water Companies.
The project had two primary components:
1 - Develop Geodatabase using ESRI software
2 - Web Mapping of the GIS through MapServer
The geodatabase was developed from scratch and all features (thousands) were manually digitized. Brett coordinated his efforts with the Santa Cruz County GIS Department in an effort to promote interoperability of the data.
MapServer is an open-source software application that allows a website to share GIS information in a dynamic environment. The software was compiled from binaries specifically for the needs of the GIS and was served directly to the web via Brett's home computer. Utilizing Java, DHTML, CGI scripts, and MapServer specific files, Brett's technical expertise grew tremendously through the course of the project.
The subject of Brett's thesis was the Forest Lakes Mutual Water Company, located in Felton, CA (Santa Cruz County). Incorporated in 1925, FLMWC has a deep history within the Redwoods of the Santa Cruz montains. Brett is personally invested with FLMWC, as his grandparents built a cabin here back in the 1930's, a property which the family still enjoys today.
The website can be viewed at the following link, though please bear in mind that the server is Brett's personal computer and may not always be turned on. Please contact Brett if the website is turned off and you would like to see it.
