The Synercom system's lack of topology required a detailed migration plan with a complex data model. ESRI's Database Services group approached the problem with a thorough knowledge of ArcInfo software's capabilities as well as the limitations of the host system. By modeling the water network in a topological fashion, they added new functionality to the database. It became a true GIS, rather than a cartographic map. Furthermore, the migration was extremely cost-effective, amounting to a small fraction of the original database development costs.
Organizations often have neither the resources nor the time to tackle the project in-house.
Through its comprehensive expertise in the field, ESRI can implement a smooth, timely transition and increase GIS functionality. The level of manipulation required to fit existing data into the ArcInfo model varies with each type of data structure. For each project, ESRI develops a translation map. This map details the topology generation and maintenance tasks, attribute translation and maintenance routines, and overall database design. If the original database lacks topology, the migration will require an extensive translation map.