Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[Eric Kuhnke]

Purpose built fiber mapping tools with a SQL database backend definitely do
exist - but you're looking at license costs that are prohibitive for all
but the biggest ISPs. The sort of money for which you could hire a full
time splicer and equip a splicing trailer + its operating costs...

Autodesk's municipal GIS product, which is the main competitor to
ArcGIS/ESRI, I believe has several plugins and third party vendors which
offer solutions for fiber mapping, and more specifically underground
utilities.




On Wed, Jun 6, 2018 at 2:28 PM, Steve D  wrote:

> I just realized that last message was more a rambling trip through
> nostalgia versus anything useful for the OP or others looking at this
> software.
>
> GIS software in general is probably very well suited to fiber mapping and
> most of it very database driven.  Oil&Gas, Forestry, Mining all make use of
> this sort of software big time.  There probably exist "purpose" built tools
> as others have mentioned on here, but a more "general" piece of GIS
> software like this has the benefit of being able to handle whatever you
> want to throw at it, at the expense of making it a bit more complicated to
> get setup.
>
> Long term though, you'll have something that can scale.  If down the road,
> for whatever reason, you need to work with another company or government,
> being able to be "here, this is what we have" in a shapefile (or whatever
> format) they'll really appreciate it.  Likewise, you might get data from
> another entity and be able to easily merge it in with your own.
>
> Anyway, my two cents.
>
> Cheers,
>
> -Steve D
>
> On Wed, Jun 6, 2018 at 2:05 PM Steve D  wrote:
>
>> You know I have to say, I have not given QGIS a fair shake in over 10
>> years.  I gave it a download last night and it's not the weak, completely
>> unfinished, seemingly dead piece of open source software I played with back
>> in 2005/2006.  Around that time, as part of a part-time job/college
>> project/whatever thing, I was working on a Shapefile to PostGIS tool and
>> relied on a lot of the work QGIS had already done, but only because we had
>> no desire to work with QGIS itself (and at that time, ESRI made no bones
>> about having nothing to do with OSS software - a very Microsoft attitude).
>> When I finished college and moved on to new full time work at a couple of
>> places, I never gave it a close look again.  First working with ARCGIS
>> (spoiled me) then onto other programs, such as Pathloss, GlobalMapper, and
>> so forth.  So when I say QGIS, at a glance, looks pretty damn good, I mean
>> it.  It certainly has the gears in my head turning about what I can do with
>> it next.
>>
>> On Wed, Jun 6, 2018 at 10:32 AM Brian Webster 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Sterling,
>>>
>>> The QGIS software is well suited for what you want and
>>> you can spin up an instance of PostgreSQL/PostGIS database for all the data
>>> and have the mapping interface directly to the database and without too
>>> much other work the mapping can be web enabled such that the data is
>>> accessible on other devices. I would be willing to help you set something
>>> like this up. It’s not too bad to do if someone already have a Google Earth
>>> file and/or spreadsheet established for their existing information. That
>>> can be imported and used to start the whole system. Software cost is nil,
>>> time is your other investment and paying me if you want some help in that
>>> regard. If you already have someone who is good with relational databases
>>> then your learning curve is not as steep.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Thank You,
>>>
>>> Brian Webster
>>>
>>> www.wirelessmapping.com
>>>
>>> www.Broadband-Mapping.com
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *From:* Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] *On Behalf Of *Sterling
>>> Jacobson
>>> *Sent:* Wednesday, June 06, 2018 12:13 PM
>>> *To:* af@afmug.com
>>> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Sounds interesting.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> What I really want, if it exists, is a full layer system.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Such that I can enter my GIS info for conduit and conduit capacity and
>>> used capacity on the physical level, then the fiber type/count in each
>>> section by geo on top of that, then the splice points/case map and power
>>> readings on top of that.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Then the networ

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[Steve D]

I just realized that last message was more a rambling trip through
nostalgia versus anything useful for the OP or others looking at this
software.

GIS software in general is probably very well suited to fiber mapping and
most of it very database driven.  Oil&Gas, Forestry, Mining all make use of
this sort of software big time.  There probably exist "purpose" built tools
as others have mentioned on here, but a more "general" piece of GIS
software like this has the benefit of being able to handle whatever you
want to throw at it, at the expense of making it a bit more complicated to
get setup.

Long term though, you'll have something that can scale.  If down the road,
for whatever reason, you need to work with another company or government,
being able to be "here, this is what we have" in a shapefile (or whatever
format) they'll really appreciate it.  Likewise, you might get data from
another entity and be able to easily merge it in with your own.

Anyway, my two cents.

Cheers,

-Steve D

On Wed, Jun 6, 2018 at 2:05 PM Steve D  wrote:

> You know I have to say, I have not given QGIS a fair shake in over 10
> years.  I gave it a download last night and it's not the weak, completely
> unfinished, seemingly dead piece of open source software I played with back
> in 2005/2006.  Around that time, as part of a part-time job/college
> project/whatever thing, I was working on a Shapefile to PostGIS tool and
> relied on a lot of the work QGIS had already done, but only because we had
> no desire to work with QGIS itself (and at that time, ESRI made no bones
> about having nothing to do with OSS software - a very Microsoft attitude).
> When I finished college and moved on to new full time work at a couple of
> places, I never gave it a close look again.  First working with ARCGIS
> (spoiled me) then onto other programs, such as Pathloss, GlobalMapper, and
> so forth.  So when I say QGIS, at a glance, looks pretty damn good, I mean
> it.  It certainly has the gears in my head turning about what I can do with
> it next.
>
> On Wed, Jun 6, 2018 at 10:32 AM Brian Webster 
> wrote:
>
>> Sterling,
>>
>> The QGIS software is well suited for what you want and
>> you can spin up an instance of PostgreSQL/PostGIS database for all the data
>> and have the mapping interface directly to the database and without too
>> much other work the mapping can be web enabled such that the data is
>> accessible on other devices. I would be willing to help you set something
>> like this up. It’s not too bad to do if someone already have a Google Earth
>> file and/or spreadsheet established for their existing information. That
>> can be imported and used to start the whole system. Software cost is nil,
>> time is your other investment and paying me if you want some help in that
>> regard. If you already have someone who is good with relational databases
>> then your learning curve is not as steep.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thank You,
>>
>> Brian Webster
>>
>> www.wirelessmapping.com
>>
>> www.Broadband-Mapping.com
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] *On Behalf Of *Sterling Jacobson
>> *Sent:* Wednesday, June 06, 2018 12:13 PM
>> *To:* af@afmug.com
>> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018
>>
>>
>>
>> Sounds interesting.
>>
>>
>>
>> What I really want, if it exists, is a full layer system.
>>
>>
>>
>> Such that I can enter my GIS info for conduit and conduit capacity and
>> used capacity on the physical level, then the fiber type/count in each
>> section by geo on top of that, then the splice points/case map and power
>> readings on top of that.
>>
>>
>>
>> Then the network layer on top of that with all the switch connections and
>> capacity, then the layer 3 on top of that with current routing info.
>>
>>
>>
>> Too much to ask for, but it would be awesome to say give me the details
>> between point A and B and explode the view open to all layers to review
>> things at any level.
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* Af  *On Behalf Of *Dennis Burgess
>> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 5, 2018 11:07 AM
>> *To:* af@afmug.com
>> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018
>>
>>
>>
>> You can use TowerCoverage.com to map your fiber as well as use our “End
>> User Submission” system to match potential users to the fiber mapping.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> *Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer *
>>
>> Author of "Learn RouterOS- Second Edition”
>>
>> *Link Technologies, Inc

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[Steve D]

You know I have to say, I have not given QGIS a fair shake in over 10
years.  I gave it a download last night and it's not the weak, completely
unfinished, seemingly dead piece of open source software I played with back
in 2005/2006.  Around that time, as part of a part-time job/college
project/whatever thing, I was working on a Shapefile to PostGIS tool and
relied on a lot of the work QGIS had already done, but only because we had
no desire to work with QGIS itself (and at that time, ESRI made no bones
about having nothing to do with OSS software - a very Microsoft attitude).
When I finished college and moved on to new full time work at a couple of
places, I never gave it a close look again.  First working with ARCGIS
(spoiled me) then onto other programs, such as Pathloss, GlobalMapper, and
so forth.  So when I say QGIS, at a glance, looks pretty damn good, I mean
it.  It certainly has the gears in my head turning about what I can do with
it next.

On Wed, Jun 6, 2018 at 10:32 AM Brian Webster 
wrote:

> Sterling,
>
> The QGIS software is well suited for what you want and you
> can spin up an instance of PostgreSQL/PostGIS database for all the data and
> have the mapping interface directly to the database and without too much
> other work the mapping can be web enabled such that the data is accessible
> on other devices. I would be willing to help you set something like this
> up. It’s not too bad to do if someone already have a Google Earth file
> and/or spreadsheet established for their existing information. That can be
> imported and used to start the whole system. Software cost is nil, time is
> your other investment and paying me if you want some help in that regard.
> If you already have someone who is good with relational databases then your
> learning curve is not as steep.
>
>
>
> Thank You,
>
> Brian Webster
>
> www.wirelessmapping.com
>
> www.Broadband-Mapping.com
>
>
>
> *From:* Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] *On Behalf Of *Sterling Jacobson
> *Sent:* Wednesday, June 06, 2018 12:13 PM
> *To:* af@afmug.com
> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018
>
>
>
> Sounds interesting.
>
>
>
> What I really want, if it exists, is a full layer system.
>
>
>
> Such that I can enter my GIS info for conduit and conduit capacity and
> used capacity on the physical level, then the fiber type/count in each
> section by geo on top of that, then the splice points/case map and power
> readings on top of that.
>
>
>
> Then the network layer on top of that with all the switch connections and
> capacity, then the layer 3 on top of that with current routing info.
>
>
>
> Too much to ask for, but it would be awesome to say give me the details
> between point A and B and explode the view open to all layers to review
> things at any level.
>
>
>
> *From:* Af  *On Behalf Of *Dennis Burgess
> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 5, 2018 11:07 AM
> *To:* af@afmug.com
> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018
>
>
>
> You can use TowerCoverage.com to map your fiber as well as use our “End
> User Submission” system to match potential users to the fiber mapping.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer *
>
> Author of "Learn RouterOS- Second Edition”
>
> *Link Technologies, Inc* -- Mikrotik & WISP Support Services
>
> *Office*: 314-735-0270  Website: http://www.linktechs.net
>
> Create Wireless Coverage’s with www.towercoverage.com
>
>
>
> *From:* Af  *On Behalf Of *Paul Stewart
> *Sent:* Saturday, June 2, 2018 6:31 AM
> *To:* af@afmug.com
> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018
>
>
>
> We utilize Patch Manager - https://patchmanager.com
>
>
>
> It started as a great way to DCIM – data center racks across many
> locations etc but with their GIS mapping add-on and other features we’re
> looking to utilize it for fiber builds and should work pretty nicely ….
>
>
>
> Paul
>
>
>
>
>
> *From: *Af  on behalf of Brian Webster <
> i...@wirelessmapping.com>
> *Reply-To: *
> *Date: *Friday, June 1, 2018 at 10:46 PM
> *To: *
> *Subject: *Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018
>
>
>
> Yes QGIS is a great program and since it is open source you will find a
> lot of support and how to articles. Not as simple as Google Earth Pro but
> it has a lot more power. A real professional GIS platform. The key to its
> flexibility are the plugins you can download. Plan on spending some time
> reading through each of those descriptions to see if there are features you
> want. It certainly has a learning curve as does any mapping program. On the
> higher level you can actually connect to most database platforms so if you
> plan 

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[Craig Schmaderer]

Mark, I totally agree.  I do have it networked but only I can make the changes. 
 I see it still working for us for a while but do not get me wrong, I would 
like actual software.  I think I might do a demo of patchmanager and check it 
out.  But in all honesty I do not think it takes me more time to do it this 
way, and if I can save $6k a year for the last 6 years, that is not to bad.

From: Af  On Behalf Of Jason McKemie
Sent: Wednesday, June 6, 2018 1:16 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

Didn't Donny Smith have a hosted offering in this arena?

On Wednesday, June 6, 2018, mailto:ch...@wbmfg.com>> wrote:
I’ll let Sterling learn it and then hopefully he can teach me...

From: Brian Webster
Sent: Wednesday, June 6, 2018 11:32 AM
To: af@afmug.com<mailto:af@afmug.com>
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

Sterling,
The QGIS software is well suited for what you want and you can 
spin up an instance of PostgreSQL/PostGIS database for all the data and have 
the mapping interface directly to the database and without too much other work 
the mapping can be web enabled such that the data is accessible on other 
devices. I would be willing to help you set something like this up. It’s not 
too bad to do if someone already have a Google Earth file and/or spreadsheet 
established for their existing information. That can be imported and used to 
start the whole system. Software cost is nil, time is your other investment and 
paying me if you want some help in that regard. If you already have someone who 
is good with relational databases then your learning curve is not as steep.

Thank You,
Brian Webster
www.wirelessmapping.com<http://www.wirelessmapping.com>
www.Broadband-Mapping.com<http://www.Broadband-Mapping.com>

From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com<mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com>] On Behalf 
Of Sterling Jacobson
Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2018 12:13 PM
To: af@afmug.com<mailto:af@afmug.com>
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

Sounds interesting.

What I really want, if it exists, is a full layer system.

Such that I can enter my GIS info for conduit and conduit capacity and used 
capacity on the physical level, then the fiber type/count in each section by 
geo on top of that, then the splice points/case map and power readings on top 
of that.

Then the network layer on top of that with all the switch connections and 
capacity, then the layer 3 on top of that with current routing info.

Too much to ask for, but it would be awesome to say give me the details between 
point A and B and explode the view open to all layers to review things at any 
level.

From: Af mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com>> On Behalf Of 
Dennis Burgess
Sent: Tuesday, June 5, 2018 11:07 AM
To: af@afmug.com<mailto:af@afmug.com>
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

You can use TowerCoverage.com to map your fiber as well as use our “End User 
Submission” system to match potential users to the fiber mapping.



Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer
Author of "Learn RouterOS- Second Edition”
Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik & WISP Support Services
Office: 314-735-0270  Website: 
http://www.linktechs.net<http://www.linktechs.net/>
Create Wireless Coverage’s with 
www.towercoverage.com<http://www.towercoverage.com>

From: Af mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com>> On Behalf Of Paul 
Stewart
Sent: Saturday, June 2, 2018 6:31 AM
To: af@afmug.com<mailto:af@afmug.com>
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

We utilize Patch Manager - https://patchmanager.com

It started as a great way to DCIM – data center racks across many locations etc 
but with their GIS mapping add-on and other features we’re looking to utilize 
it for fiber builds and should work pretty nicely ….

Paul


From: Af mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com>> on behalf of Brian 
Webster mailto:i...@wirelessmapping.com>>
Reply-To: mailto:af@afmug.com>>
Date: Friday, June 1, 2018 at 10:46 PM
To: mailto:af@afmug.com>>
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

Yes QGIS is a great program and since it is open source you will find a lot of 
support and how to articles. Not as simple as Google Earth Pro but it has a lot 
more power. A real professional GIS platform. The key to its flexibility are 
the plugins you can download. Plan on spending some time reading through each 
of those descriptions to see if there are features you want. It certainly has a 
learning curve as does any mapping program. On the higher level you can 
actually connect to most database platforms so if you plan on managing your 
plant with more than spreadsheets you can keep both the mapping and database 
tied together as one.

Thank You,
Brian Webster
www.wirelessmapping.com<http://www.wirelessmapping.com>
www.Broadband-Mapping.com<http://www.Broadband-Mapping.com>

From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mark Radabaugh
Sent: Friday, June 01, 

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[Jason McKemie]

Didn't Donny Smith have a hosted offering in this arena?

On Wednesday, June 6, 2018,  wrote:

> I’ll let Sterling learn it and then hopefully he can teach me...
>
> *From:* Brian Webster
> *Sent:* Wednesday, June 6, 2018 11:32 AM
> *To:* af@afmug.com
> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018
>
>
> Sterling,
>
> The QGIS software is well suited for what you want and you
> can spin up an instance of PostgreSQL/PostGIS database for all the data and
> have the mapping interface directly to the database and without too much
> other work the mapping can be web enabled such that the data is accessible
> on other devices. I would be willing to help you set something like this
> up. It’s not too bad to do if someone already have a Google Earth file
> and/or spreadsheet established for their existing information. That can be
> imported and used to start the whole system. Software cost is nil, time is
> your other investment and paying me if you want some help in that regard.
> If you already have someone who is good with relational databases then your
> learning curve is not as steep.
>
>
>
> Thank You,
>
> Brian Webster
>
> www.wirelessmapping.com
>
> www.Broadband-Mapping.com
>
>
>
> *From:* Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] *On Behalf Of *Sterling Jacobson
> *Sent:* Wednesday, June 06, 2018 12:13 PM
> *To:* af@afmug.com
> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018
>
>
>
> Sounds interesting.
>
>
>
> What I really want, if it exists, is a full layer system.
>
>
>
> Such that I can enter my GIS info for conduit and conduit capacity and
> used capacity on the physical level, then the fiber type/count in each
> section by geo on top of that, then the splice points/case map and power
> readings on top of that.
>
>
>
> Then the network layer on top of that with all the switch connections and
> capacity, then the layer 3 on top of that with current routing info.
>
>
>
> Too much to ask for, but it would be awesome to say give me the details
> between point A and B and explode the view open to all layers to review
> things at any level.
>
>
>
> *From:* Af  *On Behalf Of *Dennis Burgess
> *Sent:* Tuesday, June 5, 2018 11:07 AM
> *To:* af@afmug.com
> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018
>
>
>
> You can use TowerCoverage.com to map your fiber as well as use our “End
> User Submission” system to match potential users to the fiber mapping.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer *
>
> Author of "Learn RouterOS- Second Edition”
>
> *Link Technologies, Inc* -- Mikrotik & WISP Support Services
>
> *Office*: 314-735-0270  Website: http://www.linktechs.net
>
> Create Wireless Coverage’s with www.towercoverage.com
>
>
>
> *From:* Af  *On Behalf Of *Paul Stewart
> *Sent:* Saturday, June 2, 2018 6:31 AM
> *To:* af@afmug.com
> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018
>
>
>
> We utilize Patch Manager - https://patchmanager.com
>
>
>
> It started as a great way to DCIM – data center racks across many
> locations etc but with their GIS mapping add-on and other features we’re
> looking to utilize it for fiber builds and should work pretty nicely ….
>
>
>
> Paul
>
>
>
>
>
> *From: *Af  on behalf of Brian Webster <
> i...@wirelessmapping.com>
> *Reply-To: *
> *Date: *Friday, June 1, 2018 at 10:46 PM
> *To: *
> *Subject: *Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018
>
>
>
> Yes QGIS is a great program and since it is open source you will find a
> lot of support and how to articles. Not as simple as Google Earth Pro but
> it has a lot more power. A real professional GIS platform. The key to its
> flexibility are the plugins you can download. Plan on spending some time
> reading through each of those descriptions to see if there are features you
> want. It certainly has a learning curve as does any mapping program. On the
> higher level you can actually connect to most database platforms so if you
> plan on managing your plant with more than spreadsheets you can keep both
> the mapping and database tied together as one.
>
>
>
> Thank You,
>
> Brian Webster
>
> www.wirelessmapping.com
>
> www.Broadband-Mapping.com
>
>
>
> *From:* Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] *On Behalf Of *Mark Radabaugh
> *Sent:* Friday, June 01, 2018 5:12 PM
> *To:* af@afmug.com
> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018
>
>
>
> QGIS is very useful and open source (as in free).
>
>
>
> Nothing specific for fiber mapping in it but it could pretty easily be
> used for it if I was ambitious enough to put all the info in.
>
>
>

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[chuck]

I’ll let Sterling learn it and then hopefully he can teach me...

From: Brian Webster 
Sent: Wednesday, June 6, 2018 11:32 AM
To: af@afmug.com 
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

Sterling,

The QGIS software is well suited for what you want and you can 
spin up an instance of PostgreSQL/PostGIS database for all the data and have 
the mapping interface directly to the database and without too much other work 
the mapping can be web enabled such that the data is accessible on other 
devices. I would be willing to help you set something like this up. It’s not 
too bad to do if someone already have a Google Earth file and/or spreadsheet 
established for their existing information. That can be imported and used to 
start the whole system. Software cost is nil, time is your other investment and 
paying me if you want some help in that regard. If you already have someone who 
is good with relational databases then your learning curve is not as steep.

 

Thank You,

Brian Webster

www.wirelessmapping.com

www.Broadband-Mapping.com

 

From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Sterling Jacobson
Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2018 12:13 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

 

Sounds interesting.

 

What I really want, if it exists, is a full layer system.

 

Such that I can enter my GIS info for conduit and conduit capacity and used 
capacity on the physical level, then the fiber type/count in each section by 
geo on top of that, then the splice points/case map and power readings on top 
of that.

 

Then the network layer on top of that with all the switch connections and 
capacity, then the layer 3 on top of that with current routing info.

 

Too much to ask for, but it would be awesome to say give me the details between 
point A and B and explode the view open to all layers to review things at any 
level.

 

From: Af  On Behalf Of Dennis Burgess
Sent: Tuesday, June 5, 2018 11:07 AM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

 

You can use TowerCoverage.com to map your fiber as well as use our “End User 
Submission” system to match potential users to the fiber mapping.  

 

 

 

Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer 

Author of "Learn RouterOS- Second Edition” 

Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik & WISP Support Services 

Office: 314-735-0270  Website: http://www.linktechs.net 

Create Wireless Coverage’s with www.towercoverage.com 

 

From: Af  On Behalf Of Paul Stewart
Sent: Saturday, June 2, 2018 6:31 AM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

 

We utilize Patch Manager - https://patchmanager.com

 

It started as a great way to DCIM – data center racks across many locations etc 
but with their GIS mapping add-on and other features we’re looking to utilize 
it for fiber builds and should work pretty nicely …. 

 

Paul

 

 

From: Af  on behalf of Brian Webster 

Reply-To: 
Date: Friday, June 1, 2018 at 10:46 PM
To: 
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

 

Yes QGIS is a great program and since it is open source you will find a lot of 
support and how to articles. Not as simple as Google Earth Pro but it has a lot 
more power. A real professional GIS platform. The key to its flexibility are 
the plugins you can download. Plan on spending some time reading through each 
of those descriptions to see if there are features you want. It certainly has a 
learning curve as does any mapping program. On the higher level you can 
actually connect to most database platforms so if you plan on managing your 
plant with more than spreadsheets you can keep both the mapping and database 
tied together as one.

 

Thank You,

Brian Webster

www.wirelessmapping.com

www.Broadband-Mapping.com

 

From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mark Radabaugh
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2018 5:12 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

 

QGIS is very useful and open source (as in free).   

 

Nothing specific for fiber mapping in it but it could pretty easily be used for 
it if I was ambitious enough to put all the info in.

 

Mark

 

On Jun 1, 2018, at 5:06 PM, Eric Kuhnke  wrote:

 

For basic needs, the advantage of doing mapping using Google Earth Pro is that 
most "serious" GIS packages support import and export to/from the XML format 
Google Earth uses. A line on the map on Google Earth or a multi-segmented line 
is just a collection of vector placemarks in a XML file with lat/long 
coordinates, with metadata describing the thickness of the line, the color of 
the line, how many intermediate points are on the line, and so forth. 

 

The best organizational advice I can give is to use folders and subfolders in 
Google Earth Pro appropriately to sort projects, so that you don't end up with 
a single folder that contains 500 unnamed lines. Might look fine when viewed on 
a map but can become an organization nightmare.

 

On Fri, Jun 1, 2018 at 1:34 PM, Cassidy B. La

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[Brian Webster]

Sterling,

The QGIS software is well suited for what you want and you can 
spin up an instance of PostgreSQL/PostGIS database for all the data and have 
the mapping interface directly to the database and without too much other work 
the mapping can be web enabled such that the data is accessible on other 
devices. I would be willing to help you set something like this up. It’s not 
too bad to do if someone already have a Google Earth file and/or spreadsheet 
established for their existing information. That can be imported and used to 
start the whole system. Software cost is nil, time is your other investment and 
paying me if you want some help in that regard. If you already have someone who 
is good with relational databases then your learning curve is not as steep.

 

Thank You,

Brian Webster

www.wirelessmapping.com

www.Broadband-Mapping.com

 

From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Sterling Jacobson
Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2018 12:13 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

 

Sounds interesting.

 

What I really want, if it exists, is a full layer system.

 

Such that I can enter my GIS info for conduit and conduit capacity and used 
capacity on the physical level, then the fiber type/count in each section by 
geo on top of that, then the splice points/case map and power readings on top 
of that.

 

Then the network layer on top of that with all the switch connections and 
capacity, then the layer 3 on top of that with current routing info.

 

Too much to ask for, but it would be awesome to say give me the details between 
point A and B and explode the view open to all layers to review things at any 
level.

 

From: Af  On Behalf Of Dennis Burgess
Sent: Tuesday, June 5, 2018 11:07 AM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

 

You can use TowerCoverage.com to map your fiber as well as use our “End User 
Submission” system to match potential users to the fiber mapping.  

 

 

 

Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer 

Author of "Learn RouterOS- Second Edition” 

Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik & WISP Support Services 

Office: 314-735-0270  Website:  <http://www.linktechs.net/> 
http://www.linktechs.net 

Create Wireless Coverage’s with www.towercoverage.com 

 

From: Af  On Behalf Of Paul Stewart
Sent: Saturday, June 2, 2018 6:31 AM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

 

We utilize Patch Manager - https://patchmanager.com

 

It started as a great way to DCIM – data center racks across many locations etc 
but with their GIS mapping add-on and other features we’re looking to utilize 
it for fiber builds and should work pretty nicely …. 

 

Paul

 

 

From: Af  on behalf of Brian Webster 

Reply-To: 
Date: Friday, June 1, 2018 at 10:46 PM
To: 
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

 

Yes QGIS is a great program and since it is open source you will find a lot of 
support and how to articles. Not as simple as Google Earth Pro but it has a lot 
more power. A real professional GIS platform. The key to its flexibility are 
the plugins you can download. Plan on spending some time reading through each 
of those descriptions to see if there are features you want. It certainly has a 
learning curve as does any mapping program. On the higher level you can 
actually connect to most database platforms so if you plan on managing your 
plant with more than spreadsheets you can keep both the mapping and database 
tied together as one.

 

Thank You,

Brian Webster

www.wirelessmapping.com

www.Broadband-Mapping.com

 

From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mark Radabaugh
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2018 5:12 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

 

QGIS is very useful and open source (as in free).   

 

Nothing specific for fiber mapping in it but it could pretty easily be used for 
it if I was ambitious enough to put all the info in.

 

Mark

 

On Jun 1, 2018, at 5:06 PM, Eric Kuhnke  wrote:

 

For basic needs, the advantage of doing mapping using Google Earth Pro is that 
most "serious" GIS packages support import and export to/from the XML format 
Google Earth uses. A line on the map on Google Earth or a multi-segmented line 
is just a collection of vector placemarks in a XML file with lat/long 
coordinates, with metadata describing the thickness of the line, the color of 
the line, how many intermediate points are on the line, and so forth. 

 

The best organizational advice I can give is to use folders and subfolders in 
Google Earth Pro appropriately to sort projects, so that you don't end up with 
a single folder that contains 500 unnamed lines. Might look fine when viewed on 
a map but can become an organization nightmare.

 

On Fri, Jun 1, 2018 at 1:34 PM, Cassidy B. Larson  wrote:

Last topic I see on this was from 2014. So maybe it’s time to review and ask 
again? What are you guys using for fiber mapping, now in 20

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[chuck]

I like the systems that allow you to click on a fiber and have it open a detail 
report of what the strands are being used for.  Same with with splice cases, 
some systems can show what is spliced to what.  

From: Dennis Burgess 
Sent: Tuesday, June 5, 2018 11:07 AM
To: af@afmug.com 
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

You can use TowerCoverage.com to map your fiber as well as use our “End User 
Submission” system to match potential users to the fiber mapping.  

 

 

 

Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer 

Author of "Learn RouterOS- Second Edition” 

Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik & WISP Support Services 

Office: 314-735-0270  Website: http://www.linktechs.net 

Create Wireless Coverage’s with www.towercoverage.com 

 

From: Af  On Behalf Of Paul Stewart
Sent: Saturday, June 2, 2018 6:31 AM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

 

We utilize Patch Manager - https://patchmanager.com

 

It started as a great way to DCIM – data center racks across many locations etc 
but with their GIS mapping add-on and other features we’re looking to utilize 
it for fiber builds and should work pretty nicely …. 

 

Paul

 

 

From: Af  on behalf of Brian Webster 

Reply-To: 
Date: Friday, June 1, 2018 at 10:46 PM
To: 
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

 

Yes QGIS is a great program and since it is open source you will find a lot of 
support and how to articles. Not as simple as Google Earth Pro but it has a lot 
more power. A real professional GIS platform. The key to its flexibility are 
the plugins you can download. Plan on spending some time reading through each 
of those descriptions to see if there are features you want. It certainly has a 
learning curve as does any mapping program. On the higher level you can 
actually connect to most database platforms so if you plan on managing your 
plant with more than spreadsheets you can keep both the mapping and database 
tied together as one.

 

Thank You,

Brian Webster

www.wirelessmapping.com

www.Broadband-Mapping.com

 

From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mark Radabaugh
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2018 5:12 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

 

QGIS is very useful and open source (as in free).   

 

Nothing specific for fiber mapping in it but it could pretty easily be used for 
it if I was ambitious enough to put all the info in.

 

Mark





On Jun 1, 2018, at 5:06 PM, Eric Kuhnke  wrote:

 

For basic needs, the advantage of doing mapping using Google Earth Pro is that 
most "serious" GIS packages support import and export to/from the XML format 
Google Earth uses. A line on the map on Google Earth or a multi-segmented line 
is just a collection of vector placemarks in a XML file with lat/long 
coordinates, with metadata describing the thickness of the line, the color of 
the line, how many intermediate points are on the line, and so forth. 

 

The best organizational advice I can give is to use folders and subfolders in 
Google Earth Pro appropriately to sort projects, so that you don't end up with 
a single folder that contains 500 unnamed lines. Might look fine when viewed on 
a map but can become an organization nightmare.

 

On Fri, Jun 1, 2018 at 1:34 PM, Cassidy B. Larson  wrote:

Last topic I see on this was from 2014. So maybe it’s time to review and ask 
again? What are you guys using for fiber mapping, now in 2018?

 

In 2014 I read:

Craig was doing google earth and excel sheets.

Chuck Hogg was using Manifold (kinda), and some Google Maps Engine.

Mike H was using ArcMap for his clients.

A few other google sheets. 

 

What’s changed, what’s new, what’re you using today? Same as before?  Something 
different? Why?





-c




 

 

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[Sterling Jacobson]

Sounds interesting.

What I really want, if it exists, is a full layer system.

Such that I can enter my GIS info for conduit and conduit capacity and used 
capacity on the physical level, then the fiber type/count in each section by 
geo on top of that, then the splice points/case map and power readings on top 
of that.

Then the network layer on top of that with all the switch connections and 
capacity, then the layer 3 on top of that with current routing info.

Too much to ask for, but it would be awesome to say give me the details between 
point A and B and explode the view open to all layers to review things at any 
level.

From: Af  On Behalf Of Dennis Burgess
Sent: Tuesday, June 5, 2018 11:07 AM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

You can use TowerCoverage.com to map your fiber as well as use our “End User 
Submission” system to match potential users to the fiber mapping.



Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer
Author of "Learn RouterOS- Second Edition”
Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik & WISP Support Services
Office: 314-735-0270  Website: 
http://www.linktechs.net<http://www.linktechs.net/>
Create Wireless Coverage’s with www.towercoverage.com

From: Af mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com>> On Behalf Of Paul 
Stewart
Sent: Saturday, June 2, 2018 6:31 AM
To: af@afmug.com<mailto:af@afmug.com>
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

We utilize Patch Manager - https://patchmanager.com

It started as a great way to DCIM – data center racks across many locations etc 
but with their GIS mapping add-on and other features we’re looking to utilize 
it for fiber builds and should work pretty nicely ….

Paul


From: Af mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com>> on behalf of Brian 
Webster mailto:i...@wirelessmapping.com>>
Reply-To: mailto:af@afmug.com>>
Date: Friday, June 1, 2018 at 10:46 PM
To: mailto:af@afmug.com>>
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

Yes QGIS is a great program and since it is open source you will find a lot of 
support and how to articles. Not as simple as Google Earth Pro but it has a lot 
more power. A real professional GIS platform. The key to its flexibility are 
the plugins you can download. Plan on spending some time reading through each 
of those descriptions to see if there are features you want. It certainly has a 
learning curve as does any mapping program. On the higher level you can 
actually connect to most database platforms so if you plan on managing your 
plant with more than spreadsheets you can keep both the mapping and database 
tied together as one.

Thank You,
Brian Webster
www.wirelessmapping.com<http://www.wirelessmapping.com>
www.Broadband-Mapping.com

From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mark Radabaugh
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2018 5:12 PM
To: af@afmug.com<mailto:af@afmug.com>
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

QGIS is very useful and open source (as in free).

Nothing specific for fiber mapping in it but it could pretty easily be used for 
it if I was ambitious enough to put all the info in.

Mark

On Jun 1, 2018, at 5:06 PM, Eric Kuhnke 
mailto:eric.kuh...@gmail.com>> wrote:

For basic needs, the advantage of doing mapping using Google Earth Pro is that 
most "serious" GIS packages support import and export to/from the XML format 
Google Earth uses. A line on the map on Google Earth or a multi-segmented line 
is just a collection of vector placemarks in a XML file with lat/long 
coordinates, with metadata describing the thickness of the line, the color of 
the line, how many intermediate points are on the line, and so forth.

The best organizational advice I can give is to use folders and subfolders in 
Google Earth Pro appropriately to sort projects, so that you don't end up with 
a single folder that contains 500 unnamed lines. Might look fine when viewed on 
a map but can become an organization nightmare.

On Fri, Jun 1, 2018 at 1:34 PM, Cassidy B. Larson 
mailto:c...@infowest.com>> wrote:
Last topic I see on this was from 2014. So maybe it’s time to review and ask 
again? What are you guys using for fiber mapping, now in 2018?

In 2014 I read:
Craig was doing google earth and excel sheets.
Chuck Hogg was using Manifold (kinda), and some Google Maps Engine.
Mike H was using ArcMap for his clients.
A few other google sheets.

What’s changed, what’s new, what’re you using today? Same as before?  Something 
different? Why?

-c

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[Sterling Jacobson]

What kind of costs are we talking about?

We’ve got lines on GE and hand drawn maps and spreadsheets of info along with 
stuff in several peoples heads that need to be put into a system soon.

And limited time/budget to allocate to this, so it has to be an awesome 
intuitive product with great support and not cost $10k.



From: Af  On Behalf Of Leroy Koglin
Sent: Tuesday, June 5, 2018 10:58 AM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018


We started using VETROFiberMap about 6 months ago. Very happy with them.

http://vetrofibermap.com/



On 6/1/2018 4:34 PM, Cassidy B. Larson wrote:
Last topic I see on this was from 2014. So maybe it’s time to review and ask 
again? What are you guys using for fiber mapping, now in 2018?

In 2014 I read:
Craig was doing google earth and excel sheets.
Chuck Hogg was using Manifold (kinda), and some Google Maps Engine.
Mike H was using ArcMap for his clients.
A few other google sheets.

What’s changed, what’s new, what’re you using today? Same as before?  Something 
different? Why?


-c

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[chuck]

Cost?
Looks like the list may have come back again...

From: Leroy Koglin 
Sent: Tuesday, June 5, 2018 10:58 AM
To: af@afmug.com 
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

We started using VETROFiberMap about 6 months ago. Very happy with them.

http://vetrofibermap.com/





On 6/1/2018 4:34 PM, Cassidy B. Larson wrote:

  Last topic I see on this was from 2014. So maybe it’s time to review and ask 
again? What are you guys using for fiber mapping, now in 2018? 

  In 2014 I read:
  Craig was doing google earth and excel sheets.
  Chuck Hogg was using Manifold (kinda), and some Google Maps Engine.
  Mike H was using ArcMap for his clients.
  A few other google sheets. 


  What’s changed, what’s new, what’re you using today? Same as before?  
Something different? Why?


  -c

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[Dennis Burgess]

You can use TowerCoverage.com to map your fiber as well as use our “End User 
Submission” system to match potential users to the fiber mapping.



Dennis Burgess, Mikrotik Certified Trainer
Author of "Learn RouterOS- Second Edition”
Link Technologies, Inc -- Mikrotik & WISP Support Services
Office: 314-735-0270  Website: 
http://www.linktechs.net<http://www.linktechs.net/>
Create Wireless Coverage’s with www.towercoverage.com

From: Af  On Behalf Of Paul Stewart
Sent: Saturday, June 2, 2018 6:31 AM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

We utilize Patch Manager - https://patchmanager.com

It started as a great way to DCIM – data center racks across many locations etc 
but with their GIS mapping add-on and other features we’re looking to utilize 
it for fiber builds and should work pretty nicely ….

Paul


From: Af mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com>> on behalf of Brian 
Webster mailto:i...@wirelessmapping.com>>
Reply-To: mailto:af@afmug.com>>
Date: Friday, June 1, 2018 at 10:46 PM
To: mailto:af@afmug.com>>
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

Yes QGIS is a great program and since it is open source you will find a lot of 
support and how to articles. Not as simple as Google Earth Pro but it has a lot 
more power. A real professional GIS platform. The key to its flexibility are 
the plugins you can download. Plan on spending some time reading through each 
of those descriptions to see if there are features you want. It certainly has a 
learning curve as does any mapping program. On the higher level you can 
actually connect to most database platforms so if you plan on managing your 
plant with more than spreadsheets you can keep both the mapping and database 
tied together as one.

Thank You,
Brian Webster
www.wirelessmapping.com<http://www.wirelessmapping.com>
www.Broadband-Mapping.com

From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mark Radabaugh
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2018 5:12 PM
To: af@afmug.com<mailto:af@afmug.com>
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

QGIS is very useful and open source (as in free).

Nothing specific for fiber mapping in it but it could pretty easily be used for 
it if I was ambitious enough to put all the info in.

Mark


On Jun 1, 2018, at 5:06 PM, Eric Kuhnke 
mailto:eric.kuh...@gmail.com>> wrote:

For basic needs, the advantage of doing mapping using Google Earth Pro is that 
most "serious" GIS packages support import and export to/from the XML format 
Google Earth uses. A line on the map on Google Earth or a multi-segmented line 
is just a collection of vector placemarks in a XML file with lat/long 
coordinates, with metadata describing the thickness of the line, the color of 
the line, how many intermediate points are on the line, and so forth.

The best organizational advice I can give is to use folders and subfolders in 
Google Earth Pro appropriately to sort projects, so that you don't end up with 
a single folder that contains 500 unnamed lines. Might look fine when viewed on 
a map but can become an organization nightmare.

On Fri, Jun 1, 2018 at 1:34 PM, Cassidy B. Larson 
mailto:c...@infowest.com>> wrote:
Last topic I see on this was from 2014. So maybe it’s time to review and ask 
again? What are you guys using for fiber mapping, now in 2018?

In 2014 I read:
Craig was doing google earth and excel sheets.
Chuck Hogg was using Manifold (kinda), and some Google Maps Engine.
Mike H was using ArcMap for his clients.
A few other google sheets.

What’s changed, what’s new, what’re you using today? Same as before?  Something 
different? Why?


-c

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[Leroy Koglin]

We started using VETROFiberMap about 6 months ago. Very happy with them.

http://vetrofibermap.com/



On 6/1/2018 4:34 PM, Cassidy B. Larson wrote:
Last topic I see on this was from 2014. So maybe it’s time to review 
and ask again? What are you guys using for fiber mapping, now in 2018?


In 2014 I read:
Craig was doing google earth and excel sheets.
Chuck Hogg was using Manifold (kinda), and some Google Maps Engine.
Mike H was using ArcMap for his clients.
A few other google sheets.

What’s changed, what’s new, what’re you using today? Same as before? 
 Something different? Why?


-c

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[Paul Stewart]

We utilize Patch Manager - https://patchmanager.com

 

It started as a great way to DCIM – data center racks across many locations etc 
but with their GIS mapping add-on and other features we’re looking to utilize 
it for fiber builds and should work pretty nicely …. 

 

Paul

 

 

From: Af  on behalf of Brian Webster 

Reply-To: 
Date: Friday, June 1, 2018 at 10:46 PM
To: 
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

 

Yes QGIS is a great program and since it is open source you will find a lot of 
support and how to articles. Not as simple as Google Earth Pro but it has a lot 
more power. A real professional GIS platform. The key to its flexibility are 
the plugins you can download. Plan on spending some time reading through each 
of those descriptions to see if there are features you want. It certainly has a 
learning curve as does any mapping program. On the higher level you can 
actually connect to most database platforms so if you plan on managing your 
plant with more than spreadsheets you can keep both the mapping and database 
tied together as one.

 

Thank You,

Brian Webster

www.wirelessmapping.com

www.Broadband-Mapping.com

 

From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mark Radabaugh
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2018 5:12 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

 

QGIS is very useful and open source (as in free).   

 

Nothing specific for fiber mapping in it but it could pretty easily be used for 
it if I was ambitious enough to put all the info in.

 

Mark




On Jun 1, 2018, at 5:06 PM, Eric Kuhnke  wrote:

 

For basic needs, the advantage of doing mapping using Google Earth Pro is that 
most "serious" GIS packages support import and export to/from the XML format 
Google Earth uses. A line on the map on Google Earth or a multi-segmented line 
is just a collection of vector placemarks in a XML file with lat/long 
coordinates, with metadata describing the thickness of the line, the color of 
the line, how many intermediate points are on the line, and so forth. 

 

The best organizational advice I can give is to use folders and subfolders in 
Google Earth Pro appropriately to sort projects, so that you don't end up with 
a single folder that contains 500 unnamed lines. Might look fine when viewed on 
a map but can become an organization nightmare.

 

On Fri, Jun 1, 2018 at 1:34 PM, Cassidy B. Larson  wrote:

Last topic I see on this was from 2014. So maybe it’s time to review and ask 
again? What are you guys using for fiber mapping, now in 2018?

 

In 2014 I read:

Craig was doing google earth and excel sheets.

Chuck Hogg was using Manifold (kinda), and some Google Maps Engine.

Mike H was using ArcMap for his clients.

A few other google sheets. 

 

What’s changed, what’s new, what’re you using today? Same as before?  Something 
different? Why?




-c




 

 

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[Chuck McCown]

Price?

From: Mitch Koep 
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2018 6:21 PM
To: af@afmug.com 
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

https://www.ospinsight.com/desktop-overview




On 6/1/2018 4:12 PM, Mark Radabaugh wrote:

  QGIS is very useful and open source (as in free).

  Nothing specific for fiber mapping in it but it could pretty easily be used 
for it if I was ambitious enough to put all the info in.

  Mark



On Jun 1, 2018, at 5:06 PM, Eric Kuhnke  wrote:

For basic needs, the advantage of doing mapping using Google Earth Pro is 
that most "serious" GIS packages support import and export to/from the XML 
format Google Earth uses. A line on the map on Google Earth or a 
multi-segmented line is just a collection of vector placemarks in a XML file 
with lat/long coordinates, with metadata describing the thickness of the line, 
the color of the line, how many intermediate points are on the line, and so 
forth.  

The best organizational advice I can give is to use folders and subfolders 
in Google Earth Pro appropriately to sort projects, so that you don't end up 
with a single folder that contains 500 unnamed lines. Might look fine when 
viewed on a map but can become an organization nightmare.

On Fri, Jun 1, 2018 at 1:34 PM, Cassidy B. Larson  wrote:

  Last topic I see on this was from 2014. So maybe it’s time to review and 
ask again? What are you guys using for fiber mapping, now in 2018? 

  In 2014 I read:
  Craig was doing google earth and excel sheets.
  Chuck Hogg was using Manifold (kinda), and some Google Maps Engine.
  Mike H was using ArcMap for his clients.
  A few other google sheets. 


  What’s changed, what’s new, what’re you using today? Same as before?  
Something different? Why?


  -c

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[Brian Webster]

Yes QGIS is a great program and since it is open source you will find a lot of 
support and how to articles. Not as simple as Google Earth Pro but it has a lot 
more power. A real professional GIS platform. The key to its flexibility are 
the plugins you can download. Plan on spending some time reading through each 
of those descriptions to see if there are features you want. It certainly has a 
learning curve as does any mapping program. On the higher level you can 
actually connect to most database platforms so if you plan on managing your 
plant with more than spreadsheets you can keep both the mapping and database 
tied together as one.

 

Thank You,

Brian Webster

www.wirelessmapping.com

www.Broadband-Mapping.com

 

From: Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] On Behalf Of Mark Radabaugh
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2018 5:12 PM
To: af@afmug.com
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

 

QGIS is very useful and open source (as in free).   

 

Nothing specific for fiber mapping in it but it could pretty easily be used for 
it if I was ambitious enough to put all the info in.

 

Mark





On Jun 1, 2018, at 5:06 PM, Eric Kuhnke  wrote:

 

For basic needs, the advantage of doing mapping using Google Earth Pro is that 
most "serious" GIS packages support import and export to/from the XML format 
Google Earth uses. A line on the map on Google Earth or a multi-segmented line 
is just a collection of vector placemarks in a XML file with lat/long 
coordinates, with metadata describing the thickness of the line, the color of 
the line, how many intermediate points are on the line, and so forth. 

 

The best organizational advice I can give is to use folders and subfolders in 
Google Earth Pro appropriately to sort projects, so that you don't end up with 
a single folder that contains 500 unnamed lines. Might look fine when viewed on 
a map but can become an organization nightmare.

 

On Fri, Jun 1, 2018 at 1:34 PM, Cassidy B. Larson  wrote:

Last topic I see on this was from 2014. So maybe it’s time to review and ask 
again? What are you guys using for fiber mapping, now in 2018?

 

In 2014 I read:

Craig was doing google earth and excel sheets.

Chuck Hogg was using Manifold (kinda), and some Google Maps Engine.

Mike H was using ArcMap for his clients.

A few other google sheets. 

 

What’s changed, what’s new, what’re you using today? Same as before?  Something 
different? Why?





-c




 

 

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[Mitch Koep]

https://www.ospinsight.com/desktop-overview


On 6/1/2018 4:12 PM, Mark Radabaugh wrote:

QGIS is very useful and open source (as in free).

Nothing specific for fiber mapping in it but it could pretty easily be 
used for it if I was ambitious enough to put all the info in.


Mark

On Jun 1, 2018, at 5:06 PM, Eric Kuhnke > wrote:


For basic needs, the advantage of doing mapping using Google Earth 
Pro is that most "serious" GIS packages support import and export 
to/from the XML format Google Earth uses. A line on the map on Google 
Earth or a multi-segmented line is just a collection of vector 
placemarks in a XML file with lat/long coordinates, with metadata 
describing the thickness of the line, the color of the line, how many 
intermediate points are on the line, and so forth.


The best organizational advice I can give is to use folders and 
subfolders in Google Earth Pro appropriately to sort projects, so 
that you don't end up with a single folder that contains 500 unnamed 
lines. Might look fine when viewed on a map but can become an 
organization nightmare.


On Fri, Jun 1, 2018 at 1:34 PM, Cassidy B. Larson > wrote:


Last topic I see on this was from 2014. So maybe it’s time to
review and ask again? What are you guys using for fiber mapping,
now in 2018?

In 2014 I read:
Craig was doing google earth and excel sheets.
Chuck Hogg was using Manifold (kinda), and some Google Maps Engine.
Mike H was using ArcMap for his clients.
A few other google sheets.

What’s changed, what’s new, what’re you using today? Same as
before?  Something different? Why?

-c

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[Mark Radabaugh]

QGIS is very useful and open source (as in free).   

Nothing specific for fiber mapping in it but it could pretty easily be used for 
it if I was ambitious enough to put all the info in.

Mark

> On Jun 1, 2018, at 5:06 PM, Eric Kuhnke  wrote:
> 
> For basic needs, the advantage of doing mapping using Google Earth Pro is 
> that most "serious" GIS packages support import and export to/from the XML 
> format Google Earth uses. A line on the map on Google Earth or a 
> multi-segmented line is just a collection of vector placemarks in a XML file 
> with lat/long coordinates, with metadata describing the thickness of the 
> line, the color of the line, how many intermediate points are on the line, 
> and so forth. 
> 
> The best organizational advice I can give is to use folders and subfolders in 
> Google Earth Pro appropriately to sort projects, so that you don't end up 
> with a single folder that contains 500 unnamed lines. Might look fine when 
> viewed on a map but can become an organization nightmare.
> 
> On Fri, Jun 1, 2018 at 1:34 PM, Cassidy B. Larson  > wrote:
> Last topic I see on this was from 2014. So maybe it’s time to review and ask 
> again? What are you guys using for fiber mapping, now in 2018?
> 
> In 2014 I read:
> Craig was doing google earth and excel sheets.
> Chuck Hogg was using Manifold (kinda), and some Google Maps Engine.
> Mike H was using ArcMap for his clients.
> A few other google sheets. 
> 
> What’s changed, what’s new, what’re you using today? Same as before?  
> Something different? Why?
> 
> -c
> 
> 

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[Eric Kuhnke]

For basic needs, the advantage of doing mapping using Google Earth Pro is
that most "serious" GIS packages support import and export to/from the XML
format Google Earth uses. A line on the map on Google Earth or a
multi-segmented line is just a collection of vector placemarks in a XML
file with lat/long coordinates, with metadata describing the thickness of
the line, the color of the line, how many intermediate points are on the
line, and so forth.

The best organizational advice I can give is to use folders and subfolders
in Google Earth Pro appropriately to sort projects, so that you don't end
up with a single folder that contains 500 unnamed lines. Might look fine
when viewed on a map but can become an organization nightmare.

On Fri, Jun 1, 2018 at 1:34 PM, Cassidy B. Larson  wrote:

> Last topic I see on this was from 2014. So maybe it’s time to review and
> ask again? What are you guys using for fiber mapping, now in 2018?
>
> In 2014 I read:
> Craig was doing google earth and excel sheets.
> Chuck Hogg was using Manifold (kinda), and some Google Maps Engine.
> Mike H was using ArcMap for his clients.
> A few other google sheets.
>
> What’s changed, what’s new, what’re you using today? Same as before?
> Something different? Why?
>
> -c
>
>

Re: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[chuck]

I have given up on Mapcom M4.
AutoCad for staking sheets and if you want to combine it with a database it can 
do much more.
I prefer to do everything in Google Earth, but would like to add the database 
functions to it.  

The State of Utah rolled their own and it is really nice.  Google Earth based.  

From: Cassidy B. Larson 
Sent: Friday, June 1, 2018 2:34 PM
To: af@afmug.com 
Subject: [AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

Last topic I see on this was from 2014. So maybe it’s time to review and ask 
again? What are you guys using for fiber mapping, now in 2018? 

In 2014 I read:
Craig was doing google earth and excel sheets.
Chuck Hogg was using Manifold (kinda), and some Google Maps Engine.
Mike H was using ArcMap for his clients.
A few other google sheets. 


What’s changed, what’s new, what’re you using today? Same as before?  Something 
different? Why?


-c

[AFMUG] Fiber Mapping - 2018

[Cassidy B. Larson]

Last topic I see on this was from 2014. So maybe it’s time to review and ask 
again? What are you guys using for fiber mapping, now in 2018?

In 2014 I read:
Craig was doing google earth and excel sheets.
Chuck Hogg was using Manifold (kinda), and some Google Maps Engine.
Mike H was using ArcMap for his clients.
A few other google sheets. 

What’s changed, what’s new, what’re you using today? Same as before?  Something 
different? Why?

-c