National Association of GIS-Centric Software


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Questions and answers about NAGCSTM:

1. What does NAGCS stand for?
National Association of GIS-Centric Software applications.

2. What is the purpose of NAGCS.
An association of ESRI® Authorized Developers dedicated to:
  • providing Enterprise-GIS solutions;
  • promoting the unique characteristics and benefits of GIS-centric software applications;
  • promoting Interoperable open standards and access (shared database) approaches; and
  • distinguishing GIS-centric software applications from GIS-interface approaches.

3. Has the certification mark been used?
Yes, it has been used by Azteca Systems for Cityworks® Desktop and MWH Soft for InfoWaterTM InfoSewerTM and InfoS WMMTM. Currently, multiple other systems are going through the certification testing.

4. What software systems can use the mark?
Any software system that can pass the certification testing as setup by NAGCS.

5. What is the purpose of the certification mark?
The sole purpose is to indicate that the software application has passed the certification testing and has been certified as GIS-centric as defined by the NAGCS criteria. Only those software applications certified as meeting the NAGCS criteria will be authorized to use the mark.

6. What are the criteria?
  • ESRI GIS geodatabase is the feature database including for storing the feature attributes.
  • Non-redundant feature data storage with no reliance on views, data mapping, database triggers, or "transparent" links.
  • Feature data model is fully user-definable and customizable without vendor support.
  • Non-proprietary feature data model format, including data names, fields, tables, relationships, and other data design elements.
  • Interoperable, providing maximum compatibility with any other GIS-centric application, including concurrent use of the feature database.
  • Feature data coordinate location and connectivity is inherent in feature (or asset) data model, enabling full utilization of the spatial analysis capabilities including linear referencing and events.
  • Feature data is created and maintained using ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Server, or ArcObjects tools for editing, including data error identification and correction methods (particularly for linear network and polygonal features) that check for connected nodes, overlaps, missing segments, linear segments, flow relationships and adjacency.

7. Can the criteria be modified?
Criteria may be modified by unanimous agreement by the NAGCS board members. The above criteria has been developed by NAGCS founding members. It is anticipated that criteria and terminology may need to be modified and updated from time to time.

8. How can a software application solution be certified?
Any organization can apply to have their software application certified by contacting NAGCS. NAGCS then forwards the application to a 3rd-party neutral for testing. The association has appointed John Pryzbyla of Woolpert as the 3rd-party neutral. John is a nationally recognized expert for Public Works and Utilities and a GISP. A fee will be charged by Woolpert to cover the cost for the testing.