Autodesk 15606-011408-9320 User Guide - Page 19

an Autodesk MapGuide web site. The following list explains the possible roles involved in an Autodesk MapGuide implementation and describes the tasks and skills required of each role. Note that one person might perform more than one of these roles, or you might divide the responsibilities of a single role among several people. If you are a project manager trying to determine whom you need to hire, or a developer trying to determine what training you need, information in this section can help you plan for your next Autodesk MapGuide implementation. Data Engineer The data engineer is responsible for gathering and managing all spatial data resources, such as vector mapping data and raster images, as well as attribute data, such as tables of population and other demographic information that is linked to the spatial data. If you will not be using a data extension to access VISION*, Oracle8i Spatial, DWG, or SHP data directly, the data engineer needs to convert vector data from other formats into SDF (spatial data file) files, uses Autodesk MapGuide® Raster Workshop to work with raster images, and then provides those files to the server administrator. The data engineer might use AutoCAD Map to create spatial data, or use Autodesk MapGuide® SDF Loader to convert spatial data from other sources. Data engineers need to work with the map authors to determine what spatial data is needed for the maps, and then either create or acquire that data. Data engineers will find information they need in Chapter 5, "Working with Data in Autodesk MapGuide" and Chapter 6, "Planning and Designing Maps." If you do not have the expertise to create or convert the data you need, go to http://www.autodesk.com/mapguidepartners for a list of data providers and data conversion firms. Map Author The map author uses the resources provided by the data engineer to create maps in Autodesk MapGuide Author. Map authors need to be familiar with coordinate systems and with GIS or CAD in general. They should have a good understanding of what information to show in the map and how to display information cartographically. They will work closely with the data engineer to get the data that they need. They will also work with the server administrator to make sure they are given authoring privileges and have access to the data through the server. What's the Fastest Way Through This Book? | 19