In 2022, the Port of Tacoma, WA, issued a request for proposal (RFP) seeking a skilled partner to support its Enterprise GIS environment and diverse geospatial needs. As a critical trade gateway in the Pacific Northwest, the port plays a significant role in regional and global supply chains. Its robust GIS infrastructure
is essential to managing logistics, asset tracking, and decision-making processes.

The port required expertise in various geospatial services, including:

  • Enterprise GIS Support: System design, solution consulting, configuration, and version upgrades.
  • Technical Services: Infrastructure design, data management, cloud migration, and integration.
  • Application Development: GIS web applications, Geocortex configuration, and mapping services.
  • Project Management: Procedure development, documentation, testing, and support.

GTG Selected to Drive GIS Transformation

After a competitive selection process, the port chose GTG as its geospatial services partner. GTG collaborated closely with port staff to streamline workflows,
optimize GIS usability, and enhance system performance.

Initial Improvements and Troubleshooting

GTG began with a detailed assessment of the port’s infrastructure and workflows. Key early efforts included:

  • Establishing secure GIS environment credentials.
  • Troubleshooting camera database feeds for the GIS Viewer application.
  • Addressing map service publishing and data inconsistencies.
  • Assisting with LiDAR conversion, licensing reviews, and web map viewer training.
  • Analyzing Yardi lease layers and validating scripts to meet port requirements.
  • Troubleshooting critical Presentation.gdb issues to support web services.

GTG also compiled the port’s engineering drawings into streamlined, usable sets and participated in strategy sessions to align GIS services with the port’s evolving needs.

Cloud Migration to Microsoft Azure
Recognizing the need for scalability and resilience, the port enlisted GTG to migrate its ArcGIS Enterprise environment to Microsoft Azure cloud technology. GTG conducted a comprehensive cloud migration assessment and engaged port staff throughout the process. To optimize system performance, GTG:

  • Demonstrated ArcGIS Monitor to enhance monitoring and
    management.
  • Documented Geocortex application requirements for seamless migration to Esri WebApp Builder and Experience Builder.
  • Drafted a Needs Assessment for the Geocortex migration. This transition enabled the port to leverage Azure’s capabilities for
    handling larger datasets, improving system performance and enhancing disaster resilience.

Streamlining GIS Applications and Infrastructure
GTG further improved the port’s GIS operations by:

  • Cleaning up and optimizing their ArcGIS Portal, Online, and Server environments.
  • Addressing Python and Log4J vulnerabilities to ensure system security and compliance.
  • Reviewing Sound South 911 data publishing issues and recommending future improvements.
  • Preparing their GeoEvent Server for traffic and time measurement demonstrations.
  • Updating Brownfield inventory services and enhancing data presentation capabilities.

GTG also provided hands-on training in ArcGIS Pro, empowering port staff to confidently manage and utilize their upgraded systems.

Results: A Modernized and Resilient GIS Environment

The migration to Microsoft Azure and the Geocortex configuration significantly enhanced the Port of Tacoma’s GIS infrastructure. Benefits included:

  • Scalability and Performance: Cloud-based systems enable the port to manage complex data and analyses efficiently.
  • Resilience and Accessibility: Port GIS services remain available and reliable, even during emergencies.
  • Improved Decision-Making: Advanced tools for data visualization, analysis, and reporting streamline operations.

Leadership Insights
GTG’s Project Manager Michelle Boivin highlighted the project’s transformative impact:

“This project fundamentally enhanced the operational capabilities of the Port of Tacoma. Migrating to the cloud improved the accessibility, scalability, and resilience of critical geospatial data, strengthening the port’s role in global trade, local economies, and environmental stewardship.”

GTG’s Co-Principal Curt Hinton emphasized the value of partnership:

“Managing a GIS environment of this scale is complex. By partnering with GTG, the port gained access to our team of 50 GIS experts, enabling them to tackle challenges with confidence and precision. This depth of expertise is essential in today’s modern geospatial landscape.”

Conclusion
GTG’s collaboration with the Port of Tacoma demonstrates the power of expert-led GIS transformation. By modernizing infrastructure, migrating to the cloud, and streamlining operations, GTG empowered the port to achieve greater efficiency, security, and operational excellence—ensuring its continued success as a global trade hub.

—————–

To learn more about GIS Services from Geographic Technologies Group, please feel free to reach out. You can speak to our team by calling 888.757.4222 or emailing moreinfo@geotg.com.