IMSMA Re-Engineering Project
After many months of work behind the scenes the IMSMA Re-Engineering Project is now underway. Over the next 2 years the project team will develop a comprehensive update to IMSMA based on ideas submitted by system users over the first 5 years of its life. In addition to new ideas the system will also incorporate a new look starting with a fully integrated ESRI ArcEngine based set of GIS tools. The updated system will allow users to navigate directly from the displayed maps and imagery, the system gazetteer or user defined queries.
Language related challenges will be made easier through the inclusion of Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish versions of the system’s user screens, forms, error messages and other text. The system’s data entry, review and reporting tools will also be updated to provide for the creation of locally developed data collection forms in local languages. Combined with a simplified custom data field creation capability these changes will make it easier to customize the system to meet local needs.
The updated IMSMA will be built around an easy to use core module. The core module is designed to provide operations with a simple set of data collection and reporting tools suitable for most situations. Sites with more sophisticated operational requirements will be able to choose from a set of plug-ins designed specifically for particular activities. Plug-ins are already in development for MRE, Victim Assistance and Q/A activities with others in the planning stages.
Over the next few months the development team will be providing a series of regular updates to the progress of their work.
