The goal for the ArcGIS Data Models is to provide a practical template for implementing GIS projects. While most users will find the models a great starting point for work on their specific data model, they will also find related models useful in the development of their system.
Beyond the benefits to a specific organization, this common starting point results in the creation of data model design templates that simplify the integration of similar data sets at the local, state/provincial, national, and global levels.
There are compelling reasons for ESRI to pursue the ambitious task of getting many organizations in more than a dozen industries to build these data models. It is basically the opportunity to simultaneously make a successful GIS implementation more accessible to average organizations with limited budgets, along with the power to bring consistency and synergy between similar systems. In the long term we believe that common data models are key to making better decisions based on available geographic information. But these efforts are not designed to create formal standards. Rather, they are designed to provide immediate and long-term benefits to people working on real GIS projects while supporting existing standards.
Our general process for creating a model involves bringing together a consortium made up of users and business partners. In each domain, the ESRI Industry Manager is responsible for organizing the group.
ESRI is actively looking for individuals who are interested in contributing to additional modeling projects. In each case there is typically an industry expert that serves as a catalyst to drive the group and take overall responsibility for the development of the model. Each user community also requires a contact in the ESRI development organization to assist with technology transfer and model review activities. A successful group will have strong representation from the user and business partner communities, often with different experiences and ideas, which works together to develop the essential model for their industry.
What has worked well in the past is a core group that works to define a first pass at the scope and content of the model. We call this a "Draft Data Model" that is intended for people working on projects as a starting point for implementation.
It is then useful to get together a larger group to review the model and provide input. From that point forward we expect that ESRI, business partners, and end users will use the data models on their projects and provide feedback through ongoing discussions and a series of database design review meetings. After a year or so of project development, a book and CD will be developed to capture important characteristics of the models for specific industries, along with practical advice on how to implement your own project, along with lessons learned in the form of Case Studies.
Please contact the Industry Manager for your industry, or Katsura Matsuda at ESRI in Redlands, or your regional sales representative.