In addition to the new features and benefits outlined below, CityView 8.3 allows you to use our new CityView PreBuilts. CityView PreBuilts are out-of-the-box software packages that give you the forms, reports and automation you need to manage Property Information, Permits & Inspections, Code Enforcement, Business Licensing and Cashiering. Visit PreBuilts to find out more.
For CityView Users
Mapping Enhancements
Filter Layers
Data from your CityView database is now easily and comprehensively translated to a map and you have the flexibility to show only what you need to see as it applies to the task at hand. A map layer can now be filtered on attributes of the layer. Only those features passing the filter will be displayed. Using ArcSDE views, you can extend the attribute data to include data from your business processes, allowing you to use data from your forms dynamically on your maps. For example, you can use filters to show only those parcels with building permits issued in the current year, or addresses with inspections for the day, or open code enforcement cases, and any other data you record in your business processes.
Thematic Layers
Thematic layers give you an up-to-the-minute and dynamic visual representation of essential data, allowing for quick analysis and assessment of what has happened historically, or work to be done. Users do not have to be GIS experts to create these "on the fly" mapping layers. Map layers can now be colored based on the values of the attributes of the features. For instance, you can create a layer to show building permit values, coloring the higher valued permits a darker green and the lower valued permits a lighter green. You can also use discrete values of the attributes to control feature color. You could, for example, color each parcel a specific color for each inspector assigned to a case. Attribute data can be extended using ArcSDE views.
Document Management Enhancements
Digital Photos
CityView 8.3 features new capabilities that streamline the storage and management of photos taken in the field. CityView document management is enhanced to help field personnel collect and store digital photography. You can now browse to a digital camera that is attached to your tablet PC and attach photos to a case or inspection from the camera. Back in the office, you can then use CityView to automatically move, rename and file the photos to the file server.
For CityView System AdministratorsMapping Enhancements
Spatial Query Function
Instead of duplicating information in your database that already exists in your GIS, you can now simply refer to the appropriate GIS layers to dynamically lookup the required information as it is displayed on the form just as if it was a standard field in your database. You do not need to make any structural changes in the GIS in order for CityView users to lookup related information. This new function, added to expressions, allows you to automatically select features in one layer, using features from another. For instance, you can create an expression that looks up the zoning information of a parcel by querying if the parcel polygon is within the boundaries of a specific zone. The value of the expression, which in this case is the land use zone, can then be used on the form. The spatial query function works if the mapping window is open or closed.
Database Enhancements
Many to Many Relationships
You can now create many to many relationships between tables. The relationships can be created at any level of the database and are automatically managed on the form for the user. Users no longer have to copy a permit several times in order to create permits that are related to several parcels. Now one permit can be related to several different properties instantly such that you only have to enter the permit data once. Or, you can associate multiple permits to one property, eliminating time-consuming and repetitive copying and pasting. This gives you extra ease in managing data related to subdivisions, simplifies database development with increased flexibility and ease of use, removes limitations on supporting business rules and saves development time with 'workarounds.' Some common examples of uses are:
Project to parcel: projects can be related to multiple parcels and parcels can have multiple projects.
People to parcel: a person can own multiple parcels and there can be multiple people that own a parcel.
Letters to contacts (people): a letter can have multiple addresses and an addressee can be on multiple letters.
Multiple Parents
With CityView 8.3 you no longer have to store the same data for multiple CityView applications in separate related tables. You can now create a child table that is related to more than one parent table. For instance, you can have one inspection table that can be used for building permits, code enforcement and fire. This streamlines database structures by reducing redundant database tables.
Views
CityView now recognizes views in SQL Server and Oracle. Views are database queries that execute SQL and provide data in tabular format. A common use of views is to reach out to another database, both internal and external, and execute a query at the same time. In CityView, views are treated exactly like tables. You can relate a view to a CityView table or to another view. Views can be used to obtain data for very complex reporting, such as those that involve union and cross-tab queries. Views allow you to get real-time access to external data via a dynamic link to other databases. Also, views generally perform faster than queries on workstation applications.
Expression Enhancements
Record Maintenance Functions
New expressions have been added that allow you to easily copy, move and delete records or groups of records on the workstation and also now on the Web. This saves time and increases accuracy by eliminating lengthy data entry. As an example, using these new functions, you can create an expression that will clone a permit application to an entire list of parcels. The counter clerk can enter an application once, create a list of parcels in a subdivision on a map and then clone the application to every parcel in the list. A roofing permit application can now be created for an entire development site within seconds. Visit online help for examples.
Expression() Function
This new Expression() function saves you development time by reusing code. Coding and logic errors are reduced as edits to business process are done in one expression instead of multiple expressions. Using the new Expression() function you can now call any expression from an expression. There is also a new UTILITY category that can be used to store all your commonly used expressions.
Web Enhancements
Alternate Browser Support
CityView now offers limited support for non-Internet Explorer browsers such as Netscape and Firefox. You simply re-deploy your CityView sheets after setting the deployment options to "allow for non-IE browsers." This ensures that the general public who choose not to use Internet Explorer can still access the valuable services you offer over the Internet.
Web Page Styles
You can now configure your CityView website to match your organization's existing website. CityView Administrators can set the fonts, colors and formatting for CityView websites all from one style page in CityView. You can also use an iframe to embed the CityView Web pages into your organization's website. You will save time in applying a consistent look and feel to your CityView web pages, ensuring that they are consistent with your jurisdiction's website standards.
Licensing Enhancements
New Licensing Structure
Municipal Software introduces a new licensing structure that allows you to purchase only what you need, making future purchases potentially less expensive. This new model includes CityView Public Portal Server, providing unlimited public access to your Web deployed forms. CityView Public Portal Server replaces the previous Web insurance mechanism and greatly simplifies providing anonymous Web access to citizens. CityView Workstation now consists of a CityView Application Client, CityView Application Builder and CityView GIS Extension, each licensed separately. Anyone upgrading to 8.3 will require a new licensing file. Please contact Technical Support for information.
Payment Processing Enhancements
Additional Vendors
CityView 8.3 now gives you further options when it comes to selecting a payment processing vendor to use with your CityView system. CityView now supports eSelect Plus from Moneris and PayFlow Pro from VeriSign, in addition to WebAuthorize, Authorize.NET, Verisign and others. Also, if you have already selected one of these vendors for payment processing, you do not have to switch to a different vendor and embark on any extra development work.
DownloadTo download CityView 8.3,
1) Navigate to Support.
2) Choose the Downloads link at the side of the page.
3) Login to the system with your credentials.
4) Click the "Download 8.3" button.
5) Read and follow the instructions.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Technical Support at 1.866.988.8324.
Thank you!
