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RAPID ACCESS INFORMATION SYSTEM (RAINS)
Impact/Purpose:
Three primary audiences have been identified as RAINS user base:
Managers, Program, Policy, & Technical Specialists and the General Public. RAINS development is composed of three integrated and overlapping phases conforming to the primary audiences detailed above. Basic design goals and features include:
* Really Fast
* Familiar, Easy, & Flexible Browser-Based Functionality
* Plug-in/Plug-out Modular Design - Adaptable to New Technologies
* Using Combination of Standard Agency Software & Freeware
* Transferable to Other Organizations
* Integrates Maps, Graphics, & Tabular Information
* Both Aggregate & Discrete Data & Information
* Both 'Canned' & Interactive Products
* Ability to Integrate Environmental, Programmatic, & Administrative Information
* Ability to Encounter Information via Map, Thematic, and/or Query Modes
* Ability to Progressively Refine Interests & Use Imbedded 'Deep-Drilling' Applications
* Ability to 'Fly-Through' the Region in 3-D w/ Information Superimposed on Terrain
* Distributed Data System 'Hitting' Internal & External Sources
* Includes Easy 'Add-Layer' Feature to Update 'Library' & Customize Products
* Deep & Smart Links to External 'Sites'
* Ability to Export Map/Graphics to Hard Copy & Presentation Software (PowerPoint)
* System is Dynamic: Information Regularly Refreshed & New Need-Relevant Apps
Imbedded
Description:
RAINS has been designed to provide you fast, easy, flexible access to the Region's vast stores of environmental, programmatic, and administrative data and information. RAINS will allow users to approach and interact with this information in an integrated, multi-dimensional context. RAINS is an information-based tool that can be used to examine status and trends in the environment, analyze the character of environmental problems, evaluate program efficacy, target Regional programs and initiatives, and configure strategic directions.