Introducing enlighten Version 5.1

Introduction

As a commercial-off-the-shelf product, enlighten delivers a wealth of functionality from day one. The improved productivity, enhanced decision making, rapid deployment and expert commercial support are all factors that add up to enlighten being an excellent business decision.

• Simple Powerful Tools.
• Integration and Analysis.
• Configurable High-Resolution Printing/Plotting.

With Open Spatial enlighten, there is no need for programming knowledge or specialized software. The database-driven spatial analysis is accomplished through a web-browser, eliminating reliance on client-side software, reducing the cost of ownership and the need for on-going support, frequent upgrades and costly maintenance.

Users who are configured to use Single Sign-on (SSO) bypass the Landing page, however those users who login without SSO have the option to select a profile to apply for their session before logging into the Enlighten map. The Landing page can be customised to display the corporate logo, links to important how-to documents, online training videos, or to log any support issues.

What's New in Enlighten 5.1

Enlighten 5.1 has been built on the latest ASP.NET framework, enabling dynamic web page compilation. This enhancement has significantly reduced the initial load time of the Enlighten website, resulting in a faster and more responsive user experience. In addition to performance improvements, the adoption of the updated ASP.NET framework also addresses known security vulnerabilities, ensuring a more secure platform. For optimal performance and full functionality, Enlighten 5.1 requires the latest version of MapGuide Open Source. This release also includes several bug fixes from previous versions. A detailed list of resolved issues can be found in the Release Notes.

Other new features and enhancements include the following:

Inclusion of ESRI API Endpoints

As part of ongoing improvements for Enlighten 5.1, ESRI API Endpoints have been added as a Feature Service to allow users to add ESRI Feature Layers to their maps via the Add/Manage External Layers option on the Main toolbar. This option allows users to select online feature data made available by ESRI Feature Services and publish the data as a layer within the Enlighten Map. If there is associated attribute data for the published layer, selecting the feature object in the map will display the attributes as a tool-tip, which is then refreshed with each individual selection of features. See the topic Adding an ESRI Feature Service for more information.

Fig: ESRI Feature Services displayed as Layer in Enlighten

Improved Redline Tools and Functions

The Redline Toolbar and Redline Task Pane provide access to the following key components:

• Redline Layers
• Redline Collections
• Redline Projects
• Redline Project Stages

Note: The Redline Project functionality must be enabled in the Enlighten website configuration. Users must also be assigned the appropriate permissions before they can define project extents or create markups.

Redline Project Layers

Redline Layers can be created for specific departments or teams. These layers allow users to:

• Create, view, and manage redline markups relevant to their roles.
• Maintain clear organization of markups by project stage or department.
• Configure Redline Notifications to automatically notify selected users or groups via email when redlines are created or updated.

Redline Collections

Enlighten's Redline functionality has been significantly enhanced with the introduction of Redline Collections. This new feature allows redline editors to group multiple redline objects into a single, named collection assigned to a specific Redline layer.

Once redline objects are drawn—either individually or as part of a collection—they are automatically organized into sub-layers within the Layers pane based on the type of redline object. This makes it easier to manage and visualize different markup types. The Manage Redline Objects pane has also been upgraded to support the creation of Redline Collections. Editors can draw redline markups directly on the map using the newly introduced Redline Toolbar catering for the capture of Redline Lines, Polylines, Polygons, Rectangles, Circles, Text and Symbols. This toolbar, in conjunction with the dynamic Redline pane, streamlines the markup process by enabling users to:

• Easily draw various types of redline objects.
• Apply and adjust styling (e.g., color, line thickness) at the time of placement or during post-editing.
• Draw markups on designated redline layers.
• Combine multiple markups into a single Redline Collection with a unique collection name.

These improvements provide a more intuitive and efficient redlining experience for all users.

Redline Projects and Stages

Enlighten 5.1 also sees the introduction of Redline Projects and Stages. Projects for utilities, construction and infrastructure typically manage the improvement, modernization and expansion of infrastructure or facilities, and the project extents are defined by Enlighten Map users by drawing a polygon on the map to specify the project boundary when a new project is created. Each project includes a unique name, description, and a status of either Active or Inactive. The project's attributes can be viewed and edited via the Show Info pane.

The Redline markups can now be used to represent the project requirements in terms of improvements, replacement and/or rehabilitation of utility infrastructure as well as the expansion of existing services. The creation and/or assignment of a Redline Projects is optional meaning that Redline markups can be created without selecting a Redline Project.

Project Stages are configurable and represent the current phase within a project's life cycle. Each stage - ranging from preliminary design through to completion -  stored as an attribute within individual project records. Assigned Project Managers are responsible for updating and maintaining these stages as the project progresses. To safeguard sensitive information, user permissions can be configured for each Project Stage. This ensures that only authorized users can view or interact with projects at specific stages in the life cycle.

Redline Projects

Redline Projects typically support utilities, construction, or infrastructure efforts involving system improvements, replacements, or expansions. 

When creating a new project:

• A polygon is drawn on the Enlighten map to define the project boundary.
• A unique project name, description, and status (Active or Inactive) must be assigned.
• Project attributes can be viewed and edited in the Show Info pane.
• Redline markups are used to visually represent project requirements and changes.

Redline Projects are optional. Redline Markups can still be created without associating them with a project.

Redline Project Stages

Project stages define the life cycle of a Redline Project and are fully configurable. These stages:

• Reflect the current project phase (e.g., design, construction, completion).
• Are managed by assigned Project Managers.
• Can have user permissions set for access control at different stages.

Enlighten Home Page

With the introduction of the password visibility toggle on the enlighten home page, users can preview their passwords before logging into their enlighten session. This option to login is bypassed if SSO is enabled.