PLTS Foundation provides the basic PLTS software for customers who require database editing, production, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), and cartographic tools but need to implement their own business rules within data modeling, attribution, validation, and output.

In addition, PLTS Foundation allows users to define their own geodatabase model, map series, and symbology definitions. Business rules are implemented in Valid Value Tables and Condition Tables that provide rule-based attribute capture and validation, QA, and map symbology. Database-driven cartography allows symbolization from feature attributes and provides sophisticated, repeatable map templates.

PLTS Foundation includes GIS Data ReViewer, Map Production System, and Job Tracking for ArcGIS (JTX), which are quality control, cartographic product generation, and work flow management components, respectively.

The PLTS Mapping Agency Solution is the third PLTS solution available from Esri—the Defense Solution and the Nautical Charting Solution became available in 2003—and is designed to efficiently produce and maintain large, intermediate, and small-scale topographic basemap products for mapping agencies. It is developed specifically for high-volume topographic database production, maintenance, high-quality cartographic output, and quality control. From source compilation through data editing and cartographic finishing, the PLTS Mapping Agency Solution provides the tools for an efficient work flow. PLTS extends ArcGIS for mapping organizations by providing them tools to turn their standard, static products into a single enterprisewide database, giving them flexibility to serve any number of digital and hard-copy cartographic products.

In addition to PLTS Foundation, the PLTS Mapping Agency Solution includes three geodatabase models for topographic mapping. The Global Map/Global Spatial Data Infrastructure model is used to develop geographic data at a scale of 1:1,000,000 according to the data specifications of the Global Map Program. The Vector Map Level 1 geodatabase model meets the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) topographic military standard. Additionally, the topographic geodatabase model enables users to create United States Geological Survey (USGS) and other national topographic base products.

Four map series have been included in the Mapping Agency Solution. Three of the map series have been designed to meet the specifications of the standard USGS topographic map products at scales of 1:24,000, 1:63,360, and 1:100,000. The fourth map series is designed to meet the NGA specifications of a 1:250,000 scale Joint Operations Graphic-Air.

PLTS 3.1 operates on Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows XP and requires ArcEditor or ArcInfo. For more information, visit www.esri.com/plts, call Esri at 1-800-447-9778, or call your Esri regional office. Outside the United States, contact your local Esri distributor.