Optimizing and Scaling a National Cultural Resource Survey Tool

Objective:

My role often involves not just building new solutions from the ground up, but also inheriting promising platforms and ensuring they reach their full potential. This was precisely the case with the CRSurveyor App. When I took over the project, a powerful tool for digitally surveying cultural resources had already been developed in partnership with the NAPC. My objective was to refine this existing technology, streamline its deployment, and strategically manage its continued rollout to empower more communities across the nation.

The Opportunity: From a Powerful Tool to a Scalable National Standard

The CRSurveyor App, built on the ESRI ArcGIS platform, was a significant leap forward for historic preservation. It allowed survey teams to use phones and tablets in the field—even offline—to digitally capture location data and details about historic sites, all structured to meet National Park Service standards.

The foundation was solid, but the challenge was one of scale and evolution:

• Post-Launch Optimization: The initial build was complete, but like any technology, it required ongoing analysis and optimization to ensure peak performance and user-friendliness.
• Strategic Rollout: The tool needed a clear, repeatable process for deployment to new partners, including states and local commissions, each with unique needs.
• Customization and Support: The existing modules—Architectural, Disaster Response, and Archaeology—needed to be adaptable, and new partners required robust training and support to ensure successful adoption.

The Solution: A Strategy for Growth and Refinement

Upon taking leadership of the project, my focus shifted from initial development to strategic management and enhancement. My team and I implemented a multi-faceted plan:

1. Platform Optimization: We conducted a thorough review of the existing solution, which utilizes ArcGIS Online and ESRI Field Maps. We identified areas for performance tuning and user interface improvements to make the in-field data collection process even more efficient for surveyors.
2. Developing a Scalable Deployment Model: We created a standardized playbook for rolling out CRSurveyor to new localities. This included managing ArcGIS licensing requirements, customizing modules for local needs, and providing comprehensive training materials to get new survey teams up and running quickly.
3. Enhancing Customization and Support: We established a clear process for adapting the core modules for specific use cases. Furthermore, we created a dedicated support structure to assist partners with data management, troubleshooting, and leveraging the full capabilities of the ESRI cloud platform.

The Impact: Expanding the Reach of Digital Preservation

Our strategic oversight and continued development have successfully transitioned CRSurveyor from a standalone project into a growing, scalable program.

• Successful Expansion: We have successfully managed the rollout of the CRSurveyor app to numerous new community and state partners, expanding its footprint and impact.
• Increased Adoption and Efficiency: By refining the tool and simplifying the onboarding process, we have lowered the barrier to entry for communities wishing to digitize their cultural resource surveys.
• Strengthened Partnership: Our proactive management and support have solidified the relationship with the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions, positioning CRSurveyor as a premier tool in the field.
• A Foundation for the Future: The project is now structured for continuous improvement and adaptation, ensuring it remains a relevant and powerful asset for historic preservation for years to come.

This initiative demonstrates a different, yet equally critical, aspect of technology leadership: nurturing an existing innovation to ensure it achieves its maximum, long-term impact.

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