PlotPilot Pro Documentation

Single-Server Deployment

1. Download the PlotPilot Pro installer from your Canopy Mapping account
2. Verify system meets minimum requirements
3. Run the installer with administrator privileges
4. Select "Single-Server Deployment" option
5. Configure database connection settings
6. Set administrator credentials
7. Configure web server settings (port, SSL, etc.)
8. Complete installation and access the admin portal

Distributed Deployment

For larger organizations, a distributed deployment offers better performance and scalability:

1. Set up database server with PostgreSQL and PostGIS
2. Deploy application servers (2+ for high availability)
3. Configure load balancer
4. Install PlotPilot Pro on each application server
5. Select "Distributed Deployment" during installation
6. Point all servers to the shared database
7. Configure shared storage for assets
8. Set up monitoring and backup systems

Cloud Deployment

PlotPilot Pro can be deployed on major cloud platforms:

• AWS: AMI available in AWS Marketplace
• Azure: VM template available in Azure Marketplace
• Google Cloud: Deployment guide available for GCP
• Custom Cloud: Docker containers available for custom deployments

Refer to our cloud-specific deployment guides for detailed instructions.

User Roles

PlotPilot Pro includes the following predefined roles:

• System Administrator: Full system access including configuration
• Data Administrator: Can manage all data but not system settings
• Publisher: Can create and publish maps and applications
• Editor: Can edit existing maps and data
• Viewer: Read-only access to published maps and data

Custom roles can be created with specific permission combinations.

Adding Users

1. Navigate to the Admin Portal
2. Select "User Management"
3. Click "Add User"
4. Enter user details (name, email, etc.)
5. Assign appropriate role(s)
6. Set additional permissions if needed
7. Save the user profile

Authentication Options

PlotPilot Pro supports multiple authentication methods:

• Local Authentication: Username/password stored in PlotPilot database
• LDAP/Active Directory: Integrate with existing directory services
• SAML: Support for Okta, Azure AD, and other SAML providers
• OAuth: Support for Google, Microsoft, and other OAuth providers
• Multi-factor Authentication: Optional additional security layer

Supported Data Sources

• Spatial Databases: PostGIS, SQL Server Spatial, Oracle Spatial
• GIS Formats: Shapefile, GeoJSON, KML, GML, FileGDB
• Raster Data: GeoTIFF, ECW, MrSID, JPEG2000
• Web Services: WMS, WFS, WMTS, ArcGIS REST
• Enterprise Systems: SAP, Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL
• Cloud Storage: S3, Azure Blob, Google Cloud Storage
• Real-time Data: IoT sensors, GPS feeds, weather data

Adding Data Sources

1. Navigate to the Data Manager
2. Select "Add Data Source"
3. Choose the source type
4. Configure connection parameters
5. Test the connection
6. Set refresh schedule (for dynamic data)
7. Configure caching options
8. Save the data source configuration

Data Transformation

PlotPilot Pro includes tools for transforming and processing data:

• Coordinate System Transformations: Convert between different projections
• Attribute Calculations: Create and modify data attributes
• Spatial Operations: Buffer, intersect, union, etc.
• Data Cleansing: Fix geometry errors and data inconsistencies
• Geocoding: Convert addresses to coordinates
• Reverse Geocoding: Convert coordinates to addresses

Visualization Options

• Thematic Mapping: Choropleth, graduated symbols, dot density
• Heat Maps: Visualize data density and clusters
• 3D Visualization: Terrain, buildings, and data in three dimensions
• Time Series: Animate data changes over time
• Custom Symbology: Create and apply custom symbols and styles
• Dynamic Labeling: Smart label placement and conflict resolution

Analysis Tools

• Spatial Analysis: Proximity, overlay, and network analysis
• Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics, regression, clustering
• Terrain Analysis: Slope, aspect, viewshed, watershed
• Network Analysis: Routing, service areas, closest facility
• Predictive Modeling: Integrate with machine learning tools

Custom Applications

Create specialized mapping applications for specific use cases:

• Web Applications: Browser-based mapping tools
• Mobile Applications: Field data collection and viewing
• Dashboards: Combine maps with charts and metrics
• Embedded Maps: Integrate maps into other applications
• Kiosk Mode: Public-facing interactive maps

REST API

The REST API provides access to all PlotPilot Pro functionality:

• Authentication: OAuth 2.0 and API key options
• Data Access: Query and manipulate spatial and attribute data
• Map Services: Generate and manipulate maps
• Geocoding: Convert between addresses and coordinates
• Analysis: Perform spatial and statistical analysis
• Administration: Manage users, data sources, and settings

Full API documentation is available in the Developer Portal.

JavaScript SDK

The JavaScript SDK simplifies integration into web applications:

// Initialize PlotPilot map
const map = new PlotPilot.Map({
  container: 'map-container',
  center: [-122.4194, 37.7749],
  zoom: 12,
  basemap: 'streets'
});

// Add a data layer
map.addLayer({
  id: 'parcels',
  source: {
    type: 'vector',
    url: 'https://your-server.com/api/datasets/parcels'
  },
  paint: {
    'fill-color': [
      'interpolate',
      ['linear'],
      ['get', 'value'],
      0, '#f7fbff',
      100, '#08306b'
    ],
    'fill-opacity': 0.7,
    'line-color': '#000',
    'line-width': 1
  }
});

// Add interactivity
map.on('click', 'parcels', (e) => {
  const properties = e.features[0].properties;
  new PlotPilot.Popup()
    .setLngLat(e.lngLat)
    .setHTML(`<h3>Parcel ${properties.id}</h3>
              <p>Value: ${properties.value}</p>`)
    .addTo(map);
});

Python SDK

The Python SDK enables automation and integration with data science workflows:

import plotpilot

# Connect to PlotPilot Pro
pp = plotpilot.connect(
    server="https://your-server.com",
    username="your-username",
    password="your-password"
)

# Get a dataset
parcels = pp.datasets.get("parcels")

# Perform analysis
buffer = parcels.buffer(distance=100, units="meters")
intersect = buffer.intersect(pp.datasets.get("flood_zones"))

# Calculate statistics
stats = intersect.statistics(
    group_by="neighborhood",
    calculate=[
        {"field": "value", "statistic": "sum"},
        {"field": "area", "statistic": "mean"}
    ]
)

# Create and publish a map
map = pp.create_map(
    name="Flood Risk Analysis",
    layers=[
        pp.layers.create(parcels, style="parcels_style"),
        pp.layers.create(buffer, style="buffer_style"),
        pp.layers.create(intersect, style="intersect_style")
    ]
)
map.publish(access="organization")

Performance Issues

• Slow map rendering: Check data volume, simplify geometries, implement caching, or upgrade hardware
• Database bottlenecks: Optimize queries, add indexes, or scale database resources
• Memory usage: Adjust JVM settings, implement pagination, or upgrade server memory

Data Issues

• Missing data: Verify data source connections and permissions
• Incorrect geometries: Use the geometry validation and repair tools
• Projection problems: Ensure all layers use consistent coordinate systems

System Issues

• Service won't start: Check logs for errors, verify port availability, and check permissions
• Authentication failures: Verify LDAP/SAML configurations and certificate validity
• License issues: Ensure license is valid and properly activated

How many users can PlotPilot Pro support?

PlotPilot Pro is designed to scale from small teams to enterprise-wide deployments. The standard configuration supports up to 100 concurrent users, while the distributed deployment can scale to thousands of users with appropriate hardware.

Can PlotPilot Pro be customized to match our organization's branding?

Yes, PlotPilot Pro includes extensive customization options including custom logos, color schemes, terminology, and UI layouts. The white-labeling feature allows you to completely rebrand the interface.

Does PlotPilot Pro work offline?

PlotPilot Pro includes offline capabilities through the mobile application. Users can download maps and data for offline use, collect data in the field without connectivity, and synchronize changes when they reconnect.

How is data security handled?

PlotPilot Pro implements multiple security layers including data encryption (at rest and in transit), role-based access control, detailed audit logging, and integration with enterprise security systems. The platform is compliant with major security standards including SOC 2, GDPR, and HIPAA.

Can we migrate from our current GIS system?

Yes, PlotPilot Pro includes migration tools for common GIS platforms including Esri ArcGIS, QGIS, and MapInfo. Our professional services team can assist with complex migrations and data transformations.