-------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE: [Fwd: mapinfo v esri, and fraud detection] Date: Fri, 16 Jul 2004 10:44:18 -0700 From: Rothal, Jeff USA <[log in to unmask]> To: Maps and Air Photo Systems Forum <[log in to unmask]> ------------------ RE: the GIS & fraud discussion--I found this by searching LexisNexis. I've excerpted what seems to be the most relevant portion. (RMA stands for Risk Management Agency.): Copyright 2003 FDCH e-Media, Inc. (f/k/a Federal Document Clearing House, Inc.) Federal Document Clearing House Congressional Testimony May 22, 2003 Thursday SECTION: CAPITOL HILL HEARING TESTIMONY LENGTH: 3947 words COMMITTEE: HOUSE AGRICULTURE SUBCOMMITTEE: GENERAL FARM COMMODITIES HEADLINE: STATE OF CROP INSURANCE INDUSTRY TESTIMONY-BY: ROSS J. DAVIDSON, JR.,, ADMINISTRATOR, RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY AFFILIATION: DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE [snip] RMA is upgrading its Geographic Information System (GIS), using current mapping and imagery technology, and infrared data to assist in making compliance determinations. For example, RMA began monitoring the lay down of raisins from the air using aerial infrared images in combination with field visits by RMA personnel to deter potential crop insurance abuse due to low prices and other market conditions. In combination with favorable weather conditions, these efforts resulted in maintaining a very low loss ratio on approximately 400, 000 acres of raisins. Now, RMA is looking at further integrating imagery technology into its data mining effort to reduce and prevent fraud. GIS provides timely and historical imagery analysis of individual fields and tracts. A GIS workstation has been established in every regional and compliance office using Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) software. RMA is also working with business partners, private industry and other government agencies to enhance our GIS technology. These combined efforts provide additional help in preventing, deterring and prosecuting crop insurance fraud through information technology. [snip] Jeff Rothal Research Assistance & Instruction Librarian Naval Postgraduate School Dudley Knox Library (Code 013) Monterey CA 93943 U.S.A. phone (831) 656-2344 [log in to unmask] http://www.nps.edu/Library/index.aspx -----Original Message----- From: Maps and Air Photo Systems Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Johnnie D. Sutherland Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2004 8:27 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [Fwd: mapinfo v esri, and fraud detection] -------- Original Message -------- Subject: mapinfo v esri, and fraud detection Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2004 10:43:09 -0400 From: Gene Shackman <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] ------------------ Hi all Two questions: 1. What are the MAJOR differences or advantages between MapInfo and ESRI products (arcgis, arcview, etc...) Both can do simple maps, so why would I choose one over the other? I work in government, mainly mapping government programs, services we provide, where client live, compared with poverty. If the major advantages can be stated relating to those terms, great. If not, great too. 2. Has anyone used gis for fraud detection in government programs? For example, according to a recent news story on informationbuilders web site and news stories they linked to, the Louisiana DSS used WebFocus from Informationbuilders and software from ESRI (makers of Arcview) to map where Food Stamp (FS) recipients lived and where they used their coupons. Some of the things they looked at to detect fraud were: transactions per client; when clients redeemed their checks at stores far away from where they lived; and when stores frequently redeemed checks from people who lived far away. Has anyone used gis software besides ESRI and WebFocus? How much did they cost, what other software is recommended? If I get lots of responses, I can post summaries to the list. Thanks Gene Gene Shackman, Ph.D. Evaluation and Analysis Unit NYS DOH - Division of Nutrition 150 Broadway, FL6 West Albany NY 12204 518 402 7304 [log in to unmask] --------------------------------------------------- Applied Sociologist - Problem Solver ---------------------------------------------------