High-Performance Read/Write Access to External Spatial Data in Smallworld
The OGRES Read and Write SOM (Open-and-Go Read and Edit Solution) takes Smallworld’s Spatial Object Manager (SOM) technology to the next level.
Built on Smallworld’s core Universal Dataset technology, OGRES dramatically improves performance when working with non-VMDS spatial data—and uniquely enables full editing capabilities for those datasets directly within the Smallworld environment.
This allows utilities, telecom providers, and municipal GIS teams to seamlessly integrate, analyze, and edit external spatial data without data conversion or performance compromises.
Key Capabilities
Open External Spatial Data Instantly
OGRES enables true open-and-go workflows:
- Drag and drop files directly into the Smallworld application
- Open datasets without schema conversion or database loading
- Begin viewing, editing, and analyzing immediately
Editable External Schemas
Unlike traditional read-only SOM implementations CSV and ESRI Shapefile data can be modified directly within Smallworld
Intelligent KML Integration
For Google KML/KMZ data:
- OGRES automatically detects HTML links embedded in object descriptions
- The Object Editor exposes a “Go To Web” action
- Linked web content opens directly in a browser
This is particularly useful for field references, documentation, photos, and external systems.
Industry-First Writable SOM
OGRES is the only Smallworld SOM implementation that supports full read/write access to external formats.
Supported Formats
*Supports point geometries created from XYZ column data
Superior Spatial Performance at Scale
Unlike add-on SOM technologies, OGRES spatially organizes data internally, resulting in major performance gains.
Benefits include:
- Support for Shapefiles with thousands of features
- Spatial queries and rendering up to 1,000% faster than other SOM solutions
- Smooth navigation and interaction with large datasets
This makes OGRES ideal for:
- Utility and telecom network datasets
- Municipal asset inventories
Large third-party or regulatory datasets
Network Analysis on Non-VMDS Data
OGRES extends Smallworld’s native network analysis engine to non-VMDS datasets.
Capabilities include:
- Network tracing on Shapefile KML
- Full access to Smallworld traceability configuration
Thematic Mapping and Intelligent Labeling
OGRES supports advanced visualization directly within Smallworld:
- Thematic mapping based on any attribute
- Configurable color ramps and classification rules
- Automatic labeling using attribute-driven logic
Enterprise Compatibility and Integration
OGRES Objects and Collections are:
- Fully compatible with GE Smallworld Core and GE Products
Proven to work with third-party GIS and enterprise tools
Ideal Use Cases
- Rapid integration of third-party spatial data
- Editing contractor or regulatory datasets without conversion
- Prototyping network models before VMDS implementation
- High-performance visualization of large external datasets
- Linking spatial features to external systems and documentation
