Differences Between Geospatial Analysis 5.0 and 5.1

There are significant differences between Geospatial Analysis 5.0 and 5.1, differences that improve user experience and performance.

User Experience Improvement

The current 5.0 user experience combines workflow and analysis options settings. In 5.1 there is a new, intuitive, and workflow-oriented experience, and the analysis setup has been streamlined. In addition, the user experience has been standardized.

Support for Additional File Formats and Projections

Geospatial Analysis 5.1 supports additional file formats and projections. It also supports web layers that provide a real-time view of risk, and enables you to create your own new shapefiles. You can now directly import map layers from vector or raster files.

The following table summarizes the changes in supported formats. For information about supported projections for the newly supported formats, see each format's topic.

Mapping Tools

Geospatial Analysis 5.0 does not include a map when you configure an analysis; it includes a map only when you view analysis results, and you have to explicitly choose to view the map from the View Options window. After you open the map, the Map Tools tab displays a Mapping ribbon with various tools.

Geospatial Analysis 5.1 displays a map as soon as you launch a new analysis. The map displays the exposures in the selected analysis target. The map also includes an Overview map in the upper left corner, a map that you can collapse or expand. You can also zoom the map to the previous or next extent.

In addition, mapping tools are now available in a vertical column to the right of the map. The tools are:

•       Base maps

•       Project layers

•       Map filters

•       Drawing tools (more options are available in 5.1)

•       Map layers

•       Measure tools (new to 5.1)

When you license 5.1, the new mapping display and tools are available for all maps in Touchstone, including maps that you display through the View Options window and the Exposure Summary map.

Previewing Ring Placement

For rings created based on the top <n> risks, AIR landmarks, or an address list, you can preview the placement of the rings on the map. This enables you to see whether your exposures fall within the rings before you run the analysis.

Architecture and Performance

The pre-5.1 architecture requires GIS data and analytics to be located on an SQL Server. The new 5.1 architecture eliminates storage of GIS data in a database and moves spatial analytics to HPC for distributed computing, resulting in much better performance.

CSV Grid Files

Geospatial Analysis 5.1 does not support import of CSV grid files, which were supported in 5.0.