EcoLayers 2.0 vs. Conventional GIS Systems
EcoLayers 2.0 is fundamentally different from conventional GIS systems and custom solutions.

• Though it makes extensive use of maps and spatial information, EcoLayers 2.0 is not intended to replace GIS (Geographical Information System) software products used for advanced cartographic and geospatial modeling (e.g., hydrology models) purposes
• EcoLayers 2.0 complements traditional GIS products by making the maps they produce more usable and interactive, and by integrating these maps with other types of information
• Conventional GIS systems were designed primarily for cartographers and modelers, not for data aggregation and environmental management by planners, line managers and executives. EcoLayers 2.0 is designed from the “ground up” for day-to-day management of  environmental regulations, assets and stewardship programs. Spatial information is treated similar to other types of information for the analysis, planning and decision-making process. Just as authorized users can update and view data fields in Excel, users can also input spatial data, show it on maps and generate spatial "reports." Without any knowledge of GIS!   

EcoLayers 2.0 vs. Custom Solutions
Custom software solutions that deal with a fixed set of environmental issues are expensive to develop, and over time these solutions become irrelevant due to changes in organizational needs, new environmental challenges, budget cuts, different collaborating partners, new regulations, etc.  EcoLayers 2.0 can evolve to meet your growing and changing needs. For example, you can add new data sets, projects and partners across jurisdictions and watersheds quickly and easily at any time.    

Empowering Customers
Most custom GIS solutions are delivered with the intent of getting repeat services and revenues from the customer.  EcoLayers 2.0 allows customers to administer and adapt many of its capabilities independently, if they choose to do so. No software expertise needed!

Secure, Permission-based Collaboration
Stormwater permits, TMDLs, permitting new projects, public education and advocacy, and many other situations require information be shared selectively between organizations and between authorized users within these organizations. Further, only certain individuals should be allowed to update and maintain particular data sets.  This security and permission regime should carry over to spatial data and functionality.  

Conventional GIS systems, as geographers’ tools, are not designed to deal with these practical, real-life situations. EcoLayers handles them gracefully.

Cost
EcoLayers 2.0 sets a new cost/performance benchmark. Budget-constrained government agencies, municipalities, water districts, conservancies, watershed organizations, foundations, and private organizations can now start using sophisticated geospatial, collaborative tools that until now only a few could afford.

Functionality
What makes EcoLayers 2.0 fundamentally different is its functionality. No other GIS system or custom solution brings together a comparable collection of capabilities for aggregation, access, maintenance, sharing, analysis and reporting of information for environmental management.