The terminology used in CSDatum is similar to what is used in other commercial GIS software, but it also uses terms from the practice of asset management in the public works industry. Below are several important terms to understand related to the map data stored in the application.

A Layer is a grouping of similar types of items to be mapped. Each icon shown on the main menu of the application is a Layer.

Within each Layer is one or more Asset Types. Each Asset Type is a specific type of infrastructure or item related to the Layer. The screenshot below shows nine Asset Types within the Sanitary Sewer layer. Each Asset Type is an integral part of a sanitary sewer system.

An Asset is an individual item that is mapped in CSDatum. An individual item is also sometimes called a feature, especially in other GIS software. Examples of an Asset include a manhole, a valve, or a section of pipe. The screenshot below shows an arrow pointing to an Asset on the map: a single manhole.

Each Asset has information associated with it. The specific information varies by Asset Type, but in all cases, the data is contained in the Asset Info Screen. The Info Screen is a box with expanding sections that contain the Asset's data.

Add a New Layer and Asset Type to the Map

Add a New Asset to the Map

Add a New Asset on a Mobile Device