Large-Format Printing at Geological Agencies Fewer Trials and Tribulations, More Successes.

Large-Format Large-Format Printing at Printing at Geological Geological AgenciesAgencies

Fewer Trials and Tribulations, More Fewer Trials and Tribulations, More SuccessesSuccesses

IntroductionIntroduction

The Illinois State Geological Survey formed The Illinois State Geological Survey formed a Plotter Support Technical Team in May, a Plotter Support Technical Team in May, 2003.2003.

Comprised of staff from IT, GIS, public Comprised of staff from IT, GIS, public outreach, mapping, and publications outreach, mapping, and publications sectionssections

Prompted a discussion session at DMT ’04Prompted a discussion session at DMT ’04 Plotting Trials, Tribulations, and SuccessesPlotting Trials, Tribulations, and Successes Presentation by, and Q&A with, HP Presentation by, and Q&A with, HP

representative.representative. 5-year product retirement schedule5-year product retirement schedule


Goals of the ISGS Plotter Support Technical Goals of the ISGS Plotter Support Technical Team Team Develop a system to produce best possible outputDevelop a system to produce best possible output Derive quick and easy plot submission methods Derive quick and easy plot submission methods Educate staff and provide reference materialsEducate staff and provide reference materials Encourage software RIPEncourage software RIP

‘‘Field of Dreams’ strategy.Field of Dreams’ strategy. Discourage plotter hardware RIPDiscourage plotter hardware RIP

Introduces challenges to load balancing and trouble-Introduces challenges to load balancing and trouble-shooting. shooting.

IntroductionIntroduction Over the past two years, the team has Over the past two years, the team has

addressed the stated goals and answered addressed the stated goals and answered these questions: these questions: Hardware and SoftwareHardware and Software

What do we have?What do we have? What do we buy next? What do we buy next? When can we drop hardware maintenance?When can we drop hardware maintenance?

MediaMedia Stocking priorities, work allocation between plotters.Stocking priorities, work allocation between plotters.

Legacy PlotsLegacy Plots File format compatibility with new plotters and software.File format compatibility with new plotters and software. Page dimensions. Page dimensions.

Only one wide-format ISGS publication produced. Only one wide-format ISGS publication produced.


Hardware OverviewHardware Overview Large-format printersLarge-format printers Related hardware Related hardware

SuppliesSupplies MediaMedia Dye-based vs. UV-resistant inksDye-based vs. UV-resistant inks

Raster Image Processing (RIP)Raster Image Processing (RIP) Other Related DiscussionsOther Related Discussions Successes and Future PlanningSuccesses and Future Planning

Hardware Hardware Trials and Trials and

TribulationsTribulationsLarge-format printersLarge-format printers

Hardware at the ISGSHardware at the ISGS

Agency-wide useAgency-wide use HP5500, 42-inch (HP750c = HP trade-in)HP5500, 42-inch (HP750c = HP trade-in)

Without onboard RIP.Without onboard RIP. HP1055cm, 36-inchHP1055cm, 36-inch HP3500cp, 54-inch wide HP3500cp, 54-inch wide HP750c+, 36-inch wide HP750c+, 36-inch wide

Section-specific useSection-specific use HP750c+ (Publications Section, drafts)HP750c+ (Publications Section, drafts) HP DesignJet 488ca (Southern field office, HP DesignJet 488ca (Southern field office,

drafts)drafts)

Hardware at (11) Other Hardware at (11) Other AgenciesAgencies

Illinois State Geological SurveyIllinois State Geological Survey Kansas Geological Survey *Kansas Geological Survey * Kentucky Geological SurveyKentucky Geological Survey University of MinnesotaUniversity of Minnesota Ohio DNR - Division of Geological SurveyOhio DNR - Division of Geological Survey Oregon Department of GeologyOregon Department of Geology Pennsylvania DCNR - Bureau of Topographic and Pennsylvania DCNR - Bureau of Topographic and

Geologic SurveyGeologic Survey Virginia DMME - Division of Mineral ResourcesVirginia DMME - Division of Mineral Resources Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey *Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey *

Natural Resources Canada - Earth Sciences Sector Natural Resources Canada - Earth Sciences Sector The Geologic Mapping InstituteThe Geologic Mapping Institute

Hardware at Other Hardware at Other AgenciesAgencies

HP5500 – 42 inch or 60 inchHP5500 – 42 inch or 60 inch Canada (60)Canada (60) Illinois (42) Illinois (42) Ohio (ps)Ohio (ps) Oregon (ps)Oregon (ps) Pennsylvania (ps)Pennsylvania (ps)

HP5000 – 42 inch or 60 inchHP5000 – 42 inch or 60 inch Canada (60)Canada (60) Canada (42)Canada (42)


HP1055ps - 36 inchHP1055ps - 36 inch CanadaCanada CanadaCanada IllinoisIllinois OhioOhio OregonOregon VirginiaVirginia VirginiaVirginia


HP800 - 42 inchHP800 - 42 inch Kentucky (ps)Kentucky (ps) Kentucky (ps)Kentucky (ps)

HP2500cp or 3500cp – 42 inch or 60 HP2500cp or 3500cp – 42 inch or 60 inchinch Illinois (ps)Illinois (ps) Oregon (ps)Oregon (ps) VirginiaVirginia


HP750c+HP750c+ Illinois (trade-in fodder)Illinois (trade-in fodder)

Epson 9600 - 42-inchEpson 9600 - 42-inch Geologic Mapping InstituteGeologic Mapping Institute


1 - Epson1 - Epson

7 - HP5500 or 7 - HP5500 or HP5000HP5000

7 - HP10557 - HP1055 2 - HP8002 - HP800 3 - HP2500 or 35003 - HP2500 or 3500 1 - HP750c1 - HP750c

20 HP 20 HP PlotterPlotter

ss

Hardware DiscussionHardware Discussion

Paul Staub, Oregon Department of Paul Staub, Oregon Department of GeologyGeology HP 1055cm - our workhorseHP 1055cm - our workhorse HP 5500ps - just purchased, not much HP 5500ps - just purchased, not much

use yetuse yet HP 3500ps - now basically a boat HP 3500ps - now basically a boat

anchoranchor


Maintenance discontinued for older Maintenance discontinued for older plotters. – ISGSplotters. – ISGS

Future hardware purchases. - ISGSFuture hardware purchases. - ISGS Photo-based media for 1055 identified.Photo-based media for 1055 identified.

Opted not to purchase another 1055cm. Opted not to purchase another 1055cm. 3500CP never fully utilized.3500CP never fully utilized.

Maximum width not first-priority. Maximum width not first-priority. 5500 recently purchased, hope to get 5500 recently purchased, hope to get

another.another.


HP plotters are popular at the geological surveysHP plotters are popular at the geological surveys With the HP time horizon, is it possible to buy identical With the HP time horizon, is it possible to buy identical

models?models?

Is your agency planning a hardware Is your agency planning a hardware purchase?purchase? Canada - recently purchased a RAID box for archives Canada - recently purchased a RAID box for archives

and a large format scanner to scan all our legacy maps.and a large format scanner to scan all our legacy maps. Illinois - purchased a dedicated computer for RIP Illinois - purchased a dedicated computer for RIP

softwaresoftware Illinois – want to acquire hardware for color calibration Illinois – want to acquire hardware for color calibration

Supplies,Supplies,Trials and Trials and

TribulationsTribulationsLarge-format printersLarge-format printers

SuppliesSupplies

Stocking supplies for ISGS plotters Stocking supplies for ISGS plotters less tricky.less tricky. One plotter, 1055cm, became the favorite. One plotter, 1055cm, became the favorite.

Popular plotter burns through plain paper. Popular plotter burns through plain paper. Other supplies sit on shelves. Other supplies sit on shelves. Older plotters side idle almost all the time.Older plotters side idle almost all the time.

HP3500cp, HP750cHP3500cp, HP750c Newer 5500 slowly attracting users.Newer 5500 slowly attracting users.

Supplies – Print MediaSupplies – Print Media

Criteria for selecting media.Criteria for selecting media. IllinoisIllinois

Media that does not smudge easily, and is Media that does not smudge easily, and is resistant to smudging in humid conditions.resistant to smudging in humid conditions.

Sufficient thickness, paper should not feel Sufficient thickness, paper should not feel weak or flimsy.weak or flimsy.

CanadaCanada How well it held the inks (without bleeding).How well it held the inks (without bleeding). A poundage that would be easy to fold. A poundage that would be easy to fold.

Supplies – Print MediaSupplies – Print Media Canada Canada

27 pound bond paper27 pound bond paper Small company that gets their paper from the Small company that gets their paper from the

same manufacturer as HP. same manufacturer as HP. Clear film, Semi-Gloss Photo, and Tyvek.Clear film, Semi-Gloss Photo, and Tyvek.

IllinoisIllinois 98 gram Presentation Grade Matte (Magic)98 gram Presentation Grade Matte (Magic) PSDRY8 Photo-Dry Satin Photo Paper.PSDRY8 Photo-Dry Satin Photo Paper. Clear film, Tyvek, and Waterproof paper.Clear film, Tyvek, and Waterproof paper.

KentuckyKentucky Coated bond paper.Coated bond paper. Heavyweight or Photo-based paper.Heavyweight or Photo-based paper.

Supplies – Print MediaSupplies – Print Media

OregonOregon We're satisfied with Oce media.We're satisfied with Oce media.

PennsylvaniaPennsylvania HP heavyweight paper.HP heavyweight paper.

VirginiaVirginia 3M 6060 Waterproof paper used on 3M 6060 Waterproof paper used on

rare occasions.rare occasions. Does have another source for Does have another source for

waterproof paper?waterproof paper?

Supplies - InkSupplies - Ink Standard dye inksStandard dye inks

IllinoisIllinois KentuckyKentucky OregonOregon Virginia Virginia Canada (posters, displays)Canada (posters, displays)

UV-resistant inksUV-resistant inks OhioOhio PennsylvaniaPennsylvania MinnesotaMinnesota Canada (field maps)Canada (field maps)

Supplies - InkSupplies - Ink Kentucky - Dye Kentucky - Dye

We are using dye-based ink, so the plots do We are using dye-based ink, so the plots do fade quicker than UV and are sensitive to fade quicker than UV and are sensitive to water. Lamination is an answer to this water. Lamination is an answer to this drawback.drawback.

Virginia - Dye inkVirginia - Dye ink We typically use the dye ink and warn people We typically use the dye ink and warn people

that it is not UV resistant. that it is not UV resistant. We do stock some UV-resistant ink. We do stock some UV-resistant ink.

However, we don't keep much in stock as we However, we don't keep much in stock as we find it doesn't keep well. It tends to separate find it doesn't keep well. It tends to separate and clog up.and clog up.

Supplies - InkSupplies - Ink

Minnesota- UVMinnesota- UV We don't buy any maps from anyone who We don't buy any maps from anyone who

uses dye ink. We find that the dye ink prints uses dye ink. We find that the dye ink prints are washed out and unusable after 6 months are washed out and unusable after 6 months because deterioration.because deterioration.

Canada - UVCanada - UV We find the UV to be lighter in saturation We find the UV to be lighter in saturation

then the Dye, but we thought the UV was then the Dye, but we thought the UV was more important.more important.

We have test plots of UV and Dye based inks We have test plots of UV and Dye based inks that were taken into the field for 4 weeks. that were taken into the field for 4 weeks.

Supplies - InkSupplies - Ink

CanadaCanada We have test plots of UV and Dye based We have test plots of UV and Dye based

inks.inks. Set 1 – samples plotted last week.Set 1 – samples plotted last week. Set 2 – samples that spent 4 weeks in the Set 2 – samples that spent 4 weeks in the

field.field.

SoftwareSoftware Trials and Trials and

TribulationsTribulationsFile output and RIPFile output and RIP

Software at the ISGSSoftware at the ISGS

2 Operating systems (UNIX and PC)2 Operating systems (UNIX and PC) 9 software packages to generate for-plot files9 software packages to generate for-plot files 15 to 20 file formats within production paths15 to 20 file formats within production paths 5 methods to RIP (Raster Image Processor) 5 methods to RIP (Raster Image Processor)

filesfiles 6 custom programs to ‘streamline’ plot 6 custom programs to ‘streamline’ plot

submissionssubmissions 9 common plot file production paths9 common plot file production paths

(not to bad, considering variables multiply to (not to bad, considering variables multiply to 256)256)

Software at the ISGSSoftware at the ISGS

All these choices got overwhelming All these choices got overwhelming for users.for users. Oldest method you know, for as long as Oldest method you know, for as long as

possible.possible. Send any file direct to plotter, keep Send any file direct to plotter, keep

fingers crossed.fingers crossed. Onboard RIP on 1055cm became very Onboard RIP on 1055cm became very

popular.popular.

RIP Options at the ISGSRIP Options at the ISGS

Onyx became RIP choice focus for Onyx became RIP choice focus for ISGS team.ISGS team. It the industry leading RIP.It the industry leading RIP. Were disappointed with out-of-the-box Were disappointed with out-of-the-box

trial version.trial version. Spent time with Onyx software Spent time with Onyx software

consultants.consultants. Sophisticated installation and set up.Sophisticated installation and set up.

““Plotting with Onyx” seminars offered Plotting with Onyx” seminars offered early 2005.early 2005.

RIP Options at Other RIP Options at Other AgenciesAgencies

Oregon - Internal RIP, which we're Oregon - Internal RIP, which we're happy with.happy with.

Pennsylvania - Internal RIPPennsylvania - Internal RIP Kentucky - 800ps onboard RIP.Kentucky - 800ps onboard RIP.

Print directly out of various software Print directly out of various software programs. programs.

Print PDF's distilled in Adobe Acrobat Print PDF's distilled in Adobe Acrobat from exported EPS files or PS files.from exported EPS files or PS files. print to file using a PS print driver.print to file using a PS print driver.


Geologic Mapping InstituteGeologic Mapping Institute Designated plotter as a Windows Designated plotter as a Windows

printer; it does not have an on-board printer; it does not have an on-board RIP. It prints quite well this way. RIP. It prints quite well this way.

Does not take advantage of ArcPress, so Does not take advantage of ArcPress, so we are considering a software RIP.we are considering a software RIP.


VirginiaVirginia ArcGIS 9 using ArcPressArcGIS 9 using ArcPress If it is very large, we save it as a tif file If it is very large, we save it as a tif file

and RIP it using a separate program.and RIP it using a separate program. Canada - software RIP, ZehCanada - software RIP, Zeh Illinois – software RIP, OnyxIllinois – software RIP, Onyx


Canada - Zeh RIPware met our criteria.Canada - Zeh RIPware met our criteria. Able to rip postscripts from ArcInfo softwareAble to rip postscripts from ArcInfo software Able to track accounting stats Able to track accounting stats

user, footage of paper and inks used, etcuser, footage of paper and inks used, etc Have a web based interface for submitting Have a web based interface for submitting

files.files. Bonus: all code was sent to us, allowing us to Bonus: all code was sent to us, allowing us to

modify the interface specifically for our needs. modify the interface specifically for our needs. Collecting project numbers to charge, etc.Collecting project numbers to charge, etc.

Software DiscussionSoftware Discussion Onyx at ISGS (after custom set up)Onyx at ISGS (after custom set up)

Fast and consistent Fast and consistent Pretty good color adjustment tools Pretty good color adjustment tools Good file management display Good file management display Control over scaling, rotation, output device, Control over scaling, rotation, output device,

etc.etc. Accepts .ps, tiff, pdf, jpg and other file formatsAccepts .ps, tiff, pdf, jpg and other file formats Best format is a device independent postscript Best format is a device independent postscript

file.file. Can be used with any plotter.Can be used with any plotter. Contains the color model, profile and rendering Contains the color model, profile and rendering

intent. intent.

Software DiscussionSoftware Discussion

File creation and submission process File creation and submission process documented for ISGS staff.documented for ISGS staff. PDF file creation, for archival purposes.PDF file creation, for archival purposes. Postscript (PS) file creation, device Postscript (PS) file creation, device

independent.independent. Submission of PS file for plotting via Onyx.Submission of PS file for plotting via Onyx.

Layout orientation, desired media, target Layout orientation, desired media, target plotter.plotter.

Hard Copy output from plotter.Hard Copy output from plotter. Onyx will hold plot until specified media is Onyx will hold plot until specified media is

loaded on target plotter.loaded on target plotter.



Software Software DiscussionDiscussion

DiscussionsDiscussions

Other Trials and TribulationsOther Trials and Tribulations

Other Discussion TopicsOther Discussion Topics

CanadaCanada Tracking who is using our plotters and Tracking who is using our plotters and

charging back the cost to them. We have:charging back the cost to them. We have: Cross-Canada sales outlets plot orders from the Cross-Canada sales outlets plot orders from the

publicpublic Production cartographers creating check plotsProduction cartographers creating check plots Geologists making plots for their field studies Geologists making plots for their field studies Basic "walk-in" services. Basic "walk-in" services.

It gets a little nuts keeping track.It gets a little nuts keeping track.

Other Discussion TopicsOther Discussion Topics

CanadaCanada In the midst of creating an accounting In the midst of creating an accounting

system. system. Trying to link up a cross-Canada on-Trying to link up a cross-Canada on-

demand plot archive for regional sales demand plot archive for regional sales outlets.outlets. A RIPped file is pulled from an archive in A RIPped file is pulled from an archive in

Ottawa which can be plotted at any of our Ottawa which can be plotted at any of our sales outlet plotters. sales outlet plotters.

Discussion TopicsDiscussion Topics What other issues will your What other issues will your

agency be facing?agency be facing? OhioOhio

We have had IT problems with print drivers.We have had IT problems with print drivers. Our Survey is lacking an expert in this field.Our Survey is lacking an expert in this field. We have one person trying to figure out the We have one person trying to figure out the

printing; he seems to have given up on this printing; he seems to have given up on this issue. issue.

OregonOregon We had many "out of memory" errors when We had many "out of memory" errors when

sending large files to the 3500ps. We're sending large files to the 3500ps. We're hoping the 5500ps solves this.hoping the 5500ps solves this.

SuccessesSuccesses

Short Term Solutions and Short Term Solutions and

Long Term PlanningLong Term Planning

ISGS Short Term ISGS Short Term SolutionsSolutions

Monetary priorities for Hardware and Monetary priorities for Hardware and SoftwareSoftware First priority, new HP5500 plotter.First priority, new HP5500 plotter. Second priority, Onyx and a robust PC.Second priority, Onyx and a robust PC. Discontinue maintenance for older plotters.Discontinue maintenance for older plotters.

Logistical priorities for Media and InkLogistical priorities for Media and Ink Last priority, ordering supplies for older plotters. Last priority, ordering supplies for older plotters. Stock special media only for newer plotters.Stock special media only for newer plotters. Stock only draft (cheaper) media for older Stock only draft (cheaper) media for older

plotters.plotters.

ISGS Long Term ISGS Long Term PlanningPlanning

15 to 20 file formats within past production 15 to 20 file formats within past production paths.paths.

12 legacy file formats in ‘plot on demand’ 12 legacy file formats in ‘plot on demand’ archive.archive.

With respect to Onyx compatibility.With respect to Onyx compatibility. We have legacy files that need to be re-constructed. We have legacy files that need to be re-constructed. Ultimately want files that specify plotting parameters.Ultimately want files that specify plotting parameters.

Device independent PS file with embedded color profile. Device independent PS file with embedded color profile.

ISGS Long Term ISGS Long Term PlanningPlanning

Purchase second HP 5500 if monies Purchase second HP 5500 if monies available.available.

Keep popular RIP options until Onyx Keep popular RIP options until Onyx wins.wins.

Allow hardware RIP on 1055 to Allow hardware RIP on 1055 to continue. continue.

Refrain from buying plotters with Refrain from buying plotters with hardware RIP.hardware RIP.

Large-Format Printing at Geological Agencies Fewer Trials and Tribulations, More Successes.

Documents

software hardware

plotter hardware rip

hardware trials

inch wide hp750c

inch hp750c

hardware maintenance

inch wide hp3500cp

successes slide