AFRS Provides Enhanced Recruitment Insights with Cloud-Based Geo Mapping Application
In 2022, the U.S. Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS) faced increasing challenges displaying and analyzing geographic-related recruiting data to assist recruiting strategies and operations. Their legacy system, reliant on an outdated on-premise infrastructure, hindered staff and recruiters ability to access and use geospatial information for effective recruitment planning and analysis. To address these limitations, AFRS initiated a project to replace its legacy system by migrating to a modern, scalable, cloud-based solution. The modernization aimed to provide AFRS with enhanced data visualization and analysis tools identifying high-potential recruitment areas and other insightful market information. geoConvergence was selected to bring this vision to life.
geoConvergence created and migrated AFRS new system to Amazon Web Services (AWS) and developed a novel geo mapping application, integrating demographic, economic, and location-based data sets to create a highly available database. By November 2023, the application provided AFRS staff and recruiters access to over 70 layers of geospatial information, including historical recruiting information, population demographics, education levels, and economic indicators. The enhanced database allowed recruiters to identify high-potential recruitment areas and optimize resource allocation based on specific regional characteristics. The project marked the beginning of a new era in delivering data-driven recruiting information for AFRS.
THE CHALLENGE
AFRS recruits throughout the U.S. and abroad, serving over 2500 recruiters in both the Air Force and Space Force. Their legacy system faced several limitations:
1. Data accessibility: Recruiters could only access the system from a specific AFRS intranet location, limiting field operations.
2. Performance issues: The system experienced frequent slowdowns, with response times for complex queries often too long to be practical for recruiters needs.
3. Limited data integration: The system struggled to incorporate external demographic data.
4. Security constraints: Outdated security protocols restricted implementation of modern authentication methods, impeding secure remote access.
5. Scalability challenges: The infrastructure could not efficiently handle peak loads during high-volume recruitment periods.
These limitations resulted in:
- Recruiters spending significant time on manual data compilation and analysis, reducing their efficiency.
- Underutilization of available demographic data due to the system limited capabilities.
- Limited geospatial capabilities restricted recruiters ability to visualize and analyze regional recruitment trends.
“geoConvergence’s solution to AFRS’s mapping requirements increased our ability to visualize and analyze the recruiting landscape for both strategic and tactical decision-making purposes.” – Eric Carlson, Market Research Analyst, Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS)”
THE SOLUTION
geoConvergence developed an all-embracing Geo Mapping Application for AFRS, utilizing AWS technologies and ArcGIS® Enterprise 10.9 at the time (the current version is 11.1). The solution was comprised of:
1. Cloud Migration:
- Transferred existing infrastructure to AWS cloud
- Utilized services including S3, CloudFront, and Amplify
- Implemented Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with CloudFormation for environment management
2. Mapping Application:
- Developed using ArcGIS® Maps SDK for JavaScript™ and ArcGIS® Experience Builder
- Integrated over 70 layers of geospatial information
- Implemented data visualization and analysis tools
3. User Management System:
- Built on AWS Cognito
- Implemented two-factor authentication
- Designed enhanced user access approval workflows
4. Data Enrichment:
- Integrated demographic and tapestry data from ArcGIS® Business
Analyst™ - Automated data processing and updates using custom scripts
5. Enterprise GIS Deployment:
- Implemented ArcGIS® Enterprise on Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Configured for high availability and performance
- Maintained 95% SLA using native and custom cloud tooling
6. Security Enhancements:
- Implemented secure access protocols
- Utilized AWS security best practices
- Ensured compliance with Air Force cybersecurity standards
The solution modernized AFRS recruitment process by providing a secure, cloud- based geospatial analysis platform. Recruiters could now leverage dozens of layers of enriched demographic data to identify and engage with potential candidates more effectively.
“Moving our mapping application to an AWS, cloud-based environment alleviated numerous IT access roadblocks. Our recruiters can now reliably access the mapping application anytime, anywhere.” – Eric Carlson, Market Research Analyst, Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS)”
KEY FEATURES
- Over 70 different layers of information for data visualization and analysis
- Enhanced secure access using AWS Cognito with two-factor authentication
- Custom experience builder application for Air Force and Space Force recruiters
- Automated data processing and updates using scripts
- Serverless, scalable architecture optimizing content delivery performance
worldwide
IMPLEMENTATION
geoConvergence created a completely new mapping tool for AFRS, far surpassing its legacy system by focusing on cloud migration, advancing mapping capabilities, and enhancing data use and access. The implementation centered on:
1. Cloud Migration:
- Transferred existing infrastructure to AWS
- Utilized Amazon S3 for application deployment
- Implemented Amazon CloudFront for content distribution
- Leveraged AWS Amplify for application development and deployment
- Employed blue/green deployment methodology for seamless updates
2. Application Development:
- Created JavaScript Mapping Application using JavaScript Maps SDK and Experience Builder
- Developed User Management Application with AWS Cognito
- Implemented AWS services including Relational Database Service (RDS), ElastiCache, and Simple Queue Service (SQS)
3. Data Enrichment:
- Integrated demographic and tapestry data from Esri Business Analyst
- Developed automated scripts for data processing and updates
4. Security Enhancement:
- Implemented two-factor authentication with AWS Cognito
- Designed enhanced user access approval workflows
- Ensured compliance with Air Force cybersecurity standards
5. Testing and Optimization:
- Conducted E2E testing using Protractor
- Performed unit testing with Jasmine/Jest/Karma
- Executed integration testing, user acceptance testing, load testing, and security testing
6. Deployment and Maintenance:
- Utilized AWS CodeBuild for code compilation
- Implemented AWS CodePipeline for automated deployment workflows
- Established 24/7 Level 1 and Level 2 technical support
geoConvergence leveraged its geospatial development and cloud architecture expertise to produce a solution that implemented custom AWS Cognito workflows and multiple MFA methods, including SMS authentication. The team worked hand-in-hand with AFRS personnel throughout the project, incorporating feedback and making iterative improvements to ensure the solution met evolving needs and requirements.
“AFRS’s collaboration with geoConvergence has created a mapping application meeting the specific needs of our recruiting force. We’ve continued to enhance the tool
based on feedback from our users and suggestions from geoConvergence.” – Eric Carlson, Market Research Analyst, Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS)”
RESULTS
AFRS’s on-line mapping application transformed how recruiters visualize and analyze the recruiting marketplace. By combining advanced geospatial capabilities with extensive market data, the mapping platform significantly enhanced AFRS analytical capabilities while delivering measurable improvements in data accessibility, system security, and operational efficiency. Key outcomes include:
- Enhanced Data Visualization: Recruiters now have access to over 70 layers of geospatial information.
- Improved Accessibility: The cloud-based solution allows secure access from any location, improving collaboration among recruiters and staff.
- Increased Security: Implementation of two-factor authentication and enhanced user management enhanced overall system security.
- Streamlined Updates: Automated data processing and updates using scripts ensure recruiters always have access to current information.
- Constructed Administration Module: Provided an interface for AFRS program administrators to manage user accounts.
- Reliable Performance: The system maintains a 95% SLA, ensuring consistent availability for users.
- Efficient Support: With the new support model, issues are typically resolved within hours, with an average resolution time of one business day.
geoConvergence continues to provide ongoing support, including 24/7 technical assistance options, regular ArcGIS Enterprise upgrades, and continuous optimization of cloud resources. Additionally, geoConvergence performs monthly customer data updates for the application, ensuring that AFRS recruiters have continued access to the most current demographic, economic, and recruiting data.
“The new AFRS on-line mapping tool improved the previous legacy system. Feedback from the field has been positive. The amount of data and geo-spatial information available to AFRS decision makers and recruiters has been valuable in our efforts to meet the Air and Space Force recruiting mission.” – Eric Carlson, Market Research Analyst, Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS)”
CONCLUSION
The AFRS Geo Mapping Application represents a significant advancement in military recruitment technology. AFRS has positioned itself to meet the challenges of modern recruitment by transitioning to a cloud-based platform with enhanced geospatial capabilities. The system ability to process and visualize a variety of demographic data allows recruiters to make more informed decisions, having a direct impact on their job performance. As organizations continue to leverage data-driven strategies, the AFRS project serves as a model for how geospatial technologies can be effectively applied to
enhance operational capabilities.
“The AFRS recruiting force need to be responsive, efficient, and effective in today’s challenging recruiting environment, geoConvergence’s mapping solution is helping us achieve our recruiting mission.” – Eric Carlson, Market Research Analyst, Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS)
ABOUT GEOCONVERGENCE
geoConvergence LLC, established in 2004, is a leading geospatial solutions provider with SBA 8(a) and HUBZone certifications. As an Esri Gold Business Partner with ArcGIS Indoor Specialty and Federal Small Business Specialty designations, geoConvergence has expertise in GIS, Cloud Engineering, Data Analytics, and Software Development. The company consistent performance and innovation have positioned it as the trusted GIS partner for various clients at the local, state and federal level.