Photos 2.0: AM.NET is the SQL to AM4′s photo file structure

Several people recently asked about loading photos for leaders and volunteers—as well as map images for facilities—into AM.NET. In AM4 users put image files (usually JPEG’s or GIF’s) into a Photos subdirectory off the main AM4 directory on the server. Users then name the image file by the ID or Firm number of the volunteer, leader, or facility. AM4 references the file by ID or Firm number to find the correct image.

AM.NET replaces this file directory and naming system with the ability to store images in a SQL table. This offers several advantages. First, there is no danger of accidental deletion or loss due to a system crash. If you regularly back up your database, you back up your AM.NET images. Second, it provides access to photos and map images even if you have no access to the local file structure. Finally, there is no need to move and rename images. You will simply need to load the image to AM.NET.

However, there is one missing link in this scenario: users cannot yet load images into AM.NET. CDS developers created a utility to do this, but we have not yet loaded it as a feature. If you need images loaded to AM.NET, please contact us and we can do it for you. We will, however, add this feature in the near future.