Enterprise GIS Implementation

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GIS has become an important component of an efficient government organization, and has a wide variety of applications for nonprofit organizations as well.  The creation of customized maps is an important capability, but far beyond that, GIS provides an excellent way to manage and use many diverse kinds of data.  Virtually any kind of information that has a spatial component can be used with GIS, and the vast majority of the data that a local government handles on a day-to-day basis is tied to a particular location.  Similarly, many nonprofit organizations are concerned with a particular geographic area and wish to keep track of conditions there that are pertinent to their operations.

But adoption of GIS in local governments and small nonprofit organizations is hampered not only by cost but also by the difficulty of planning and implementation.  Getting a GIS operation started is much more complicated than keeping it going once it is up and organized, and small operations often don't have the staff expertise to successfully get past those initial steps.  One of the key ways that The GIS Center can assist organizations in this situation is by making our expertise available for planning and implementation, after which the organization's internal staff can handle everyday operations.

Needs assessment - Crucial to an effective outcome is to review existing operations, procedures, needs, and plans of the various parts of the organization, to determine how GIS can be utilized.

System design - The system is not just the software. It's important to plan how the new capabilities will be woven into the operation.

Overall system architecture - Software selection, which software will be used for which purposes, where data sets will reside, network connectivity from data server to users, data security.

Administrative procedures - Procedures for data updates (how, by whom, and how often are they performed, how are changes propagated), metadata, documentation of procedures.

Integration of GIS into routine operations - How GIS will get used on a day-to-day basis in the organization. Solutions tailored to the way people already do their work are more likely to be effective.

Database Development - Database design is a critical step in implementing an effective enterprise GIS. Based on the results of the needs assessment, databases should be designed to meet current and projected uses and be flexible enough to adapt to unforeseen applications.  Once properly designed, databases can be created and populated.

Application development for specialized needs - In some cases, custom programming is necessary to achieve the desired result, either by creating a specialized application (for example, web-based solutions often reduce training and software needs) or simply by creating scripts and other customizations within commercial GIS applications to facilitate routine tasks.

Training - A few core staff will need comprehensive training more efficiently obtained through classroom programs, but many will only require targeted training to allow them to incorporate limited tasks into their work routine.

Ongoing Support - Problems arise.  The solution might be quick - for an expert. But until it's solved, valuable time is lost.