GIS Implementation:Issues and Strategies

RNR-GEOG 417/517

Fall, 2000

GIS Implementation: Focusing Questions

What types of people might be involved in GIS

processes?

What happens if implementation succeeds?

What happens if it does not succeed?

What is the typical management response?

GIS and Management Issues

Lack of understanding

Lack of commitment

Fear of change

Organizational structure (inertia)

Poor communication with decision makers

Inadequate staff

Lack of funding

Dealing with Management Issues

Understand the organization Understand the constraints Establish a common vision Estimate real costs Conduct/commission a feasibility study Define a conceptual approach Develop an implementation approach

The Implementation Process

Determine the system requirements Develop a conceptual design Project organization Implementation strategy plan Physical design Pilot projects Redesign

Determine System Requirements

User needs assessment

Evaluate existing products for output

Examine organizational issues

Develop a Conceptual Design

Evaluate data, needs, and available technology

Develop logical structure of the database

Determine accuracy/precision needs

Project Organization

Develop management plan

Identify team members

Develop a timeline for informational purposes

Implementation Strategy Plan

Define the overall approach for implementation

Include acquisition plan

Coordinate application design and development

Identify different resources

Physical Design

Actual detailed database design

System infrastructure design

Network/access planning

Physical space layout

Training facilities?

Pilot Projects

Test the physical design of the system

Allow for refinement of needs

Evaluate overall plan

Spatial subsets and thematic subsets

Redesign

Part of any design process

Evaluate results of pilot project

Update the planning documents as necessary