GIS Project Management

• A management strategy for conducting spatial analysis using Geomatics

• From the perspective of a project manager or possibly a consultant

• Issues related to implementation/adoption of GIS in the workplace are not considered

1. Define/Identify Problem

• Clearly state problem/issue as a question• Define overall goals of the project• Employ same user-centred approach for project

management• If project is research oriented, one or more

working hypotheses should be formulated

2. Deconstructing the Problem

• Define specific steps to achieve objectives– Revisit step 1 if necessary

• Identify/define study area(s)– With consideration of:

• Data availability• Costs• Other resources

2. Deconstructing the Problem

• Identify data requirements including:– Type and geometric representation of themes/layers– Attribute data requirements

• Select required attributes• Determine how they will be represented• Decide how attribute info will be collected and measured

– e.g. nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio

– Scale of analysis/level of detail required – Availability– Cost

2. Deconstructing the Problem

• Identify other project requirements with regard to:– Time constraints– $$$ constraints– Facilities– Expertise– Data (availability/collection)

3. Create Cartographic Model

• Cartographic Model– the process of combining various spatial analysis

techniques and operations in an ordered manner to solve a particular problem

• Typically presented in the form of an annotated flow chart– used to design, edit and refine the model prior to

implementation

Example of a Cartographic Model

3. Create Cartographic Model

• Construct annotated flowchart including:– Data sources (input)– Analytical operations– Output generated

• Annotate flowchart with pseudo-code– Not specific to a particular software application

• Include:– Timelines– Work assignments– Deadlines

4. Build Geospatial Database

• Acquire/assemble data sources• Integrate disparate data sources• Manipulate/create attributes

• And always maintain metadata

5. Conduct Analysis

• Implement cartographic model• Replace pseudo-code with software specific

operations/functions

6. Verifying the Model

• Evaluate/test model results• Conduct an accuracy assessment if applicable• Refine, edit model• Repeat as necessary

7. Present/Implement Results

• Present results as one or more of the following:– Cartographic Product

• Poster style map composition• Map series

– Technical report– Methodology

• Annotated flowchart• Model

– Metadata– Geospatial Database