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
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