Getting Started with Enterprise GIS

Showcase The book Thinking About GIS: Geographic Information System Planning for Managers, written by Dr. Roger Tomlinson, outlines a 10-stage process for successfully deploying GIS. Read an excerpt from the book and learn the 10 stages critical for success.

The key to maximizing the benefits from a geographic information system is to deploy it enterprise-wide. Some good questions to start with are the following:

• Are a solid business plan and associated strategies well defined and understood?
• Is there a clear understanding of the broad user objectives driving the project?
• Are the workflow and related business processes effective and well designed?
• Are the business stakeholders engaged and supportive?

Proper planning enables success with a faster return on your investment while meeting the original business objectives and needs of your stakeholders, customers, employees, and community.

Case Studies

• Evaluating Enterprise GIS Requirements—Evaluating existing datasets is the first step in bringing the enterprise approach to the decentralized participants.
• Building an Enterprise GIS in a Limited Fiscal Environment—Government agencies deliver results within budget.
• Kick-Starting Enterprise GIS—In India, a 10,000-acre planned community is becoming a reality.