GIS Geographical Information Systems GIS Management
Difficulties on establishing a GIS Funding GIS Determining Project Standards Data Gathering Map Development Recruiting GIS Professionals Educating Staff Updating
GIS Project Steps Determining Project Scope Determining Project Standards GIS Data Model (Data Collection & Organizing) Electronic Map Development Performing a Pilot Study GIS Integration Testing Phase Training Users Development of Supporting Tools Development of Updating Strategies
The GIS Data Model: Implementation Geographic Integration of Information Administrative Boundaries Utilities Zoning Buildings Parcels Hydrography Streets Digital Orthophoto Data is organized by layers, coverages or themes (synonymous concepts), with each layer representing a common feature. Layers are integrated using explicit location on the earth s surface, thus geographic location is the organizing principal.
Overlay based on Common Geographic Location
An Urban GIS Targets a Large Number of Tasks: Public Health Transportation Maintenance of the Public Streets and Roads Utility Servicing Building Permitting Building Safety Fire Fighting Rescue Service Education Regional Planning Environment Protection Economic Development Social Welfare
GIS Layers should be proper to the aim of the project: Geographic Borders (Shore Lines of Rivers, Lakes and Seas) Building & Parcels Streets, Freeways, Railroads All other transportation infrastructures (Bus stops, Metro Stations, Harbors, Passenger Terminals etc) Utility Systems (Water Main, Gas, Electricity, Waste Water, Sanitary and Storm Water, Fire Hydrants) Parks and Recreation Centers Educational (Daycares, Schools, Universities) Police Stations & Police Precincts Religious Buildings Land Use (Residential, Commercial & Industrial Areas) Communication System (Phone and cable lines) Zone, Sector and District boundaries Census boundaries, Postal zip codes
Pilot Project A proper size should be selected for the Pilot Study Small Pilot vs Large Pilot Pilot study must be large enough in order to cover up possible difficulties, but small enough to allow results to be accomplished quickly.
Data Agreement among Institutions Development of intra/inter agency use of data (data sharing)
Benefits of Data Agreement Cooperation (Sharing Information and Expertise) Preventing Waste of Sources Reaching the Best (Auto-control) Using a Common Language Dissemination of Information
GIS LESSONS LEARNED (from technical aspects) GIS has ability to handle large volume data. However, to be useful and effective, the data should be well organized and easy-to-use. Using different types of computer platforms, operating systems, and GIS software database problems are more serious and complex. Coordinate System is a key issue in GIS. Since early times today s modern coordinate systems did not exist, some old cities may have a non-standard local coordinate system. Although a coordinate conversion program was developed, some difficulties have occurred upon the demands for sharing GIS data with others. Despite today s well-developed GIS software, coordinate conversion between standard and non-standard systems is still a problem sources. Data and map accuracy is another important feature of GIS development. In a thematic map showing population density over an entire city, horizontal map accuracy is not important as much as data accuracy. However, in designing and operating any municipal utility systems such as water and sewer systems, a more accurate resolution is required in order to define correct position for each element.
LESSONS LEARNED (from managerial aspects) While some cities prefer to contract for services requiring large amount of labor-intensive works such as digitizing, scanning, data conversion and tagging, some others prefer in-house. In case of a contract with a consulting firm or client, municipalities must monitor and control all interim reports and products created during all project phases in order to eliminate future problems. The previous experiences have shown that without proper maintenance, even a well-designed GIS will not perform optimally after a certain point. Update should be done within an appropriate time frame; random or immediate updating of the GIS is usually not feasible. Six month is a reasonable time period for base maps.
LESSONS LEARNED (from managerial aspects) (continued) In order to sharing information with others, it is essential to create a system whereby people who want to obtain information can access to GIS. Accessing GIS data via Internet will decrease possible map and data requests so that GIS project team will have more time for development and maintenance. Also, it will help to improve the system because of critics and complaints coming from Internet users. Although general rules for management of any organization or activity are also valid for GIS administration, making a strategic plan on personnel policy is beneficial. Any conflict among GIS team members may interfere with their effectiveness, and consequently it will affect overall system performance. A fair promotion system will help to keep staff motivated towards project objectives and goals.
manager supervisor analyst programmer technician GIS People GIS Professionals GIS Users Doers Users Viewers
RECOMMENDATIONS (for Development Period) The short and long term goals, the existing resources and an estimate GIS budget (cost of data, hardware, software, and maintenance) should be determined in advance. Since every city has unique physical characteristics and organizational structure, searching a prototype GIS is not appropriate. However, before making any commitment and investment, an investigation at similar cities having a GIS would be very useful. Since data acquisition, digitizing and scanning are laborintensive jobs that require a large-group of workers, handling this with an in-house operation cannot be possible. Despite the difficulties in the current paperwork and laws in Turkey, a University / Municipality corporation still can be a solution.
RECOMMENDATIONS (for Operation) Even if a well-designed GIS could provide a low performance during the operation because of small details. GIS developers should prepare some additional practical tools and programs for details and local requirements. Rapid migration to the cities from the rural areas, a growing population and expanding city boundaries increase the number of unregistered houses and streets; it should be taken into account seriously in order to updating of both database and maps. In order to provide a better service, opinions and recommendations from all departments should be taken into account by arranging regular periodical meetings at least ones a two-month period; public opinion can be monitored via Internet.