An enterprise approach to GIS can provide the highest levels of benefits from spatial information and technology. An enterprise GIS can help a local government or other organization integrate operations and data; streamline processes; respond faster to questions, analyses, and emergency situations; and better leverage its spatial technology investments. Enterprise GIS, however, presents more and larger challenges than do smaller and more focused GIS implementations. For organizations that plan an enterprise GIS from the outset, challenges include planning and designing a comprehensive system, initiating and managing a large multiparticipant project, securing management and stakeholder support, coordinating stakeholders, addressing organizational issues, developing effective management policies and procedures, and operating a system that supports many diverse users. Organizations planning a transition from independent or department-oriented GIS operations to an enterprise approach face even larger challenges, including determining the right time to make the transition, effectively shifting viewpoints from current operations to organization-wide long-term goals, engaging stakeholders, integrating diverse systems and data, and developing new ways for GIS participants to work together. This presentation discusses the challenges inherent in enterprise GIS implementation and strategies for overcoming these challenges. It provides methods for developing a useful enterprise GIS vision; conducting GIS strategic planning as well as specific transition-oriented strategic planning; developing policies that address enterprise GIS governance, standards, data management, and support; and establishing an effective organization for enterprise GIS planning and coordination. Initiating or transitioning to an enterprise GIS usually includes integrating the organization’s IT and GIS goals and elements, so strategies for accomplishing this integration and establishing an enterprise infrastructure are included throughout the discussion.
Rebecca Somers is a leading GIS consultant, writer, and instructor, specializing in GIS implementation and management. She has spent more than 20 years helping local governments and other organizations develop GIS projects, programs, and publications. She writes the GIS Management Strategies column for Geospatial Solutions and is a prominent speaker and writer in national and international forums. She is past president of the Geographic and Land Information Society, and Chairman-elect of the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping. Her book on GIS Implementation and Management will be published by John Wiley & Sons in 2005.