No GIS is an IslandHow (and why) we should compare ourselves and share our solutions

Greg Babinski, MA, GISPFinance & Marketing ManagerKing County GIS Center

2017 Washington GIS ConferenceWashington GIS Managers WorkshopTacoma, Washington May 16, 2017

Comparing GIS in Washington State

2004 survey & study of local agency GIS staffing in Washington & Oregon

Comparing GIS in Washington State

2005 panel session on coordinating GIS across the PNW

Comparing GIS in Washington State

2006 panel sessions on coordinating GIS across cities and counties

Comparing GIS in Washington State

2007 panel sessions on funding GIS

Comparing GIS in Washington State

2008 survey and analysis of GIS-based web mapping application

Comparing GIS in Washington State

2008-2009 Development and application of the original GIS CMM

Typical GIS Business Case

End result is a variety of financial and non-financial benefits

GIS is Complex

Geospatial Technology Competency Model

Geospatial Management Competency Model

Geographic Information Science & Technology

Body of Knowledge

GIS is a Complex System

GIS is a Complex System

Models Create a Framework to Understand Complex Systems

Models Create a Framework to Understand Complex Processes

Bringing Architecture Models and Process Models Together

2011 Development of the GMCM strawman draft and GISCMM peer review

Bringing Architecture Models and Process Models Together

2014 Daylong Hands-on GISCMM Workshop

Bringing Architecture Models and Process Models Together

Theory of GIS Management: As GIS Operational Maturity Improves, ROI Increases

Should we build bridges between islands of GIS?

Should we build bridges between islands of GIS?

URISA’s GIS Management InstituteEnhancing GIS Operational Effectiveness & ROI

2014 GMI GIS Metric Survey found a negative correlation between agency size and GIS resources with number of GIS user support provided R=(-)0.2652)

How should we build bridges between islands of GIS?

Within a model-based framework? • If not, how?

In an environment that supports process sharing to identify and refine best-practices?• If we do not share our practices, how can we develop best-

practices?

With an understanding of the metrics that differentiate us?• If not, how can we analyze and understand variations?

In an environment that supports critical analysis?• If we are not open to critique, how can we progress?

Discussion Ideas for Next Steps

ACCIS-like GIS managers’ listserv

GIS managers’ searchable online repository of GIS operational policies, procedures, architecture, metrics, etc.

Pursue statewide license of URISA GMI GIS Assessment service

Do not limit to Washington State