19 | GEOSPATIAL STRATEGY ESSENTIALS FOR MANAGERS MATTHEW LEWIN
Translating to Geospatial Needs
To translate the business needs (grouped by
business capability) into geospatial needs, you
can use a few tools.
The geospatial patterns of use represent the
core functionality of a geospatial platform
(see below). Since they are conceptual usage
patterns, they map well to business capabilities.
They can also be combined to reflect complex
workflows.
The geospatial patterns of use are mapping and visualization, data management, field mobility, monitoring, location
analytics, design and planning, decision support, constituent engagement and sharing and collaboration.
For each business capability, review the business
needs and conceptualize different solutions
using the patterns of use. Get creative! But think
holistically and construct solutions that address
the desired business outcomes at the capability
level. Again, see my previous article for more
detail.
You can also use other frameworks to translate
business needs. The six geospatial patterns of
analysis is another useful concept that focuses
on how geospatial information is used. So is the
geospatial information lifecycle (the green wheel
diagram). Use any or all. The point is to structure
how you translate business needs.
Of course, many of the business needs will not
be strictly functional. You will hear about issues
related to application support, user training,
system integration, data quality and leadership.
These represent non-functional or sustaining
needs. You'll need to organize these business
needs too for building your strategy. The
following are the most common categories:
• Non-functional: Performance, integration
and accessibility
• Sustainment: Data management,
application management, infrastructure
management, governance, workforce,
delivery processes and culture
With the business goals, strategies and priorities
understood, and the geospatial needs identified,
you have the raw material for your strategy. The
next step is to start building it.
Step 2: Define Success
Start with the end in mind—great advice for
personal development, also great advice for
strategy development. Before you dive into
strategy, get clear on where you're headed. Craft
your vision.
At the business level, a vision defines your
organization's broadest aspirations. It paints a
picture of a future that your business strategy
strives to achieve.
At the geospatial level, a vision defines your
geospatial aspirations. It describes how location
intelligence enables and empowers your
business strategy.
The primary elements of a geospatial vision
include a vision statement, a set of guiding
principles and desired business outcomes.
Mapping &
Visualization
Data
Management
Field
Mobility
Monitoring
Location
Analytics
Design &
Planning
Decision
Support
Constituent
Engagement
Sharing &
Collaboration
