Issue link: https://resources.esri.ca/i/1313392
" W hy do we need a geospatial strategy?" asks a skeptical CIO. It's a fair question, but no matter how often I'm asked, I find I'm always caught slightly off guard. Because if what they mean is "why does this geospatial stuff matter and why is it worthy of a strategy?", then the importance of geo at the executive level is still unclear. That may be why the question is asked with a tone of skepticism, implying a geospatial strategy really isn't important—not on the level of a marketing strategy or a talent strategy or a climate strategy. These strategies address issues of critical importance, so (obviously) a strategy is needed! As someone who helps organizations devise geospatial strategies, I've often responded to this question without addressing the deeper issue, namely: what makes a geospatial strategy actually strategic? What problem does it solve? What advantage does it create? "To bolster a digital strategy, organizations need a geospatial strategy that ensures the avalanche of geospatial information generated can be leveraged." In articles and in person, I've talked about the mechanics of crafting a geospatial strategy. I've talked about best practices for implementing a geospatial strategy. Essentially, I've focused on the how of strategy and not the why. Let me fix that right now. Here are five reasons why organizations need a geospatial strategy: • To unlock new sources of value • To strengthen a digital strategy • To enrich the customer experience • To establish a shared data foundation • Because the IT strategy missed geo Unlock New Sources of Value Organizations exist to create value for customers through quality products and services; for shareholders through robust financial returns; for employees through satisfying work; and for society through active corporate citizenship. It's all about value. Location intelligence, the unique insights generated from the analysis of geospatial information, empowers organizations to look at value creation in a different light. They can discover new routes to value by considering where. When armed with location intelligence, organizations can flip conventional business problems on their heads. How? By reframing them as problems of location. This can be game changing. 07 | GEOSPATIAL STRATEGY ESSENTIALS FOR MANAGERS MATTHEW LEWIN Chapter 2 Why Organizations Need a Geospatial Strategy Five compelling reasons why organizations big and small need a geospatial strategy