The Geospatial Edge: Issue 11, Fall 2024
The Geospatial Edge is Esri Canada’s periodic newsletter for managers and professionals tasked with growing their organizations’ geospatial capabilities. In this issue, Matt Lewin discusses some key indicators that you might need to review and update your organization’s geospatial strategy—whether to adapt to current conditions, address mounting issues or see better business results.
I was asked recently whether there are tell-tale signs that a new GIS strategy is in order. I've written plenty about the process behind strategy development, but I have yet to discuss the catalysts of the process in detail. So, it begs the question: what's the tip-off you need to develop a new strategy? Or at least refresh key elements of your strategy, such as your solution portfolio, data architecture or governance processes?
Like any technology, the effectiveness of GIS is contingent upon a well-crafted strategy. And as technology and business landscapes evolve, so do our strategies. So, here are some signs to look out for that your GIS strategy most likely needs an update.
1. Your technology feels outdated
One of the most glaring signs that you might need a new GIS strategy is when your technology feels like it belongs in a museum. If your software lags behind several versions or your hardware struggles with current demands, it's time to upgrade. Outdated tech not only hampers efficiency but also prevents you from leveraging new capabilities, limiting your ability to compete and innovate.
For example, outdated desktop software might prevent you from connecting to real-time data streams or collaborating with other users via cloud-based collaboration capabilities. Or your mobile apps might not support disconnected operations or editing, preventing field workers in remote areas from realizing the benefits of tech-supported workflows.
In a case like this, a re-look at your overall strategy is probably in order. As you start to explore new technologies, inevitably, you'll have questions regarding data requirements, system architecture, ROI, user training, governance processes and many more. This indicates a need to think holistically about the overall investment you're making and the capability you're building—in other words, your GIS strategy.
2. No one’s using your tools
Related to #1, but from a slightly different context. If you've invested in GIS-based tools, which are relatively up to date, but no one's really using them, that's a problem. Maybe the tools are too complicated, or maybe people just don't see the value. Either way, it's a sign your current strategy isn't hitting the mark.
There could be many underlying reasons for this situation, but one common issue is that your current approach needs to pay more attention to change management. Effective change management is crucial to guide users through a significant transition, such as a new platform, revised workflows or an organizational structure change. You need to address people's concerns and ensure they're equipped and motivated to embrace the latest systems. A strategy that fails to address the impact of change on the organization is likely doomed from the start. Have a re-look at your strategy, ensure you understand the readiness of your people for change, and incorporate change best practices right into your roadmap.
3. You’ve got data silos and integration issues
Data silos are a significant roadblock in any organization. If your spatial data is fragmented across different departments or systems, it creates inefficiencies and makes it challenging to get a comprehensive view of your data. This lack of integration is often a sign that you need to rethink how you deliver your GIS systems and data.
An updated GIS strategy should prioritize breaking down these silos. Modernizing your data architecture, standardizing data formats and formalizing data management workflows can enhance interoperability. Moreover, integrating GIS with other enterprise systems like CRM, ERP and asset management can streamline operations and make data more accessible.
4. Your data quality is lacking
Data is the heart of any GIS system, so it stands to reason that if your spatial data is outdated, incomplete or inaccurate, it compromises the value of your investment. Poor data quality leads to flawed analyses and suboptimal decision-making. Not a good situation to be in! High-quality data should be a cornerstone of your new GIS strategy.
Let's say you're using GIS data for urban planning purposes, and the data you have regarding population density and infrastructure locations is outdated and incomplete. This could lead to errors in zoning decisions and the allocation of resources for public services. For example, if the population density data is inaccurate, it could result in inadequate provision of essential services in areas with a higher population than reflected in the data. This could lead to inefficiencies and taxpayer dissatisfaction. Revamp your strategy to focus more on data quality by implementing regular audits and using real-time data collection tools, such as drones for aerial imagery or IoT devices for continuous monitoring.
5. Your system can’t keep up
As demand for geospatial tools and maps grows, the performance of your GIS needs to keep up. Poor system performance, characterized by frequent downtimes, slow response times and inefficiencies, indicates that your current strategy is failing to meet the demands of your organization. This underperformance can lead to decreased productivity and user dissatisfaction. It suggests your GIS infrastructure may be outdated, inadequately maintained or misaligned with business needs. Addressing poor system performance often requires a strategy refresh, one that considers modernizing technology, enhancing system integration and implementing proactive maintenance. This will help improve overall reliability, efficiency and, ultimately, organizational performance.
6. You’re not seeing the ROI
Poor return on investment means that your GIS investment is not delivering the expected benefits, which can result from any of the issues mentioned previously, such as out-of-date technology or poor user adoption, but could also include misalignment with business goals, an overestimation of the benefits expected or overall implementation challenges.
This underperformance could signify a need for a new strategy to realign technology investments with business objectives, enhance user adoption, improve implementation processes and optimize operational efficiency. A revised strategy ensures that technology investments provide value, support business growth and drive long-term success.
7. The business landscape is changing
The business landscape is constantly changing, bringing new challenges and opportunities. If your GIS strategy hasn't evolved in step with these changes, you risk falling behind. Whether it's new regulatory requirements, market trends, a business strategy or structure shift, or technological advancements, your GIS approach needs to stay current.
This speaks to strategy setting as an ongoing process. It's something you do and revise continuously as conditions change. A proactive GIS strategy should anticipate and adapt to evolving business needs. Stay informed about industry trends, engage with GIS professionals and continuously explore innovative applications of GIS technology. Regularly revisiting and updating your strategy ensures it remains aligned with your business objectives and supports sustained growth.
For example, a logistics company faced new regulatory requirements for tracking and reporting on carbon emissions. Their current GIS environment, which focuses primarily on routing and logistics, didn't address these new needs. Their system and data architecture weren't designed to support the workflows or mapping requirements; users needed to be adequately trained and knowledgeable in the new workflows, and governance processes required to be revised. Essentially a refresh of their whole approach to GIS was needed.
Wrapping up
GIS is a powerful technology, but only if your strategy is up to date. If you're seeing any of the signs mentioned, it's probably time to step back and rethink and refresh your approach. By staying agile, focusing on data quality and aligning your GIS initiatives with your business goals, you'll be well-equipped to make the most of what GIS offers. Here's to a smarter, more efficient and geospatially-driven future!
Let’s talk
Have you experienced any of these signs? Have you taken steps to revise your strategy? Do you need help in this regard? Send me an email or connect with me on LinkedIn. I’d like to hear from you!
All the best,
Matt
The Geospatial Edge is a periodic newsletter about geospatial strategy and location intelligence by Esri Canada’s director of management consulting, Matt Lewin. This blog post is a copy of the issue that was sent to subscribers in November 2024. If you want to receive The Geospatial Edge right to your inbox along with related messages from Esri Canada, visit our Communication Preference Centre and select “GIS Strategy” as an area of interest.