GIS Project Management A management strategy for conducting spatial analysis using Geomatics From the perspective of a project manager or possibly a consultant Issues related to implementation/adoption of GIS in the workplace are not considered

1. Define/Identify Problem Clearly state problem/issue as a question Define overall goals of the project Employ same user-centred approach for project management If project is research oriented, one or more working hypotheses should be formulated

2. Deconstructing the Problem Define specific steps to achieve objectives –Revisit step 1 if necessary Identify/define study area(s) –With consideration of: Data availability Costs Other resources

2. Deconstructing the Problem Identify data requirements including: –Type and geometric representation of themes/layers –Attribute data requirements Select required attributes Determine how they will be represented Decide how attribute info will be collected and measured –e.g. nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio –Scale of analysis/level of detail required –Availability –Cost

2. Deconstructing the Problem Identify other project requirements with regard to: –Time constraints –$$$ constraints –Facilities –Expertise –Data (availability/collection)

3. Create Cartographic Model Cartographic Model –the process of combining various spatial analysis techniques and operations in an ordered manner to solve a particular problem Typically presented in the form of an annotated flow chart –used to design, edit and refine the model prior to implementation

Example of a Cartographic Model

3. Create Cartographic Model Construct annotated flowchart including: –Data sources (input) –Analytical operations –Output generated Annotate flowchart with pseudo-code –Not specific to a particular software application Include: –Timelines –Work assignments –Deadlines

4. Build Geospatial Database Acquire/assemble data sources Integrate disparate data sources Manipulate/create attributes And always maintain metadata

5. Conduct Analysis Implement cartographic model Replace pseudo-code with software specific operations/functions

6. Verifying the Model Evaluate/test model results Conduct an accuracy assessment if applicable Refine, edit model Repeat as necessary

7. Present/Implement Results Present results as one or more of the following: –Cartographic Product Poster style map composition Map series –Technical report –Methodology Annotated flowchart Model –Metadata –Geospatial Database