I was asked recently whether there are telltale 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 that 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 other technology, the effectiveness of GIS is contingent on a well-crafted strategy. And as technology and business landscapes evolve, so do our strategies. Here are some signs 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 Your Technology Feels Outdated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 Outdated tech not only hampers efficiency, but also prevents you from leveraging new capabilities, limiting your ability to compete and innovate.
For example, outdated desktop software might prevent you from connecting to real-time data streams or collaborating with other users via cloud-based collaboration capabilities.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 fieldwork staff in remote areas from realizing the benefits of tech-supported workflows.
In cases like these, a review of your overall strategy is probably in order. As you start to explore new technologies, you’ll inevitably have questions regarding data requirements, system architecture, return on investment (ROI), user training, governance processes, and 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
If you’ve invested in GIS-based tools that 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 that 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. Take another look at your strategy, ensure that you understand the readiness of your people for change, and incorporate best practices into your road map.
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 technologies 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 customer relationship management, enterprise resource planning, and asset management can streamline operations and make data more accessible.
4. Your Data Quality Is Lacking
Data is the heart of GIS, so 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, inaccurate population density data could result in inadequate provision of essential services in areas with a higher population than what is reflected in the data. That means inefficiencies and taxpayer dissatisfaction. Revamp your strategy to focus more on data quality by implementing regular audits and utilizing real-time data collection tools, such as drones for aerial imagery or Internet of Things (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 downtime, 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 also suggests that your GIS infrastructure may be outdated, inadequately maintained, or misaligned with business needs. Addressing poor system performance often requires a strategy refresh that considers modernizing technology, enhancing system integration, and implementing proactive maintenance. These measures 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 expected benefits, which can result from any of the issues mentioned throughout this article—including out-of-date technology or poor user adoption—but could also include misalignment with business goals, unrealistic expectations, 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 to keep up with these changes, you risk falling behind. Whether it’s addressing new regulatory requirements, market trends, business strategy or structure shift, or technological advancements, your GIS approach needs to stay current.
All of 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. Make sure you stay informed about industry trends, engage with GIS professionals, and continuously explore innovative applications of GIS technology. Regularly revisiting and updating your strategy ensures that 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. The company’s GIS environment, which focuses primarily on routing and logistics, didn’t address these new needs. The system and data architecture weren’t designed to support the necessary workflows or mapping requirements; users needed to be more adequately trained and knowledgeable in the new workflows, and governance processes needed to be revised. Essentially, what the company needed was a refresh of its whole approach to GIS.
Wrapping Up
GIS is a powerful technology, but only if your strategy is up-to-date. If you notice any of the signs mentioned in this article, it’s time to 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 geospatial technology-driven future!
