| Targeted at those who have been charged with launching or implementing a geographic information system for their organization, this book details a practical method for planning a GIS that has proven successful in real public and private sector organizations, including a local government, a transportation authority, a forest management agency, a retail business, a political party, and a farm. Managers will learn how to consider the strategic purpose of their organization to ensure that the GIS will work toward serving some useful and important purpose. The need for active participation in the planning process and early identification of the desired information output is outlined, and a practical system for gathering feedback from the organization is revealed. The case for a formalized approach to needs assessment is made and reinforced. Data considerations are explored, as well as the work of specifying hardware, software, and networking that will prove appropriate for the desired results. Covered in detail are topics such as system design, logical data models, and implementation planning. Also discussed is how to pull all GIS planning work into a cohesive and persuasive document that will pave the way toward winning approval of a project, regardless of the size or scope.
About the Author:
Roger Tomlinson is the principal of Tomlinson Associates, a firm of consulting geographers. He is known as the "father of GIS" and has advised clients such as the World Bank and the United States and Canadian Forest Services. He holds a Ph.D. from University College, London. He lives in Ottawa, Ontario.
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