How do you leverage GIS project management standards and frameworks?

1 Benefits of GIS project management standards and frameworks

GIS project management standards and frameworks provide a common language, structure, and methodology for managing GIS projects. They help you define the scope, objectives, deliverables, stakeholders, roles, responsibilities, risks, quality, and performance of your GIS projects. They also help you plan, execute, monitor, control, and close your GIS projects according to the agreed specifications, budget, and schedule. By following GIS project management standards and frameworks, you can improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of your GIS projects, as well as the satisfaction of your clients and users.

2 Best practices for GIS project management standards and frameworks

When it comes to GIS project management, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. You need to select the most suitable standard or framework for your specific project context, goals, and requirements. To do this, assess the complexity, size, scope, and duration of your GIS project, and determine the appropriate level of detail, documentation, and formality for your project management processes. Additionally, align the standard or framework with your organizational culture and values, as well as the expectations and needs of clients and users. Customize it to fit your GIS project characteristics such as data sources, analysis methods, software tools, hardware platforms, and delivery formats. Furthermore, incorporate GIS-specific considerations such as spatial data quality, metadata standards, data security, data sharing, spatial analysis techniques, cartographic design principles and user feedback mechanisms into your project management processes. Finally, communicate clearly and frequently with your project team using appropriate tools and channels to ensure a common understanding of the GIS project.

3 Examples of GIS project management standards and frameworks

GIS project management standards and frameworks can be leveraged for various projects. For instance, the PMI framework was used to manage a large-scale GIS project for the U.S. Census Bureau. This framework helped define the project scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk, procurement, communication, and integration. Meanwhile, the PRINCE2 methodology was applied to develop a common spatial data infrastructure (SDI) for the European Union. This methodology aided in establishing the project organization, governance, and objectives. Additionally, the Agile approach was utilized to develop a web-based GIS application for public access and engagement. This approach helped adopt an iterative, incremental, and user-centric development process using Scrum and Kanban methods. Lastly, the GISCMM was utilized to improve the GIS capability and maturity of a national park staff and management. This framework helped assess the current state of the GIS capability and design an improvement plan based on five levels and nine domains of the GISCMM.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?