What's the best way to implement GIS standards?

1 Types of GIS standards

GIS standards can be divided into three main categories: data, process, and product standards. Data standards define the format, structure, content, and metadata of your GIS data, and how to store, access, and share them. Process standards describe the methods, tools, and procedures for performing GIS tasks, such as data collection, analysis, modeling, and quality control. Product standards specify the design, layout, and output of your GIS products, such as maps, reports, and web services. Each type of standard has its own benefits and challenges, and you should choose the ones that suit your needs and goals.

2 Sources of GIS standards

GIS standards can come from various sources, depending on the scope and purpose of a GIS project. International organizations, like ISO, OGC, or INSPIRE, provide global and cross-domain standards. National or regional agencies, such as USGS, FGDC, or NENA, set standards for specific domains or regions. Industry or professional associations, like URISA, GITA, or AAG, offer standards and best practices for GIS professionals. Additionally, local or internal organizations can create custom standards for their own GIS projects and workflows.

3 Benefits of GIS standards

Adopting GIS standards can bring many advantages to your GIS work, such as improving the quality, consistency, and reliability of your data and products. Interoperability and compatibility with other systems and platforms can also be enhanced. Furthermore, GIS standards can enable the reuse and sharing of data and products within and across organizations. Additionally, efficiency and productivity of GIS processes and workflows can be increased, while errors, costs, and risks associated with GIS projects and operations can be reduced.

4 Challenges of GIS standards

GIS standards can also pose some challenges to your GIS work, such as finding and selecting the appropriate standards, implementing and maintaining them in your system, adapting and updating them to meet changing needs, and balancing the trade-offs between the benefits and costs for your GIS project. These challenges can be difficult to manage, but they are necessary for successful GIS projects.

5 Strategies for GIS standards implementation

To maximize the benefits of GIS standards, you can use several strategies, such as conducting a needs assessment and gap analysis to identify your current and desired GIS state, developing a standards implementation plan with specific tasks and resources, communicating and collaborating with your GIS team and stakeholders, monitoring and evaluating the implementation process and outcomes, and reviewing and revising the standards periodically. With these strategies in place, you can ensure the quality and usability of your GIS data, processes, and products.

6 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?