How can you streamline your GIS workflow to meet deadlines?

1 Plan ahead

Before you start any GIS project, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, what data you need, what methods you will use, and what output you will produce. Planning ahead can help you avoid unnecessary steps, errors, and revisions that can waste your time and resources. You can use tools like Gantt charts, flowcharts, or checklists to organize your tasks, set milestones, and track your progress. You can also consult with your stakeholders, colleagues, or mentors to clarify your objectives, expectations, and deliverables.

2 Automate tasks

One of the advantages of GIS is that you can automate many tasks that are repetitive, tedious, or complex. You can use scripts, models, or tools to perform operations like data conversion, geoprocessing, analysis, or mapping. Automation can save you time, reduce human errors, and ensure consistency and quality. You can use various programming languages, such as Python, R, or SQL, or software-specific features, such as ArcGIS ModelBuilder, QGIS Graphical Modeler, or ArcPy, to create your own custom solutions. You can also use online platforms, such as ArcGIS Online, Google Earth Engine, or GeoNode, to access ready-made tools and data.

3 Document your work

Documentation is an essential part of any GIS workflow, as it helps you keep track of your data sources, methods, results, and decisions. Documentation can also help you communicate your work to others, such as clients, reviewers, or collaborators. You can use different formats and methods to document your work, such as metadata, comments, logs, reports, or presentations. You can also use tools like Jupyter Notebook, R Markdown, or ArcGIS StoryMaps to combine your code, data, maps, and text in an interactive and engaging way.

4 Optimize your data

Data is the foundation of any GIS project, but it can also be the source of many problems. Data can be incomplete, inaccurate, outdated, or incompatible with your needs or software. Therefore, you need to optimize your data to ensure its quality, usability, and relevance. You can use tools like data validation, quality control, editing, cleaning, or transformation to improve your data. You can also use tools like data compression, indexing, or partitioning to enhance your data performance and storage.

5 Learn new skills

GIS is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant learning and updating of your skills. Learning new skills can help you improve your workflow by introducing you to new tools, methods, or applications that can make your work easier, faster, or better. You can learn new skills by taking courses, reading books or articles, watching videos or webinars, or joining communities or forums. You can also learn new skills by experimenting with different software, data, or projects that challenge you and expand your horizons.

6 Review your work

The final step of any GIS workflow is to review your work and make sure it meets your standards and expectations. Reviewing your work can help you identify and correct any errors, inconsistencies, or gaps that may affect your output quality or validity. You can use tools like error checking, validation, or testing to verify your work. You can also use tools like visualization, statistics, or feedback to evaluate your work. Reviewing your work can also help you reflect on your workflow and identify any areas that need improvement or modification.

7 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?