How do you overcome common GIS project management risks?

1 Risk 1: Poorly defined project scope

One of the most critical risks for any project is having a poorly defined or unclear project scope. This can lead to unrealistic expectations, scope creep, missed deadlines, and wasted resources. To avoid this risk, you need to define your project scope clearly and communicate it to all the stakeholders. You should also document the project objectives, deliverables, requirements, assumptions, constraints, and exclusions. A scope statement or a project charter can help you formalize your project scope and align it with the project vision and goals.

2 Risk 2: Inadequate data quality and availability

Data is the foundation of any GIS project. Without reliable, accurate, and complete data, your GIS project will suffer from poor quality and performance. To avoid this risk, you need to assess your data quality and availability before starting your GIS project. You should also identify the data sources, formats, standards, and metadata that you will use for your GIS project. You should also verify, validate, and clean your data to ensure its consistency and integrity. A data quality plan or a data management plan can help you define your data quality and availability criteria and procedures.

3 Risk 3: Insufficient technical skills and resources

GIS projects often require specialized technical skills and resources to perform spatial analyses, create maps, and develop applications. If you or your team lack the necessary technical skills and resources, your GIS project will face delays, errors, and inefficiencies. To avoid this risk, you need to evaluate your technical skills and resources before starting your GIS project. You should also identify the software, hardware, and network requirements that you will need for your GIS project. You should also train, hire, or outsource the technical skills and resources that you will need for your GIS project. A skills assessment or a resource allocation plan can help you determine your technical skills and resources gaps and needs.

5 Risk 5: Unforeseen changes and issues

Changes and issues are inevitable for any project, especially for GIS projects that are complex, dynamic, and dependent on external factors. If you or your team are unprepared for unforeseen changes and issues, your GIS project will face delays, rework, and dissatisfaction. To avoid this risk, you need to anticipate and plan for potential changes and issues before starting your GIS project. You should also monitor and control the changes and issues that occur during your GIS project. You should also use a change management process or an issue management process to document, evaluate, and resolve the changes and issues that affect your GIS project.

6 Risk 6: Ineffective project monitoring and evaluation

Project monitoring and evaluation are crucial for any project, especially for GIS projects that have specific objectives, deliverables, and outcomes. If you or your team have ineffective project monitoring and evaluation, your GIS project will lack visibility, accountability, and improvement. To avoid this risk, you need to define and measure your project performance indicators and criteria before starting your GIS project. You should also track and report your project progress and results during your GIS project. You should also use a project dashboard or a project report to visualize and communicate your project performance and achievements.