What are the key steps in planning and scoping a GIS project?

1 Identify your problem and objectives

The first step in planning and scoping a GIS project is to identify the problem you want to solve or the question you want to answer with GIS. This will help you clarify your objectives, expectations, and criteria for success. You should also consider who your stakeholders are, what their needs and interests are, and how they will use the results of your project. By defining your problem and objectives, you can narrow down your focus and avoid unnecessary or irrelevant tasks.

2 Assess your data and tools

The next step in planning and scoping a GIS project is to assess the data and tools you have or need for your project. Data is the foundation of any GIS project, so you should evaluate the quality, availability, format, and compatibility of your data sources, and identify any gaps or issues that need to be addressed. You should also review the tools and software you have or need for your project, such as GIS applications, extensions, scripts, or online platforms, and check their functionality, compatibility, and licensing. By assessing your data and tools, you can determine your data requirements, workflows, and technical specifications.

3 Define your scope and deliverables

The third step in planning and scoping a GIS project is to define your scope and deliverables. Scope refers to the extent and limitations of your project, such as the geographic area, time period, level of detail, and analysis methods. Deliverables refer to the products or outputs of your project, such as maps, reports, databases, or web applications. You should define your scope and deliverables based on your objectives, data, tools, and stakeholder expectations, and make sure they are realistic, measurable, and achievable. By defining your scope and deliverables, you can establish your project plan, timeline, and budget.

4 Allocate your resources and roles

The fourth step in planning and scoping a GIS project is to allocate your resources and roles. Resources refer to the human, financial, and physical resources you have or need for your project, such as staff, consultants, equipment, or funding. Roles refer to the responsibilities and tasks assigned to each member of your project team, such as data collection, processing, analysis, mapping, or reporting. You should allocate your resources and roles based on your scope, deliverables, and skill sets, and ensure that they are sufficient, balanced, and coordinated. By allocating your resources and roles, you can optimize your project efficiency, quality, and communication.

5 Document your project design

The fifth step in planning and scoping a GIS project is to document your project design. Project design refers to the overall structure and logic of your project, such as the objectives, data, tools, scope, deliverables, resources, roles, methods, and standards. You should document your project design in a clear, concise, and consistent way, using diagrams, tables, or text, and follow the best practices and conventions of your field or organization. By documenting your project design, you can communicate your project plan, expectations, and procedures to your stakeholders, and facilitate your project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

6 Review and revise your project plan

The sixth and final step in planning and scoping a GIS project is to review and revise your project plan. Project plan refers to the overall framework and strategy of your project, such as the problem, objectives, data, tools, scope, deliverables, resources, roles, and design. You should review and revise your project plan periodically, especially before, during, and after major milestones or changes, and solicit feedback from your stakeholders, peers, or experts. By reviewing and revising your project plan, you can ensure that your project is aligned with your goals, needs, and standards, and adapt to any challenges or opportunities that arise.

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?