Managing Geographic Information System Projects: (Spatial Information Systems)

Many of the current publications on GIS focus on the mechanics, technology, and project-specification applications of GIS. This book teaches the reader to successfully implement GIS from a management and organizational perspective. GIS is becoming widely used, and is evolving from a mapping tool used for support functions to a technology capable of redesigning land administration. In other sectors, information technology has had a dramatic effect on operations. This book examines those experiences, and applies them to GIS implementation. The introductory section explores the GIS paradigm - the GIS technology itself does not cause improvements, but that the technology enables changes that can improve operational efficiency and effectiveness. Experience in GIS implementation has shown that the management and organizational issues are more significant than the technical issues in successful GIS implementation. An interdisciplinary approach is taken; information resource management and management science concepts are applied to GIS. The remainder of the book teaches the reader the necessary frameworks and techniques to plan, design and implement GIS as a technological infrastructure within an organization.

Table of Contents:
1: The GIS Paradigm 2: Fundamentals of GIS Management 3: Strategic Planning for GIS 4: Implementation Planning 5: Systems Design Methodology 6: Implementation Management 7: Managing the System Appendix: Additional Case Studies and Examples:

About the Author :
William E. Huxhold is Chairman and Associate Professor in the Department of Urban Planning at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. From 1975 to 1990 he was Management Information System project manager for the city of Milwaukee, where he implemented one of the first urban geographic systems in North America. He received a M.S. in Engineering Management from the University of Dayton in 1973. Mr. Huxhold also wrote An Introduction to Urban Geographic Systems, published by Oxford University Press in 1973. Allan G. Levinsohn is an information technology consultant with more than 15 years of experience managing geographic information. He is an Associate of the Banff Centre for Management, and an advisor to government agencies and companies across Canada. He has also worked in Kenya, China, Japan, Holland, and the U.S. His clients include regional and national government agencies, municpalities, and resource, utility, engineering, and technology companies. Mr. Levinsohn is well-known for his innovative approaches to GIS planning and design.

Review :
"[P]resents a realistic picture of detailed tasks that must be addressed in order to successfully manage a GIS...a wealth of valuable information...Huxhold and Levinsohn present some excellent ideas, conceptual frameworks, principles, guidance, and experience....[T]his book is the only one to date that substantially addresses the tasks involved in GIS management."--URISA Journal "[A]n interesting, well-written volume...[with] smooth writing, appropriate definitions, good examples, an emphasis on strategic thinking and vision, and a thorough analysis of what an effective organizational mobilization implies....The book is encyclopedic in using existing literature, outlining management approaches, and explicating standards and criteria. I suggest it be used for its obvious relevance to GIS practitioners. Indeed, it is an excellent manual for planning, managing, and improving the climate of the increasing armory of decision support systems, especially regarding rapidly changing information technologies."--GIS World "Good, to-the-point approach! Doesn't get bogged down with techno jargon. A good, concise how-it-works and how-to-use-it format. The application is one we don't often see in these kinds of books."--James Segedy, Ball State University "As the field of GIS matures , there is a trend to downplay the management, implementation, and organizational context of Geographic Information Systems and consider the long-term aspects from a practical and pragmatic perspective. This book starts us down that path."--James Lein, Ohio University "A good addition to GIS literature. This much-needed book fills a gap in the discipline."--Indrajith Wijayratne, Michigan Tech University "A much needed book which appears to nicely draw together a wealth of information."--Daniel F. Wagner, University of South Carolina