Benefiting from a 2 Tier GIS Strategy. A whitepaper exploring the implementation of geospatial technology in organisations.

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1 A whitepaper exploring the implementation of geospatial technology in organisations By Nina Machotka

2 Introduction The key is to expand the benefits of spatial data beyond the current specialists to the entire workforce. Spatial data, or Geospatial data, has traditionally been implemented in organisations with powerful and complex applications that require a team of highly trained GIS scientists to decipher and analyse the data linked to locations. This highly specialised team within an organisation can be identified as 1 Tier GIS strategy in the sense that these professionals are the only people trained to work with complex systems, such as CAD, ARC GIS and Map Info, just to name a few. But the technology is changing, with a growing number of GIS software applications and services that run on a wide range of operating systems and via the Web. The wide-spread use of Google Maps, Bing maps, and Apple maps have enabled non-scientists to learn spatial data technology and analyse the information linked to the location. Nearly everyone uses maps and people have integrated this form of spatial imagery and data technology into their daily lives. GPS-enabled phones that pinpoint locations and provide information are also now part of daily life. Organisations have a great opportunity to leverage the innate skills that the general public has acquired from working with various maps and location technologies. The key is to expand the benefits of spatial data beyond the current specialists to the entire workforce. The way to achieve this is to deploy a 2 Tier spatial data strategy - adding a dynamic component that adapts to changing business and user needs - which includes a wider number of applications that are easier to use than the traditional complex applications.

3 A bit of history behind a 2 Tier GIS strategy In the last decade, a number of grassroots organisations have implemented GIS programs, which led to strategies that extend the traditional views of GIS implementation and inspired innovation in GIS use. A study by R.E. Sieber 1 revealed that grassroots organisations (GROs) were able to successfully implement GIS technology (including in local governments) by using alternatives to the traditional models, which could be tailored to each organisation and evolve with changing needs. The research concluded that a successful implementation of this ground breaking approach included the following factors: Evaluation of user needs Long-term upper management commitment to the project Sufficient allocation of resources A GIS Champion to ensure smooth transition Organisation-wide communication Image source: Perth WA, nearmap 1 GIS Implementation in the Grassroots, URISA Journal, Volume 12, No. 1, 2000.

4 Though this study was conducted some years ago, it laid a solid foundation for implementing a current Tier 2 GIS Strategy that will greatly benefit organisations and enterprises today. It reminds us of another recent movement that has changed the way organisations do business. What does BYOD have to do with GIS strategy? In the literal sense - nothing, but in the conceptual sense - everything. The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) movement was a positive, alternative game-changer. It challenged the conventional ways that IT departments and management conducted business within the organisation. When employees started bringing their own devices into the workplace, they became more productive by using flexible, user-friendly apps. Image source: Perth WA, nearmap

5 Current and high resolution aerial imagery saves thousands of dollars every year. The BYOD movement evolved into a comprehensive organisation-wide strategy, known as Bimodal IT, which comprises two tiers of technology. Tier 1 is the complex and fundamental back-end IT environment maintained by IT experts, and Tier 2 encompasses the flexible, front-end application environment that every employee can use. As we ve now experienced some five years later, a 2 Tier strategy is essential for keeping pace with changing technologies and business needs. The Bimodal IT concept readily applies to a 2 Tier GIS strategy. Image source: Brisbane QLD, nearmap Maintaining only a 1 Tier GIS strategy is complex and costly We understand that just because a trend is becoming reality doesn t necessarily mean organisations will embrace the changes willingly. But those organisations that don t change with evolving technology and user demands will lose out on expanding business opportunities.

6 Of course, the most complex analyses must remain within the expertise of the scientific team. But more and more, a large part of geospatial mapping projects can and should be distributed throughout the organisation once employees receive appropriate training. Certain tasks, such as querying, creating and modifying maps, post-processing and editing data, just to name a few, can be done by non-scientists, thus allowing scientists more time for research and development and complex analyses. Implementing this type of teamwork will accomplish more efficiency and reduce costs as your organisation handles greater volume with faster turn-around time. Why an organisation-wide strategy is vital to your business As noted earlier, nearly everyone on the Web uses maps. The explosion of social mapping with location tagging and location tracking of GPS-enabled phones has allowed anyone, anywhere to visualise and analyse the information linked to a specified location. Geospatial applications that run on desktops and mobile devices, or that are cloud-based services, are the competitive game-changers for businesses today. Image source: Perth Stadium WA, nearmap

7 Frequently updated high-resolution photomaps reduce the number of required physical site visits, lower the risks of business decisions, and make new business opportunities easily identified. Image source: Commonwealth Games Village QLD, nearmap When an organisation uses a high volume of geospatial data, imagery or maps, ease of use is a key benefit for making better business decisions about location data. Current and high resolution aerial imagery saves thousands of dollars every year and gives people in the organisation confidence to make better decisions. When people can more easily see what is on the ground now in greater detail, the number of required physical site visits is reduced, business decisions have fewer risks, and new business opportunities can be readily identified. Collaborative work across an organisation with a 2 Tier strategy adds the dynamic component that allows you to meet the competitive demands of the geospatial mapping world.

8 What are the 2 Tier GIS benefits Standards and interoperability. The development of GIS standard protocols has streamlined spatial data sharing by providing file formats that are independent of software and can easily integrate with business productivity systems. Sharing spatial data with other core business applications used to be very limited. Today s solutions focus on sharing data dynamically in real time, and integrating data and analysis in mission-critical business processes. Leveraging skills and enhancing productivity. Rather than limiting your GIS use to a few highly trained scientists, you can leverage the skills of your entire workforce, which adds needed resources for higher volume use of geospatial information and imagery. Productivity is enhanced by integrating a solution with workflows and their supporting applications (for example, CRM or ERP). Information can be instantly shared and updated in real time, which improves decision making for allocating the best-suited resources to the proper location, for example. Expand your business opportunities. The more efficient and agile your organisation becomes, the more you can expand your current business and future opportunities. The pace of the digital world has accelerated. Consumers demand immediacy in their mobile apps, financial transactions are expected to be completed in seconds, and customers expect rapid responses from e-commerce sites. The same is true for GIS mapping today. Implementing a mapping solution across your organisation that provides tools, apps, and data sets that automatically change layers, filter, and perform analysis and more, will help your business expand and compete in today s digital transformation.

9 Transform your business with the benefits of a 2 Tier strategy Specialised GIS systems are designed to meet specific needs of an industry, but they are also limited to highly skilled and only a select few people. A more distributed geospatial imagery and mapping system can be used in a wider number of applications and offer features that are easier to use, while being data rich to meet various individual needs. A 2 Tier strategy in Australia typically includes nearmap, a MapBrowser with frequently updated, detailed imagery of Australia. The MapBrowser includes a suite of tools that are intuitive and have been designed with a simple workflow, meaning they require little training. Almost everyone in a business will be able to use and collaborate on projects with nearmap. Image source: Mundaring WA, nearmap