Technology Advancement & Consumption
Technology changes at a rapid pace. This has certainly rang true within the mapping and GIS communities. From desktops to websites; phones to tablets; smartwatches to smart glasses, we are witnessing the evolution of how data and mapping are accessed. Mapping technology has transformed from a tool to draw lines in a computer program into a platform to make decisions and disseminate information. There is no doubt that GIS technology has helped to increase the efficiencies within the office. Organizations are developing and utilizing solutions to integrate with business systems; field and web applications; and connect other departments within the enterprise, all with the goal of improving workflows and working smarter. The proliferation of these technologies outside of the traditional GIS community has delivered amazing results, and has led to a major reinvestment in the quality of the data that is consumed.
Data Integrity
With all of the advancements in technology, one crucial item remains at the core of it all: data. By providing accurate and reliable data to your users and constituents, organizations are able to provide an enhanced GIS user experience. However, if the underlying data that drives the decision making is unreliable, it will have a negative impact on the experience and detract from further expansion of the GIS.
Data Sharing
More and more organizations are bringing the GIS out of the back office and placing it into the hands of decision makers. Breaking down the historic barriers within organizations and sharing information amongst and between offices, organizations, and the public is a growing trend. GIS becomes a powerful tool to analyze trends, make decisions, and integrate offices only if the data is correct. The need to utilize information that exists within another office to make decisions in your office can often best be accomplished through the GIS.
As the public and others within your community become aware of the power of GIS technologies, there is almost always a large increase in the requests for this information.
Sidwell is Here to Help
The past two to three years have seen a major reinvestment by organizations in the proper management and overall quality of the data that drives the decision making process. As the aerial imagery and GPS information used to derive much of the GIS have become increasingly more accurate, they have begun to highlight many of the discrepancies that have propagated within the data over time. Some see this as an opportunity to find and resolve the issues to provide a better quality product to their users. Others are overwhelmed by the constant evolution of technology and options for managing and deploying GIS. Sidwell and many others in the technology field have been in business for decades to understand the technology and trends and provide solutions to make your jobs easier. Do not let the ever constant flow of technology hinder the development of your GIS. Instead, look to an expert for suggestions and that roadmap to keep you on the path for continued success.
Regardless of where you find yourself in the technology cycle, it is becoming critical to ensure that the data coming out of your office is accurate and reliable. This will allow for the GIS to mature, expand, and truly become an enterprise solution. Even with the fastest hardware or latest gadget, only reliable data can provide the end user with the means to solve a problem, find a pattern, and make decisions.
Tony Pellettiere, Director of Business Development