This paper examines some issues and questions, that need to be addressed when introducing a Geographical Information System (GIS) into a dynamic and rapidly changing organisation. It is based on the author's personal experience while working for London's Traffic Director. It is essential to define the precise uses for a new GIS, including: (1) the required information and information formats; (2) the uses of this information; (3) the required accuracy of the output information; (4) what data are to be input; (5) the form and accuracy of the input data; and (6) how to maintain data inputs. GIS tasks can evolve rapidly. Exact consideration is needed of who will use the GIS, for what purposes; examples are purposes; examples are given of user issues that arose for the Traffic Director. A very important GIS constraint is cost. The Traffic Director also considered the following constraints important: (1) types of maps; (2) the need to train many users; (3) hardware; (4) data collection and maintenance; (5) system support; (6) time; and (7) risk. The most relevant data issues for his GIS systems were: (1) determination of data requirements; (2) determination of data sources; (3) data processing; (4) data volumes; and (5) data structures.
Samenvatting