Masters Theses

Date of Award

5-1989

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Planning

Major Professor

Patricia L. Fisher

Committee Members

Kenneth B. Kenney, George E. Bowen

Abstract

Designing and implementing a multi-organizational GIS requires a great deal of planning and cooperation among participating entities. Often, this requires developing complex design and implementation plans which must address a wide range of topics, including hardware, software and database requirements, cost allocation, financing, and system administration and policy. Developing the plans is complicated by the need to satisfy the requirements and demands of multiple organizations.

The purpose of this thesis is to develop a framework for planners, planning agencies, and local government to understand issues in designing, implementing, and operating a multi-organizational GIS. By rigorously collecting, analyzing, and presenting information about existing installations, many of the basic questions planners may have will be identified without expenditure of valuable resources.

The methodology used in this thesis is descriptive in nature. The research conducted includes literature review and a survey of several multi-organizational systems. The literature review includes books, journals, conference proceeding, and monographs. The information for the detailed description was gathered through a survey of several systems. The survey was comprised of 1) a review of available documentation for each of the selected systems, and 2) a questionnaire administered by telephone to one or more representatives for each of the systems.

Based on this research and analysis, the following recommendations were developed:

1. Gain support for the project throughout the organizations involved, especially at the executive level.

2. Conduct study to define project parameters.

3. Optimize planning and cooperation to design and implement system.

4. Include among participants, at a minimum, city and county government departments of planning, public works, and property appraisal/assessment.

5. Establish an organizational structure that includes, at a minimum, a lead/ administrative agency, policy committee, technical committee or group, and shared staff.

6. Staff the project with personnel to service the shared system function.

7. Provide fair and equal treatment of all participants by shared staff. Aggressively recruit experienced GIS personnel and train existing personnel.

8. Develop the database and applications based on the activities of participating organizations.

9. Establish a cost allocation scheme that is equitable and agreed to by all participants.

10. Remember that benefits include those that are direct and those that are indirect such as improved relations and cooperation. 11. Identify barriers and apply solutions.

12. Promote project through education and communication.

13. Promote cooperation through communication and organization.

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