I am working on a project aimed at implementing GIS solutions for a local government agency; and I am looking for advice and best practices from those who have experience in this area. The agency is relatively new to GIS and is keen on utilizing open-source tools to manage spatial data; improve decision making; and enhance public services.
With so many open-source GIS options available; I am wondering which tools would be most effective for a local government context. What combinations of software have you found most efficient for tasks such as land management; urban planning; and public infrastructure management?
The agency already uses several proprietary systems for data management and public service delivery. What challenges have you encountered when integrating open-source GIS with existing systems, and how did you overcome them?
Since the agencys staff is new to GIS; I would appreciate any advice on training programs or resources that have been successful in building GIS capacity within local government teams.
What are the best practices for managing and sharing spatial data in a local government setting, especially when dealing with sensitive information or working with multiple departments?
Thank you in advance for your help and assistance.
I have no idea how going through that post (on setting up discourse categories helps) other than provide an example of how we make it up as we go along
One thing that can help is list of foss4g projects (which gather useful information). And the choose-a-project guide which helps you explore what is available on different topics.
It can be quite an art evaluating technology at the best of time … and foss4g software can be more intimidating for two reasons:
a) There is no sales person to help you.
b) There is so much transparency (you can see how the sausages are made).
Some things to keep in mind:
This is a different procurement model then purchasing proprietary systems. You have more purchasing power, but you left with more responsibility. I made a presentation this topic. The take home is to choose the appropriate technology (the responsibility), and have several service providers to work with (the negotiation power).
The transparency foss4g projects lets you answer health and happiness questions that you can only speculate about with a proprietary system. Example: Check out the oldest bug in the issue tracker; see if you can determine why it has not been fixed.
You should be able to tell what organizations take part in the technology (bluntly where the money comes from). Go through similar risk assessment as if you were considering a partnership with these organizations.
Consider your options for a local service provider. Ideally they could help you run a pilot, although many will focus on specific technologies they have been successful with. I can also recommend my employer …
Connect with a local chapter in your area. These range for big groups putting on events, to small gatherings at the pub.
If you possibly can send some of your staff at different skill levels to a regional foss4g conference. These events offer some of the only hands-on training, and even better connections with folks on the same journey.
Tip: Do not consider this as moving your agency towards open source - but as your agency moving towards standards. Standards promote a market, which gives you a selection of great free and open source components to choose from.
