Getting Control • GIS Projects Can “Spiral Out of Control”

– Can’t find the data– Analysis can’t be reproduced– Takes too long to complete– Maps don’t match the text

• Causes:– Lack of documentation– Lack of data organization– Too much data

sneiderhauser.typepad.com

Solutions• Add processes to solve problems before

or as they arise

Data Management• Small:

– Defined folder structure with ReadMe files– Process for acquisition and updates

• Medium adds:– Excel spreadsheet with each dataset’s

status– Multiple folder structures on shared drives

• Large adds:– Database of datasets, on the web

Analysis/Process Management• Small:

– Lots of personal notes• Medium adds:

– Shared models– Shared code– Shared documentation!– Review process for additions and changes

• Large adds:– Database of activities

Production Management• Small:

– Peer review (your colleagues)• Medium adds:

– Professional editors– Review process– Graphic artists

• Large adds:– Professional editors