Why Some GIS
Projects Fails
Fifth National GIS Symposium in Saudi Arabia
Abdulsalam Abdulah Abdulaal
Al Khubar
Apr 25- 28, 2009
Jamada I 12-14, 1431
Fail Definitions
IT & GIS Pillars
Failures Factors
GIS Value Chain
GIS Project Cost Allocations
Spatial Data Issues
Conclusion
Q/A
Table of Content
What is failure
Not meeting stakeholder expectations
Time
Cost
Deliverables
Benefits
IT & GIS Pillars
IT
Infrastructure
People
Spatial Data
Business
Process
Failures Factors
IT
Infrastructure
It is been
proved that IT
are not an
issues any
more.
People
Spatial Data
Business
Process
Most of the
failures caused
by those three
factors. Only
Spatial Data will
be tackled
GIS Value Chain
Landbase
Acquisition
Infrastructure
Preparation
Definition of
landbase needs
Identification of
purchasing sources /
policy
Purchase
negotiation and
execution
Cross check with onsite measurements
Correction
Other Data
Overlay
Basic
GIS
Functions
Operation
(AM / FM)
Engineering and Maintenance
Spatial data
monitoring
Modeling and
simulation
Fault localization
Scanning /
digitization of
existing related
data
Maintenance
resources
allocation
Infrastructure
design
Update
processes to
ensure related
data are up-todate
Workforce
Management:
dispatch and
routing
Logistics
coordination
Preventive
maintenance
Advanced
GIS
Analytics &
Integrations
Advanced
GIS
Analytics
Advanced Functionalities
Overlay of
existing digital
related data.
Field surveys
for spatial
positioning
(mapping)
Other Data
Overlays
Customer
segmentation
Customer
complaint
management
Infrastructure
planning using Service
advanced
coverage inquiry
algorithms
Marketing
Sensitivity
campaign
analysis
definition
Network
installation
management
Resources
allocation
Traffic
monitoring
Initiation
Inventory
management
Closure
Signal strength
readings for
Caller-ID
network
localization for
optimization
dispatch
Planning
Execution
Location based
services
Usually GIS Value
Chain Accomplish
through PM Life Cycle
GIS Project Cost Allocations
Spatial Data Issues
Availability
•
•
•
•
Acquisition model.
SLA with data provider.
Continues updating
Clear ownership within enterprise.
Quality
•
•
•
•
Follow standard.
Testing ( Contents, Geo- References).
Long term quality check program.
Data segmentation (Land Base & Value Added Data )
Sharing
• Partnership model.
• Internal & External sharing model.
• Mature business process
Sample Of Data Check
0.8 KM
2.8
KM
Typical Land base Providers and Costs
Countries
Provider
Data Type
Maintenance Fee
UAE
Town Planning
Landbase
Free
Complete landbase, addressing,
street indexes, landmarks, etc…
< $10 / km2
Jordan
Census
Department
External
provider
Landbase
$70 / km2
US A
USGS
Census data (demographics) Tiger
files (Landbase, addresses, etc…)
Free
Ireland
Landbase
Free
Landbase, addresses, census
data (demographics)
Free
Egypt
Ministry of
Housing
National GIS
Center
Utilities Data
Center
Landbase, Utility Networks
Free
KSA
MOMRA
Landbase
Free
Bahrain
Qatar
conclusion

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
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Unfortunately failed GIS projects are more than successful one.
PMO and project management techniques prove to add value to
project success.
Spatial data ownership within organization is essential for project
success.
Best spatial data providers are the designated and specialize one like
MOMRA , Ordnance Survey, Local planning Offices and others. Do
not attempt to generate your own spatial data.
Spatial data acquisition need a lot of cooperation & Coordination
with external parties.
Successful GIS project are costly they are also an investment so try
to follow cost effective partnership model with others.
Successful implementation of GIS is increasingly function of
management and institutional capability rather than of technology.
John
C. Antenucci CEO Plan Graphics
Q& A
Abdulsalam Abdulah Abdulaal
0505314052
aaal@stc.com.sa