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Identifying the Promise of GIS for Government

Patrick Fiorenza

Today, GovLoop is announcing the release of our latest report, Identifying the Promise of GIS for Government. The GovLoop report focuses on best practices, case studies and identifies innovative uses of GIS technology in government. Also, be sure to visit the guide landing page for upcoming posts, and quick access to many GIS resources that GovLoop offers. Across government GIS technology has fueled innovation.

Often as the backbone to many different kinds of programs, GIS technology has facilitated improved government services. As agencies are constantly seeking new and innovative methods to combat budget cuts, GIS technology has emerged as a way to improve services to citizens, improved efficiencies, and more informed decision making. Often implemented in tandem with other initiatives, GIS is a critical component to help government solve some of its most pressing challenges.

 

Be sure to view the guide landing page for upcoming posts about the report. As posts are developed, we hope that you will join the conversation. We view this guides as working documents, that can evolve with input from the community, bringing to light new issues, best practices and innovative ideas how GIS is impacting the public sector.
At GovLoop, our mission is to share best practices, facilitate knowledge sharing and connect government employees. This report is at the heart of our mission. This report serves as a collection of case studies, best practices and resources for the GIS community. In this report, we have attempted to show the power and value of GIS for government entities. We have decided to focus on five strategic areas for GIS in government:
  • Emergency management
  • Citizen engagement
  • Health and human services
  • Environmental policy
  • Crime prevention

As part of the research process for this guide, we reached out to GovLoop membership to take part in a survey. Participants were asked their greatest challenges with GIS, best practices, to share some interesting case studies and what they believe the future of GIS looks like. The results of the survey are spread throughout this report and provide first hand insights on GIS from those in the trenches.

One comment from the survey, “GIS provides spatial awareness leading to information empowerment – moving our language into spatial dimensions.” GIS now extends across government, it is not just for programmers or coders. There is tremendous value in tying the benefits of GIS to mission oriented programs in government.

This report is by no means a finished project. This guide is intended to point you to the proper resources, spur discussions on GovLoop and help build community awareness on GIS. Please be sure to visit GovLoop and engage with the community, as we hope to continue a dynamic conversation on GovLoop.

More GIS Blogs & Resources

 

When 
Esri was founded in 1969, it realized even then that geographic information system (GIS) technology could make a difference in society. GIS helps people to solve problems at local, regional, national, and global scales. Access maps and apps at ArcGIS.com. Check out the
Communications & Citizen Engagement Sub-Community of which they are a
council member.