Investigation into development and implementation of natural resources geographical information systems (GIS) : case study Geological Survey of British Columbia
Date
1991
Authors
Bartier, P. (Patrick)
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Abstract
Traditional methods for managing resource information increasingly are proving inadequate for the quantity, diversity, and complexity of tasks which must be performed upon the data. Geographical information systems (GIS), have emerged as a promising means for resolving spatial data management difficulties. This thesis examines the problem of developing and implementing GIS within natural resource organisations. The problem is defined as follows. Natural resource agencies typically collect, manage and perform various tasks upon resource data according to a mandate. Characteristically, the mandate is long-term, data collection is costly and time-consuming, and tasks and expectations change through time. Developing and implementing GIS has proven to involve considerable costs and commitment. An agency therefore will require stability and flexibility from GIS in order to justify the efforts and resources invested. Current implementation strategies stress development based upon commercial software products. However, commercial products tend to be volatile and inflexible as they are subject to rapid changes in technology, and they often employ vendor unique data structures and patent protected code.
Existing implementation strategies are criticised for basing costly GIS development and implementation upon volatile and inflexible products. An alternate strategy is put forth emphasising a linkage between spatial data models based upon established concepts and principles, and the organisational mandate. It is argued that GIS developed in this manner will deliver the flexibility, security and longĀterm stability required. The Geological Survey of British Columbia is used as a case study. GIS requirements for this organisation are assessed through an examination of its mandate, tasks, data management practices, and spatial characteristics of data sets under its stewardship.