Table of Contents

Strategic Planning. The Formula for Success. Challenges, Barriers, and Pitfalls. Sequential Steps to Developing a Vision, Goals, and Objectives. Governance. GIS Training, Education, and Knowledge Transfer Introduction. Return on Investment. How to Sell GIS to Local Government. Conclusions.

About the Author

Mr. David Holdstock, BA, MS, a geographic information systems (GIS) professional and chief executive officer, co-established and incorporated Geographic Technologies Group, Inc. in 1997. Mr. Holdstock is a GIS practitioner and a leading expert in developing enterprise and sustainable GIS strategic implementation plans for towns, cities, and counties. Over the past 25 years, Mr. Holdstock has planned, designed, and coordinated the adoption and implementation of GIS technology for over 200 local government organizations. He has published many articles on GIS strategic planning for local government, including assessing the value of GIS; understanding the challenges, barriers, and pitfalls of GIS; and the implementation process for local government. David has conducted hundreds of workshops, seminars, and discussions on GIS implementation. His previous work experience has included being a GIS manager for the world’s leading transportation engineering company in New York and a GIS director for a research institute at North Carolina State University.

Reviews

"Detailed, thoughtful, and essential, David’s book, "Strategic GIS Planning and Management in Local Government" is an invaluable guide for all GIS professionals tasked with developing and maintaining a superb local government GIS."
— Patrick Baber, City of Roswell, Georgia, USA"In these pages, David A. Holdstock skillfully crafts a set of tools that when used properly allow us as leaders to solve real problems and achieve measurable results that move the needle on the performance indicators of local government."
— Jeff Griffin, Columbus Consolidated Government, Georgia, USA"Throughout the pages of Strategic GIS Planning and Management in Local Government, Holdstock emphasizes the value of strategic planning and offers a straightforward and systematic methodology. He delivers an ‘A to Z’ manual of sorts, with insider knowledge and a distinctive understanding of the principles required for GIS planning, designing, implementing and sustaining. This book is a worthy read for every GIS professional, no matter the current state of his or her particular GIS or their level of experience."
— Steve Hill, City of Dayton, Ohio, USA"Whether you are implementing a GIS system for a small town or a large size governmental agency, this is a must read. David uses graphs and charts to help explain GIS to decision makers and gives you the tips you need to help sell GIS to the organization. David’s book belongs in everyone’s GIS tool kit; it will help ensure your success as a GIS professional and the GIS success of your organization."
— Robert Jessen, City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA"Not since Dr. Roger Tomlinson published Thinking About GIS in 2003 has there been such a thoughtful and insightful discussion of GIS strategic planning and implementation. Written by fellow Brit David A. Holdstock, Strategic GIS Planning and Management in Local Government combines 20 years of GIS consulting for local governments acros