The four dimensions of GIS
A geographic Information System (GIS) can be defined as a computer-based system to collect, store, analyze, retrieve and display geographic information. It consists of at least four main components, namely: hardware/software, information, people who operate the system, and the organizational context (work and information flow, number of hierachical levels, etc).
GIS has been around in the "western world" for approximately two decades and in South-East Asia for less than ten years. It can be observed that implementing agencies often focus strongly on technical aspects (Hard-and software), but underestimate the other three components, resulting in a less than optimal utilization of GIS for effective decision making. While often enough large budgets are approved for implementing the technology, little is done to prepare the institution and the people to handle this, In addition, the lack of sufficient, valid and updated data is a problem, which often results in under-utilization of GIS as planning tool.
The-four dimensional model
The author has developed a model showing different levels of sophistication of Geographic information systems in four dimensions. It was first applied during a feasibility study for the Philippine-German Community Forestry Project-Quirino(1996) and then during formulation of a GIS master plan for the State of Sarawak, East-malaysia (1997).
The model was originally developed to benchmark and evaluate existing GIS project, but proofed to be also an ideal instrument to determine the readiness of the frame conditions for establishing a new GIS (TRAUB 1997).
In this model the degree of sophistication increases as one moves away from the center of the figure. If all four dimensions are developed at an equal pace, the operations of a GIS are more likely to be sustained. If an implementing agency has not yet reached the first level of one or more of the four dimension, an immediate establishment of GIS without any preparatory steps is not recommended.
"Humanware" qualifies the abilities (education, skills, experience, etc.) of personnel, "Technoware" relates to the physical facilities (equipment, software, office infrastructure, etc.). The "Infoware" dimension covers the data aspect (quality and coverage) and "Orgaware" relates to practices, linkages and organizational frameworks.
Fig.1: Degrees of Sophistication of a GIS in four dimensions
Humanware
The Humanware dimension is represented as six possible degrees of sophistication: for "being familiar" with GIS, up to a level where new developments or innovations take place. The different stages are explained in greater detail below:
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Familiarization: The concept of GIS is known and understood by the people
- Operation: Off-the-shelf application software can be operated and standard functions can be handled by the staff
- Maintenance: The status quo of the system can be maintained without outside support
- Analysis: Critical analysis and interpretation of GIS data can be performed
- Models: Scenarios and models of real world can be developed for decision-support
- Development: New applications and/or software can be created
Since qualified staff are "cornerstones" for every GIS, the success will largely depend on having the right people at the right place at the right time The level of abstraction of GIS work increase work increases with increasing sophistication and requires higher degrees of specialization of the personnel. Lack of qualified staff is a hindering factor in reaching higher levels of sophistication. In Asia, brain-drain and high staff-turnover contributes significantly to the present situation where most GIS are under-utilized as a decision-support tool.
Orgaware
The Orgaware dimension can be defined in five stages, starting from "intra-institutional cooperation" up to "GIS based decision-making"
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Intra-institutional Cooperation: different divisions/sections within an institution cooperate regularly (internal linkages) with regard to data exchange
- Inter-institutional cooperation: different institutions interact and cooperate with each other on a project basis (external linkages)
- Regular information flow and exchange : A systematic and regular data sharing and exchange procedure is implemented
- Central information pool: A host institution is mandated to be the central data depository
- GIS based decision-making: Decision-makers within an institution base their decisions on GIS outputs and products
