Building an Enterprise GIS
M. R. Bualhamam
Geography Program,
United Arab Emirates University, UAE
mbualhamam@uaeu.ac.ae
Ras al Khaimah
(RAK) Emirate is
one of the growing
and developing regions in the United
Arab Emirates (UAE). Apart from various
activities, establishment of an enterprise
activity is an important element of the
Emirate.
The objective of Ras Al Khaimah GIS
Project (RAKGIS) is to utilize GIS technology
to support several local government
departments (Town Planning and
Survey Administration, Building and
Engineering Administration, Public
Works and Services Department,
Sewage Authority, and Land Department).
The enterprise model is a multi-purpose
system that is part of the operational
framework of an organization
(Roger, 2003). It is defined as a GIS that
is used by multiple agencies within different
organizations.
It is based on large-scale GIS data,
including parcels and other land-related
data. It supports a wide range of
applications across different organizations.
Other features of enterprise GIS
are: cost effectiveness; it makes good
use of limited technical resources; and
it provides a step-by-step approach to
GIS development across multiple government
agencies (Longley, 2001).
STUDY PURPOSE
The study defines how the process to
implement the RAKGIS will be
designed, structured, and monitored. It
presents a framework for managing
change between the technology, the
data, and the organizations using GIS.
Specific objectives of this study include:
- Identifying and defining the vision,
mission, and goals related to the development
of RAKGIS enterprise
- Analyzing of the current status of the
spatial data available in RAK
- Outlining a development model for
RAKGIS enterprise
- Identifying and defining the strategic
or long-term initiatives and activities that
provide the necessary framework for
enhancing a GIS enterprise for RAK
METHODOLOGY
The methodology of this study has
three distinct components or phases: i)
strategy formulation, ii) current situation
assessment and iii) tactical planning.
The strategy formulation process
involved defining the vision, mission
and goals and values of building an
enterprise GIS of RAK. Based on these
goals and given the available technical
environment and possible resources, a
future vision was crafted. In the current
situation assessment phase, the present
environment was confirmed in
terms of past performance and current
capabilities (strengths and weaknesses).
This analysis yields the strategic
issues that must be addressed in the
plan (William, 1995). The strategy and
initiatives needed to realize this vision
were subsequently developed and
served as the basis for organizing tactical
plans for the enhancement of the
RAK GIS environment (Reeve, 1999).
The tactical plans present the project,
resources, standardization and milestones
for this geospatial coordination
effort (Mark, 1996).
Strategic Formulation
The purpose of RAKGIS strategic planning
is to create a framework within
which the complexity and interdependency
of GIS design and implementation
can be managed. It also provides
the framework for ensuring that GIS
design aligns with business plans,
organizational structure, existing systems,
and staff competency (Harris,
1998).
The initial step in developing a strategic
plan for building an enterprise GIS
for RAK was to define the long-term or
strategic business direction by name
the vision, mission and goals for future
GIS development and utilization in RAK
(Aronoff, 1991).
The vision of RAKGIS is "to promote
partnerships and teamwork using GIS
between all government administrations
and private sectors throughout
the Emirate to improve RAK environment
and communities". Also, RAK
government endorsed a mission statement
for the GIS project stating that
"Helping all government administrations
and private sectors to provide
high level of services".
The strategic goals for the implementation
process are as under:
GOAL 1
A core subset of RAK geospatial databases
(roads, streams, governmental
boundaries, aerial photography,
etc.) are needed by government
agencies and private entities.
These core databases also provide the
framework for the development of
numerous of geospatial databases.
GOAL 2
Improving, facilitating and speeding
up the governance and citizen
services in RAK.
Improved information flow
is as good for government
administrators as it is for private
sectors; improving efficiency, services,
communications, collaboration, management,
and decision making
(Elwood, 1998).
GOAL 3
It is in the interest of the broader government
that this land record information
be developed in a standardized
geospatial format that is accessible to
multiple users at the local and federal
level (Nancy, 2004). In addition to land
record modernization, there are numerous
other potential local government
applications of GIS technology (emergency
response, public health and safety,
zoning, street and utility maintenance,
etc.). The land record information
maintained by RAK Land Department
is also one of the framework
geospatial databases that are
needed by a wide variety of local
and federal agencies and private
entities (Roger, 2003).
GOAL 4
The documentation of the data
to facilitate its proper use is another
essential element, as is the establishment
and wide implement of data
standards to facilitate data integration
(Sawicki, 1996). Geospatial data users
and types of data are diverse and data
sharing strategies must address this
diversity of users and needed data.
GOAL 5
Promote and leverage the most efficient
utilization of resources in order to
effectively integrate GIS/Geospatial
technologies within local Government
administrations. Also, promote and foster
partnerships within and among
RAK local Government, Federal Government,
Academic Institutions, non-profit
organizations and equivalent international
organizations. The RAKGIS
strategic plan will be review annually.