Bringing Geographical Information Systems into Business

The complete guide to choosing and using GIS in business

Over the last few years, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) have become less expensive and easier to use, and the tremendous potential of GIS to boost business productivity is finally being realized. Incorporating the latest developments in GIS technology and applications, this book explores what GIS has to offer companies in many different areas of industry today and how it can be successfully integrated into existing business operations.

Building on the success of its predecessor, this Second Edition covers every key aspect of using GIS in business. It explains what GIS is and helps readers gain a clear understanding of the costs and benefits of moving to a GIS. New case studies from both the manufacturing and service sectors illustrate how GIS can support tactical and strategic business decision–making, and the book’s unbiased coverage of commercially available GIS software is invaluable for anyone involved in selecting a GIS system and getting it up and running.

With a practical, real world approach, the book also addresses the main issues involved in GIS implementation, paying particular attention to the integration of GIS within an organization’s existing management information system.

An increasingly vital tool for operations and delivery of goods and services, GIS makes terrific business sense for many companies but only when properly selected and applied.

This book gives GIS consultants, practitioners, and others considering the move to GIS the foundation they need to put this powerful technology to work effectively in business.

Using Geographical Knowledge in Business.

THE MANAGEMENT OF GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION.

What Is a Geographical Information System?

GIS and Information Strategies.

The Nature of Geographical Data.

THE ORGANIZATIONAL CHALLENGE.

GIS for Decision Support.

Making the Business Case for Investment in GIS.

Implementation of the GIS Project.

USING GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION IN BUSINESS.

Application Capabilities.

Operational Applications.

Tactical Operations.

Strategic Applications.

CONCLUSION.

An Integrated Part of the Business.

Index.

DAVID J. GRIMSHAW, PhD, is Senior Lecturer in Information Systems at the Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University, Bedford, England.

"...a useful introduction to GIS in business for those who have not yet convinced management of its importance..." (GI News, July 2000)