ABSTRACT
A Geographic Information System should be designed, managed, and operated to support the business case of the entity that it serves. There is extensive literature on generic Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) program management. The URISA GIS Management Institute was established to help develop best practices related to GIS operation and management. Counties are a form of municipal government, but with aspects of their business case that differentiate them from city, state, and provincial government entities. The business case for any governmental jurisdiction can be thought of as a moral imperative to maximize the potential benefits from its assets to the benefit of the jurisdiction’s stakeholders. Counties in the United States, Canada, and many other countries are a form of intermediate municipal government. GIS managers, operators, and stakeholders need a framework to analyze the business needs of county GIS and the suitability of the Geographic Information System resources available to meet those business needs.
