GIS for a Large City

Author: Hugo Cardenas
Organization: City of Worcester

418 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608
USA

Phone: (508) 799-1400
Fax: (508) 799-1406
hcardenas@erols.com

Large cities have increasing demands for geographic information. A GIS that supplies and manages geographic information for a large city must (1) be capable of integrating different and fragmented municipal databases, (2) rely on a network that transports data efficiently, (3) use reliable spatial and nonspatial data management systems, (4) make use of modern hardware and software, and (5) be driven by highly focused and customized GIS applications.

The cost of implementing a GIS of this nature is much higher than that of small towns. Hence, the survival of a GIS in a large city thrives on the efficient service it provides to an increased number of users and the ability to justify an increased GIS budget. Integrating large municipal databases, upgrading network components, obtaining efficient hardware and software, and developing customized applications can increase the price tag of a GIS. Municipal decision makers usually find it difficult to justify a large GIS budget; however, various city departments can bear portions of these high costs. Departments should be responsible for the budget of GIS projects that they utilize. Also, city departments can carry the burden of additional GIS expenditures by planning for future GIS integration when developing non-GIS projects.