Abstract

Using ROI Methodology to Measure the Financial Benefits of GIS
Track: State and Local Government
Authors: Greg Babinski

Enterprise GIS is expensive to develop, maintain, and operate. GIS is often implemented only after a cost-benefit analysis justifies the financial investment. Rarely do agencies look back after their GIS has put into operation to analyze and measure their actual ROI.

This paper discusses the challenges and benefits of an after-the-fact GIS ROI analysis. The King County GIS ROI study, recently completed by a team from the University of Washington, Evans School of Public Policy, Cost-Benefit Analysis Center, will be described. The methodology used for the King County GIS ROI analysis will be outlined and the results summarized. Lessons learned from the KCGIS study will be presented and recommendations made for a standardized GIS ROI measurement approach.

This presentation will be of value to agencies to measure the benefits realized from their GIS investment and to help enhance confidence in projected ROI for future GIS investments.