The Role of the Usemaps Administrator in the System

In most companies that use GIS, there is a role known as a ‘GIS specialist’, i.e. a specialist/technician/engineer who is most knowledgeable about spatial data and to whom all tasks related to the following are assigned:

• preparing maps/reports with maps
• preparing lists (e.g. plots of land through which the investment passes)
• etc., etc.

Problem

All processes in a company, even the simplest ones, must somehow involve a ‘GIS specialist’ who produces hundreds of maps that fly around the company in the form of e-mails or presentations. From an organisational point of view, this has many disadvantages:

1. it takes a lot of time: it prolongs the time needed to make a decision based on data
2. Even a momentary absence of a GIS specialist causes the company to become ‘blind’ or to operate on old data.
3. ambitious GIS specialists become frustrated with the repetitive nature of their work and leave
4. Others ‘cement’ their position in the company and become “irremovable” because, ultimately, such a ‘GIS specialist’ becomes a single point of failure.

Solution

During analyses prior to our implementations, we suggest that the ‘GIS specialist’ become the ‘Usemaps Administrator’. What does this mean in practice?

After implementing Usemaps, the main tasks of the Usemaps Administrator include ensuring the correct operation of the System (data currency, archiving work in accordance with procedures). Instead of performing repetitive and tedious tasks, they gain previously unavailable opportunities:

1. granting access rights to the system
2. uploading or creating data for other users
3. preparing projects for users
4. configuration of tools
5. lastly, training users in the use of Usemaps.

“A GIS specialist can focus on solving difficult and hopeless problems 🙂

Where’s the benefit?

Thanks to this change, the company gains enormous time savings. Training in the use of Usemaps by the User takes about 2 hours (the user does not need to know anything about coordinate systems, data formats, data sources, etc.). In case of doubt, they can contact the Administrator. Where is time saved?

1. Everyone in the company will know how to calculate the distance from the plot to the nearest Main Power Point and will be able to do so in 20 seconds.
2. Persons with appropriate authorisation (e.g. Customer Service employees) will have access to contracts and readings after clicking on the selected address point.
3. Management will have access to real-time reports.

Additionally

1. Usemaps will become the company’s ‘data hub’ ready for integration with other IT systems.