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“A useful introduction to the types of factors that can influence the success or otherwise of GIS implementations within organizations.”

—International Planning Studies


“Obermeyer and Pinto have empowered educators to offer at least one GIS course that looks beyond analytical techniques and software to address issues of societal impact, public policy, and professional ethics. The priceless insights in [i]Managing Geographic Information Systems, Second Edition[/i], show how geospatial technology is an indispensable (yet occasionally problematic) tool for policy analysts, environmental scientists, and community activists concerned with zoning, economic development, and access to social services. Students and conscientious professionals alike can benefit from the authors' varied experience, innovative approach, and thoughtful prose. I look forward to using this text in my course on geographic information and public policy.”

—Mark Monmonier, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University


“This second edition fills the need for a broad introduction to the management of GIS technology and data. Beyond that basic introduction, it provides an extensive bibliography for those who want greater depth on specific issues. I liked the first edition because it summarized a wide range of literature not available to most readers. The second edition builds on that base with updated material and additional chapters. It will be very useful to anyone interested in managing GIS.”

—William J. Craig, Associate Director, Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, University of Minnesota


“The second edition of Managing Geographic Information Systems provides refreshed theoretical discussion, as well as pragmatic views on the critical and complex issues related to GIS adoption and management. This splendid book is a 'must read' for any organization that intends to embrace GIS. The topics are comprehensive and discussed with startling clarity. The vital interdisciplinary orientation of the book makes it useful for a wide range of courses in the social and political sciences, urban planning and policy, and engineering.”

—Kheir Al-Kodmany, Urban Planning and Policy Program, University of Illinois at Chicago

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Table of Contents

1. The Continuing Need for a Management Focus in GIS

2. Geographic Information Science: Evolution of a Profession

3. The Role of Geographic Information within an Organization's IT

4. Keeping the G in GIS: Why Geography Still Matters

5. GIS and the Strategic Planning Process

6. Implementing a GIS: Theories and Practice

7. Organizational Politics and GIS Implementation

8. Economic Justification for GIS Implementation

9. Sharing Geographic Information across Organizational Boundaries

10. Metadata for Geographic Information

11. Policy Conflicts and the Role of GIS: Public Participation and GIS

12. Ensuring the Qualifications of GIS Professionals

13. Legal Issues in GIS

14. Ethics for the GIS Professional

15. Envisioning a Future

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About the Authors

Nancy J. Obermeyer, PhD, is Associate Professor of Geography at Indiana State University. Her research interests include GIS implementation issues, public-participation GIS, professionalism, and ethics. Dr. Obermeyer began her professional life in several Illinois state agencies, working as an analyst in the Office of Planning, an energy planner in the Department of Energy and Natural Resources, and a project manager in the Department of Transportation. She was a member of the founding Board of Directors of the GIS Certification Institution (GISCI), and currently serves on GISCI’s Ethics Committee.

Jeffrey K. Pinto, PhD, is Professor of Management at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. His research interests include project management, information system implementation, power and political processes in organizations, and the diffusion of innovations. Dr. Pinto holds the Andrew Morrow and Elizabeth Lee Black Chair in Management of Technology, has received the Distinguished Contribution Award from the Project Management Institute and the Behrend Council of Fellows Research Award, and has consulting experience with a number of major organizations.

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Audience

Agency managers, analysts, and project managers who work with GIS in public and private organizations.

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Course Use

Serves as a core text in GIS courses within programs in public policy, business administration, geography, forestry, planning, and engineering.

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Previous editions published by Guilford:

First Edition, © 1994
ISBN: 9780898620054

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New to this edition:

• Chapters on organizational politics, metadata, legal issues, and GIS ethics.
• Incorporates significant technological, empirical, and conceptual advances.
• Reflects the changing contexts of GIS use.