Which Comes First, Data Maintenance Processes or Data Conversion?

Streamlined and efficient data maintenance processes are crucial to maintaining a GIS. Re-engineering of existing business processes in advance of data conversion is at the heart of ensuring that data is effectively maintained during and after conversion. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities, (Utilities) has initiated a GIS Foundation project to convert its water and sewer system data into a GIS. The project involves the establishment of a GIS data repository, suitable data standards, and re-engineered business processes to maintain the data. The subject of the paper is to illustrate the significance, benefit and challenge of retooling business practices on the front end of the project so that upon delivery, data can be maintained without delay or interruption. The paper will explore the relationship between business process re-engineering and data conversion during GIS implementation. Background and History Since 1992, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities (Utilities) has used GIS technology on a limited basis to support basic map production and analysis functions. Unfortunately, Utilities has not tapped into the full potential of GIS for a variety of reasons, chief among them being the absence of a comprehensive strategy to water and wastewater data management, resulting in a fragmentation of data that is incompatible with the GIS. In response to the growing need for comprehensive water and wastewater system data, Utilities launched the GIS Foundation Project. The project forms the framework, or foundation, upon which to build a comprehensive data repository from which users can quickly obtain current and reliable system data. The GIS Foundation will open the door to the development of a whole new generation of business tools that will lead to improved customer service, operational efficiency, planning, communications, and encourage proactive asset management allowing Utilities to meet the demands of the future. Project Goal The project is to deliver a GIS with the data that represents key system components of the water and wastewater system along with the tools to create, store, view and maintain the data from both a report and geographic perspectives. The purpose for the GIS Foundation Project is to provide the Utilities with two key components of GIS: data and maintenance processes. Recognizing that maintenance of the data is the key to the successful use of GIS, the GIS Foundation Project will provide for the conversion of water and wastewater system data into a GIS format and establish processes for active maintenance. Only after this foundation is in place can the Department begin to realize the full potential of its GIS investment. To focus the efforts of the project, and to ensure that it meets the expectations of the client, the following goal was developed. Establish GIS as a Department asset comprised of water and wastewater system data that is accurate, complete, actively maintained, supported by standards, and accessible as required.