Managing of GIS projects in infrastructure development

Good project planning, at the initial stage, is a key to its successful implementation. Majority of the GIS-based projects are challenging as they need substantial efforts on building the capacity at both ends (user and implementing agencies) for suitably designing the application, considering the constraints in terms of quality and quantity of spatial data. The experience of executing projects involving implementation of GIS suggests that the spiral model of project management is more suited than the waterfall model. Data format and data interoperability are major concerns of the geomatics community. Project scheduling, time management and building a buffer to absorb unforeseen reasons for delays are important components of managing the GIS-based projects. This article discusses the project management approach for the implementation of GIS, with special reference to monitoring projects in infrastructure development.