Many local authorities have been using proprietary software such as MapInfo and ArcGIS for many years now. Their level of investment means that the suppliers of this software are keen to retain this valuable market. Perhaps as much as 50% of the UK market is made up of various local and national government agencies who need the power of these desktop software products in their workplace. The fact that both MapInfo and ArcGIS are proven and reliable desktop GIS solutions means that they have a valuable customer base which needs support, training, additional software modules as well as various upgrades over time.
Considering the level of investment that many local authorities have made in proprietary desktop software there are still many within the departments using this software who have never had any formal training. Sometimes there is a misconception by senior managers who feel that the software is a big enough investment without the additional costs involved of formalised training.
Then there is the adoption of policies which involve one person being chosen to be formally trained. This person is then given responsibility for training everyone else. Sometimes, this can work if the person chosen has the necessary skill sets to be able to train an audience which may consist of users with no knowledge of GIS. In some cases they may even lack a basic knowledge of databases and spreadsheets which is necessary for success in using desktop GIS systems. However, nothing compares with professional training delivered to all those using the software.
Some departments may have had access to a proprietary GIS for many years and yet have failed to get many users beyond using the software at a level which could have been achieved with Google maps.
The answer to making most of the valuable resource that desktop GIS represents is to ensure that a budget is set aside to ensure that over time every potential department and their staff are given at least a day's introductory training on the main features and benefits of the chosen desktop GIS system installed in the organisation.
Then there is the adoption of policies which involve one person being chosen to be formally trained. This person is then given responsibility for training everyone else. Sometimes, this can work if the person chosen has the necessary skill sets to be able to train an audience which may consist of users with no knowledge of GIS. In some cases they may even lack a basic knowledge of databases and spreadsheets which is necessary for success in using desktop GIS systems. However, nothing compares with professional training delivered to all those using the software.
Some departments may have had access to a proprietary GIS for many years and yet have failed to get many users beyond using the software at a level which could have been achieved with Google maps.
The answer to making most of the valuable resource that desktop GIS represents is to ensure that a budget is set aside to ensure that over time every potential department and their staff are given at least a day's introductory training on the main features and benefits of the chosen desktop GIS system installed in the organisation.
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