Geographic Information Systems: An Introduction, 3rd Edition

18.1 Pilot Project

A pilot project entails an experimental small-scale implementation in which techniques, equipment, and subsystems for use in a full-scale GIS are tested in advance. In respect to system development, pilot projects should:

• Provide a better basis for choice of system(s)
• Test various production methods
• Identify system faults

The scope of a pilot project depends on the complexity of the organization(s) implementing the GIS facility. From a practical viewpoint, a pilot project should be budgeted in both time and money. The equipment and subsystems used should be as simple as possible, both to minimize loss should the chosen approach prove unsuitable and to ease the requirements for staff training and maintenance. As a rule, pilot projects should not take longer than one to two years. Staff involvement in a pilot project should be restricted to those persons most concerned with the GIS facility. Although widespread familiarity with GIS technologies and with the pilot project is advantageous, project progress may be complicated if an excessive number of conflicting interests are involved.

Normally, one or more limited geographic test areas should be chosen. Ideally, the test areas should be dissimilar—for example, one of high complexity and one of relatively simple content. The basic goals of a pilot project—to test approaches and prove viability—dictate maximum use of the experimental system(s) involved. Staff should be made available accordingly, lest the pilot ...