GIS Consultants
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on GIS Consultants
Several types of business, government agencies, and non-profits could benefit from Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Few of these organizations, however can afford to hire teams of experts that know how to provide accurate geospatial information about specific areas. Instead, they hire GIS consultants that can offer accurate information.
GIS consultants might find that they do work for banks, real estate companies, insurance providers, map publishers, and a wide range of other organizations. Anyone that needs information about geological structures could potentially use the services of a GIS consultant.
Before you hire a consultant for your project, you will need to compare your options. Business.com can help you learn more about what you should look for when hiring consultants for your business. You can start exploring your options by visiting the websites that are posted on the left.
When you contact the consultants, find out what types of projects they have worked on in the past. This should help you decide which ones have the experience you need for your own project. You should also find out how much the consultants charge for their services. That way, you can choose an option that matches your budget.
GIS Consultants
GIS consulting firms develop innovative mapping and technology solutions for efficient business operationsBy Kristen McClung GIS consultants develop solutions that maximize operational efficiency by mapping data in a visual context. A GIS consultant analyst captures and maps data from multiple sources, resulting in the visual delivery of electronic data. From initial assessment to project completion, GIS consultant companies offer a range of consulting services for planning, developing, implementing and integrating GIS applications. With vast technological and geographic expertise, a GIS expert has the knowledge, skills and experience to help clients achieve their GIS business goals.
Before beginning your search for GIS consultant firms, it is important to define your consulting needs. Clearly identify the goal of your GIS consultancy, including project scope, services needed, time frame and budget. This information will help you select the best GIS specialist to meet your specific needs.
When selecting a GIS consulting business for your organization, research each consulting firm and evaluate the following:
1. What kind of experience do the Geographic Information System consulting firms have in developing GIS solutions for your industry or business sector?
2. What analysis, planning, design and support services do the GIS consulting companies provide to enhance your business profitability and efficiency?
3. How much should your business invest in GIS consulting services?
Hire GIS consultants that specialize in your industry
Select a geographic information system consultant who is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in your industry. Ask to see a list of past and present clients, and request references.
Try: Ferguson-Jenkins and Associates specializes in GIS consulting services for public utilities and government, and has worked with organizations like the Nashville Electric Service, Dyess Air Force Base, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Woodford Humane Society. Ubisense Consulting has experience in the electric, gas, water, wastewater, municipal, communications, oil and academic industries, and offers an online client list. Geographic Technologies Group, a GIS consulting firm specializing in local government, has more than 700 clients across the U.S. and features clients geographically by project type.
Choose GIS consulting firms with proven skills
Review the services offered by each GIS consulting business. Evaluate each firm's experience, qualifications and certifications, and request successful project examples similar in scope to your upcoming project.
Try: Elroi Consulting, Inc. offers GIS implementation consulting, project management, software design and software development. Lovell Johns provides a comprehensive menu of GIS services and offers online case studies illustrating client success stories. Anderson & Associates offers GIS design, database and map automation services customized to meet each client's specific needs.
Select GIS consulting services that meet your budget
Many GIS consulting firms operate on a project-based or hourly fee, while other utilize a retainer with reduced hourly fees for long-term clients. Your GIS consulting rates will depend upon the scope of your services.
Try: Exosphere 3D, a company that specializes in integrating muti-dimensional data sources, operates through an hourly billing rate plus expenses. Get a GIS project estimate at EI Technologies, an international GIS consulting firm.
- Before signing a contract with a GIS consulting firm, ask about the firm's ability to train your current employees to effectively use the GIS system. A reliable implementation of GIS technology should include a program to train and educate your employees. Find out if the GIS consultants offer training customized to your specific user requirements, and what software certifications they offer, like ESRI Arcview or ArcGIS.
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