Four Reasons to Apply GIS on a Project

By Kyle Feffer, Land Development GIS Manager

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offer significant advantages for enhancing project accuracy and ensuring timely delivery in both private development and public infrastructure projects. As technology evolves, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence, the impact of GIS on project execution becomes even more pronounced. Our GIS team is committed to utilizing innovative applications, making valuable data easily accessible, and establishing GIS as a standard tool across all our professional service groups. Below, we outline four key reasons to integrate GIS into your projects.

1. Real-Time Data Engages Stakeholders

When our GIS team gets involved in the initial stages of a project, we can develop a complete database schema to collect asset information. Because the GIS data is collected and stored in a real-time digital database, it is viewable by several project stakeholders at once, enabling project efficiencies. Furthermore, digital versions of the data allow stakeholders to filter information to their specific needs. 

As generative artificial intelligence (AI) advances, we are moving closer to the possibility of enabling users to ask questions such as, “Which project locations still need updated permits?” and receive real-time responses from a generative GIS. Although this technology is on the horizon, clients can prepare now by leveraging our team’s high-quality GIS data and metadata.

2. Spatial Overlay of Datasets Provides a Clear Picture

Using GIS technology, users can spatially overlay different sets of data, which provides stakeholders with a more comprehensive view of a project to further assess and support good decision-making.

For example, our GIS team combined data on existing electric vehicle (EV) chargers with available EV registration data across the United States. By analyzing this information together, we can identify areas where investments in EV charging infrastructure may be necessary based on the ratio of EVs to charging stations.

Creating data overlays can also aggregate disparate datasets and provide higher-level project insight and analysis relating to civil site design, environmental hazards, site elevations, aerial maps, socioeconomic awareness, and transportation routes. When these data sets are analyzed together with deep learning (DL) models, we can use increasing computational efficiency to deliver key insights on complex, multi-variable problems earlier in a project. These results help improve our staff’s efficiency when this initial process moves to a human-centered data review.

3. Spatial Calculations Supports Unified Processes

The high-quality data generated by our GIS team supports the creation of automated models for large-scale spatial calculations. These calculations establish a uniform process for data consistency in our deliverables, resulting in accurate and precise information for our clients. This approach enhances workflow efficiency and boosts confidence in the final outcomes. By developing integrated data pipelines that continuously feed into these models, we ensure project data remains current throughout the entire project lifecycle.

4. Improves Project Communications and Timelines

Using GIS technology allows for optimization of site design and construction monitoring. For example, our GIS team sets up tracking systems to notify construction teams when project components arrive at a site. These notifications improve communication with the construction teams and keep the project on schedule.

Furthermore, the advancing integration of GIS tools into the Microsoft suite, such as Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and Power Automate, allows GIS communication to seamlessly integrate into an organization’s existing workflows and processes.

The Future of GIS
The future of GIS in the engineering project process remains promising. The rapid advancement of AI is significantly influencing the GIS industry, and our teams are at the forefront of AI support and implementation in our GIS projects. While it's difficult to predict the exact details of AI integration's future, one thing is certain: it will enhance GIS's impact on upcoming projects.

Our GIS team continues to develop new and creative ways to apply GIS to improve our work and deliver optimal project solutions. Across our markets, our clients benefit from the efficiencies and high-quality, dependable project data supported by GIS solutions. By building your GIS now, we can be sure our teams are ready to integrate and become the leaders in early technology adoption!

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About the Author, Kyle Feffer

Kyle is an established GIS Manager with extensive experience in dynamic and fast-paced geospatial consulting for renewable energy, land development, and large-scale infrastructure projects. Kyle combines his technical expertise with a business mindset to tackle complex organizational challenges. He has also led an innovation team that created customized applications for some of Westwood’s largest clients. Throughout his tenure, Kyle has contributed to over 400 projects across more than 20 states.