Unmapping GIS: Building GIS Into an Enterprise Information Discipline (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798868831911)

This is a book about elevating GIS from a narrow technical function into a strategic enterprise capability. Most GIS books teach software, mapping, analysis, or implementation details. This book takes a different approach. It explains how spatial intelligence fits within the larger worlds of enterprise systems, digital transformation, data governance, operational leadership, and organizational strategy.

The core argument is simple: GIS is not fundamentally a map-making function. It is a decision system. When organizations understand GIS only as cartography, requests, and technical support, they underinvest in it, misplace it in the org chart, fragment its data, and miss its value. When they understand GIS as a business-facing information capability that connects data, systems, people, and decisions, it becomes a force multiplier for operations, planning, risk management, service delivery, and modernization.

The book is structured as a strategic progression. It begins by redefining what GIS is and why common assumptions about it no longer serve modern organizations. It then moves into standardization, centralization, governance, and process design, showing how GIS can scale as enterprise infrastructure. From there, it explores data, systems, automation, digital twins, training, culture, client management, executive sponsorship, business strategy, ethics, and measurement. The final section brings these ideas into practice through internal marketing, ROI, and practical steps for building toward a long-term vision.

This project is timely because organizations increasingly expect integrated systems, real-time intelligence, stronger governance, and measurable business value from their technology investments. At the same time, GIS professionals are being pulled into broader conversations about enterprise architecture, operational intelligence, and digital transformation. There is a clear gap between what GIS is often perceived to be and what it can deliver when strategically positioned.

What You Will Learn

Position spatial intelligence within broader digital transformation, governance, and enterprise systems work.

Build a scalable GIS program through standardization, centralization, and intentional organizational design.

Lead cultural change by empowering users, engaging executives, and translating GIS into business value.

Measure and communicate GIS impact in terms leadership recognizes, including efficiency, risk, service outcomes, and strategic alignment.

Who This Book is For

Written for GIS professionals and managers, IT and enterprise systems leaders, and public- and private-sector decision-makers seeking to establish GIS as a critical organizational capability. Readers are expected to understand the fundamentals of GIS, enterprise systems, or organizational operations.