This unit considers Automated Mapping and Facilities Management (AM/FM) as an influential, well organized GIS application area. It explains how two traditional concepts—automated mapping systems and facilities management systems—are combined to provide a geographically referenced inventory of an organization’s facilities. Typical characteristics, functionality and benefits of AM/FM are illustrated with an example from the Eastern Municipal Water District of Riverside County, California.

This is the fifth in a six-unit series on the design, purchase and implementation of a GIS. It describes the pilot project, which provides the first physical results from a GIS project. Pilot project formats, design and management are discussed and illustrated with Automated Mapping and Facilities Management (AM/FM) systems examples from the Public Service Company of Colorado and Salt River Project of Arizona.

This is the second in a six-unit series on the design, purchase and implementation of a GIS. It describes the process of conducting a Functional Requirements Study (FRS) in order to identify existing functionality and any new requirements of a proposed GIS. It outlines methods for conducting a FRS, components of a completed FRS, weakness of the FRS process and the importance of conducting a FRS.

This is the first in a six-unit series on the design, purchase and implementation of a GIS. It outlines several steps that are covered in this and subsequent units: problem recognition and technological awareness, developing management support, project definition, system evaluation and system implementation. The first two are covered in this unit, illustrated with an example of a municipal Automated Mapping and Facilities Management (AM/FM) project in Newport Beach, California.

This unit begins a six-part section that reviews the spectrum of different applications of GIS. It characterizes the core groups of GIS activity in terms of three categories: (1) mature technologies that interact with GIS sharing its technology and creating data for it; (2) management and decision-making groups; and (3) science and research activities at universities and government labs. This unit focuses on the first category, exploring GIS applications in cartography, surveying and engineering, and remote sensing. Science and research activities are addressed, as well.

This is the third in a six-unit series on the design, purchase and implementation of a GIS. It examines several aspects of the system evaluation process, including the strategic plan, Request for Proposals (RFP), hardware and software issues, and system choice and reducing risks.