An Analysis of Benefits from Use of Geographic Information Systems by King County, Washington

摘要

We conducted a GIS return on investment (ROI) study for King County (Washington). A with-and-without methodology assessed how GIS altered county output, effort levels, and production capabilities, compared to GIS development and annual operation costs. We first conducted key interviews to gauge the role of GIS in agencies and the types of tasks performed. A survey of employees and managers who use GIS provided detailed productivity data. Survey responses were compiled to build an aggregate estimate of production with and without GIS. Changes were monetized to estimate benefits in terms of pre-GIS levels of output with GIS, as well as GIS-aided production level without GIS. GIS appears to be an efficient, highly beneficial investment for King County. Our most conservative estimate finds that GIS produced $775 million in net benefits from 1992 to 2010. The report also discusses strengths and weaknesses of the assessment method and provides guidance for future studies.