Multidimensional Measurements of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Effectiveness in Crisis Management

摘要

Geographic information systems (GIS) provide timely and precise spatial information for command and control systems. GIS support decision makers in formulating plans and making critical decisions in preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation phase of crisis management. The study developed a validated and prioritized reference decision making model by Panel of experts from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that measures GIS effectiveness in crisis management. The model consists of seven factors and forty sub-factors. The seven GIS factors with respect to their importance in ascending order were system quality, information quality, user satisfaction, system use, decision performance, task complexity and feedback, and organizational impact. The data on measuring GIS effectiveness were obtained from a survey. Analyzed results from GIS directors, project managers, technical staff and users indicated that user satisfaction was assessed the lowest factor in the model. Additionally, the lowest assessments of the model sub-factors were: error recovery, documentation of system and procedures, ease of learning, currency of output, top management involvement, training provided to user, and GIS organizational position. The highest assessments in the model sub-factor were given to presentation mapping, viewing the map, and productivity improved by GIS. The major recommendations made include the following: (1) regularly measure the GIS effectiveness for each crisis events and establish a backlog; (2) consider some other measurements of technical, individual, and organizational factors based on GIS future capabilities, crisis context, and organization needs.