Overview of geographic information systems technology in utah state governement

In Utah state government, geographic information systems (GIS) technology means much more than a spatial analytical tool used for special projects. Properly implemented and managed, GIS technology can help provide effective workflow, information management, interagency coordination, and a uniform decision-support base. GIS can continually help improve operational efficiency and effectiveness. Using GIS successfully means to integrate the technology with the organization\u27s operations to expedite strategic objectives. Organizational management\u27s involvement in implementing GIS is essential to assure its becoming part of the organization\u27s operation. Achieving consensus in the use of GIS technology among state government department and their divisions is important in developing, adopting, and sustaining a statewide GIS strategic plan. The success of the plan relies on attaining common objectives for GIS technology. This paper is written mainly to provide an overview of the established organization and structure in Utah state government for implementing GIS technology and is intended to stimulate thinking about GIS issues, with a focus on ideas that could be valuable or events that some may regard as important