Department of Transportation

Results of 21001 GIS Survey

The results of the 2001 GIS web survey of Transportation Department has been reviewed. There are approximately 325 people in the Department that have access to a computer, and as such would nominally be exposed to GIS. Obviously there is a percentage of that number that would not use GIS in their daily business. This will change as they begin to realize GIS is not just for specialized work, it can and will affect all of us in our daily lives. Therefore the goal for the GIS effort in TDOT is to bring the Department GIS awareness to 100%, and eventually the overall use of GIS in some form to 100%.

Results Index

• Savings in Dollars
• Internet Use
• Increase in Knowledge Base
• Likes and Dislikes of Our GIS
• Additions I would Like to See
• GIS Education I Would Like
• Level of Knowledge
• Where Are Our Users in TDOT?
• Conclusion and Comments

Savings in Dollars

The most significant result from the GIS survey was timed saved. Using conservative estimates TDOT staff saves 80 labor hours PER DAY using one form of GIS. This equals 10 people per day, or nearly $630,000 saved each year. Of course there is an investment to facilitate the hardware/software and support staff of about $250,00 per year bringing the net annual savings to the Department of about $380,000.

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Internet Use

Of the 158 respondents to the survey, 73% indicated they use the MapGuide platform on a regular basis. 56% of the respondents indicated they ONLY use MapGuide as their GIS tool. This is a good indicator that our GIS deployment via the web is of significant value. These efforts will certainly continue.

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Increase in Knowledge Base

Of the 158 respondents to the survey 23 more people know what GIS is this year than one year ago. This is a 6% to 15% increase depending whether one uses the total staff in TDOT with access to a computer, or whether one only considers the increase based on the number of survey respondents.

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Likes and Dislikes of Our GIS

• 44% - Difficult to use/understand
• 39% - There is NOTHING I DISLIKE
• 9% - Lacks data I need
• 4% - Data is not current
• 4% - Simply does not apply to my job

The above data indicates there needs to be more education on GIS. Although people are using GIS, there is not a solid understanding of the technology. However, it is good to see a high percentage of totally happy users. When examing the "Lacks data I need" and "Data is not current" percentages together at 13%, it is becoming apparent that we may need someone to create and maintain data. Although we have been successful with creating and maintaing many data sets within our daily business, all data cannot be produced/maintained in that manner. Considering the amount of money saved in TDOT through GIS, satisfying this 13% would increase savings more. A full time GIS Technician would be able to take care of the majority of additional data needed to satisfy these clients.

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Additions I would Like to See

• 60% - Easier Interface
• 22% - More data related to my job
• 9% - Comments in Comment Box
• 9% - Ability to create spatial data myself

This data indicates a high percentage of users want an easier interface. Given the fact that we have a high percentage of MapGuide users (73%) and combined with the reality that MapGuide is one of the simplest interfaces we can provide to large numbers of staff, and combined with the "Likes and Dislikes of Our GIS" indicating GIS is "difficult to understand", it is clear TDOT must develop a strong education program. Also, the combined effect of "Ability to create spatial data myself" and "More data related to my job" are further indicators TDOT may need a full time GIS Technician to acomodate these needs. However, through the MapGuide platform we have deployed "point" capturing applications called "digiapps". We are currently developing a "line" generating interface that will use an Access form front end. Through the education process we may make a dent in these two areas, although a GIS Technician would certainly be able to accomplish this goal.

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GIS Education I Would Like

• 24% - College Degree (2 or 4 year)
• 23% - GIS Training (ESRI Classes, conferences, etc.)
• 23% - GIS Training, One-on-One
• 14% - One-on-One Training
• 6% - College Classes, GIS Training, One-on-One
• 4% - College Classes
• 4% - No Training - I know it all
• 3% - College Classes, GIS Training, One-on-One

The above responses to the question of what type of GIS education would a person like is interesting. At least 24% of the respondents are interested in a 2-4 year degree. The good news regarding this is Pima Community College is in the process of a grant application to establish a 2 year cirriculum as well as individual "modules" for specific topics. The courses may be available by the fall 2002. The results also indicate a high need for both ESRI type classes, GIS conferences, and One-on-One training. It is recommended that any person that falls in the GIS Training percentages take full advantage of the numerous "free" local workshops.

It is nice to see 4% of the respondents require no training...that is 7 people available to assist the rest of the Department with the need for One-on-One training!!

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Level of Knowledge

The respondents were asked to rate their knowledge of GIS from 1-5, with 1 being the most knowledgeable and 5 being the least knowledgeable.

• 26% - Rated themselves as a 4
• 25% - Rated themselves as a 3
• 24% - Rated themselves as a 5
• 19% - Rated themselves as a 1
• 6% - Rated themselves as a 2

The reponses here show a positive result that 50% of the Department is "average" or "above average",while 50% feel they are below average in GIS knowledge. The Overall Average for the Department is 3.29 which is slightly below the median value of 3. Here again the indicator is that Education is the key to our future.

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Where Are Our Users in TDOT?

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Conclusion and Comments

The survey results overwhelmingly point to education as the primary need for the future of GIS at TDOT. Education in the form of college classes, conferences, training courses and one-on-one training are all desired.

The survey results also indicate a need for more TDOT staff to be able to create and maintain data. This is a good thing and possible to do, but will take time. It is still apparent that a full time GIS Technician would greatly assist the Department with this effort.

Use of GIS and MapGuide nets the Department about $380,000 per year in savings.

Use of the MapGuide software is wide spread and used throughout most of the Department. It is good to note that many "field" staff members use the platform. This group was the original target audience for assisting with research to increase field productivity.

38 valid comments were received and are being investingated for further action.

To all of you that participated in the survey - THANK YOU!!

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