| FedGIS 2016 Summit: Earth Science as it is Today March 10, 2016 by Susan Smith At Esri Federal GIS two weeks ago, there were a number of three-hour presentations called “Summits” that focused on particular areas of expertise and featured many federal agency experts. A Beautiful GIS Mind March 10, 2016 by Matt Sheehan
I love a good story. Its actually why I rarely now watch films. Today’s special effects ridden films cannot replace a good tale (see the story free new Mad Max as an example). I’m thinking about 3 Days of the Condor, A Beautiful Mind and so many other films with real stories. Hard to beat.
I’m in story mood today. GIS story mood. Though the names have been changed this story is based on the truth. Ready? Rachael is a young, and very driven. A smart girl who started work for a software company less than 1 year ago. Much is expected of her in this new position. Some run away from pressure. That is not Rachael . She has built a new team, and wonders how best to proceed. Rachael’s teams task is to help new markets adopt the software. There are company guidelines she needs to stay within, but she wonders if she should take a tried and tested route, or break new ground? Software sales to those familiar with the software follow a familiar path. Not an easy sale (when is any sale easy), but the approach and language used are familiar. But sales to those new to this technology (its GIS) are quite different. GIS is not learned in 10 mins no matter how simple things become (20 years of working with GIS and I learn something new each day). Rachael’s dilemma: how do I sell software to those new to GIS, without giving them some level of guidance. Checking in once a month sh! e fears will not cut it. She knows GIS is far more than a simple software sale to those unfamiliar with the technology. This keeps her up at night. | 