GIS: Impact that Goes Way Beyond Identity

Oh no, not the 'identity' thing again?

Yes, unfortunately this seems to still be a thing within the GIS community across the world. In fact, I was prompted to reflect on this again having seen a well respected local industry event engage a panel discussion on this very topic. Surely we have better things to be talking about!

I honestly thought we were beyond this crisis of identity.

For me, the notion that GIS has an identity crisis is an old and somewhat tiresome narrative. What's more it detracts from the real progress and achievements that have been made within this area in recent times.  This perceived crisis has been discussed for years, yet GIS has continued to evolve and demonstrate its value in countless ways.

And interestingly (I think), this narrative seems only to persist within the GIS community itself, often overshadowing the remarkable advancements and contributions that this community has made to various industries and sectors around world.

"Watch what you tell yourself, you're likely to believe it", Russ Kyle

As GIS technology has integrated more deeply into everyday applications, from urban planning and environmental monitoring to logistics, asset management and public safety, its practical benefits have become evident to many users. These users - private sector businesses, public sector organisations, non-profits, and educational institutions - are experiencing the tangible benefits of geographic insights and data-driven decision-making. They see GIS as a powerful tool that enhances efficiency, accuracy, and strategic planning, careless of the internal debates about its identity.

Moreover, the interdisciplinary nature of GIS, which some in our industry see as a source of identity confusion, is actually a strength. It allows us to adapt and integrate innovations from fields like data science, remote sensing, and computer science, making it more versatile and robust. This adaptability has kept GIS relevant and crucial in addressing modern challenges such as climate change, urbanisation, and natural resource management.

With some in our community focusing on a perceived identity crisis, in my opinion, they are overlooking the strong market demand and the growing recognition of the value of geospatial knowledge, knowhow and expertise. Many industries and organisations continually seek out geospatial solutions to optimise their operations and gain competitive advantage. For me, this increasing demand highlights that the market clearly understands and values what GIS offers, despite the uncertainty that seemingly still exists within the GIS community itself.

Furthermore, this focus on an identity crisis can stifle innovation and professional growth. GIS professionals thrive when they embrace the dynamic nature of their field, constantly learning and integrating new tools and methodologies. This forward-looking approach is far more productive than dwelling on outdated concerns about identity.

So why on earth do we insist on keeping this narrative alive? 

As someone who has never subscribed to this narrative, let me offer my observations.

Let me start with the possibly controversial idea that the GIS community struggles with its identity because it itself may not fully understand the value of its own work!

GIS professionals often work on complex, interdisciplinary projects that produce significant results, but these results may not always be communicated effectively within the community. When professionals are deeply engrossed in the technical aspects of their work, perhaps they might not take enough time to reflect on and articulate the broader impact and value of their contributions. This can create a disconnect between the everyday technical tasks and the overarching benefits that GIS brings to society.

Additionally, the diversity of GIS applications, ranging from urban planning and environmental management to public health and logistics, and countless others, means that professionals might see their work as fragmented rather than part of a cohesive whole. Perhaps this fragmentation can obscure the collective value and potential of GIS and without a unified narrative that ties together these diverse applications, the community might struggle to see the full picture of what GIS can achieve.

The rapid pace of technological change in the GIS industry can also contribute to this identity struggle. New tools, data sources, and methodologies are constantly emerging, requiring GIS professionals to continuously update their skills and knowledge. While this adaptability is a strength, perhaps it can also make it challenging to define a stable, enduring identity for the field. Professionals may feel that they are perpetually catching up with technology rather than mastering a well-defined discipline.

Moreover, the interdisciplinary nature of GIS means that GIS professionals often work in the context of other fields, industries or sectors. They collaborate with experts in environmental science, asset management, transportation, utilities and many, many more. While there is little doubt that this collaboration enriches the work of a GIS professional, perhaps it can sometimes lead them to see themselves as subservient to these other areas, rather than as a central, driving force. I can see how this perspective might diminish their perception of their own value and thereby contribute to the identity struggle.

So how do we overcome this perception and stop fuelling this tiresome narrative?

For me, continuously entertaining discussion and debate around there being an identity crisis in GIS is a bit like chasing rainbows - pointless. The GIS community needs to stop naval gazing and focus on better internal communication and reflection around the unique and distinct value it provides. Tell me of another Community of Practice that better understands impact and influence of location, place and geography on the decisions we make.

GIS Professionals should be encouraged to share their success stories and highlight the impact of their work, not just within the GIS community itself but more importantly to a much broader audience. By developing a stronger narrative that showcases the diverse applications and significant outcomes of GIS, I believe this community can build a more cohesive and confident story as to what it is we do and how we do it.

Furthermore, GIS education and professional development programs must play a better role in reinforcing the value associated with all things geospatial. In my capacity as an external examiner for a local university, it is evident that there is not enough being done in this area. By emphasising the interdisciplinary applications and real-world impacts of GIS, these programs can help professionals see the broader significance of their work, beyond just the software tools they are learning how to use. This approach will foster a stronger sense of identity and purpose with those entering into the gesopatial community.

This old narrative of a GIS identity crisis simply deflects and distracts us from celebrating our successes and the ongoing evolution of what we do. GIS has proved, and will continue to prove, itself through its practical applications and significant contributions across numerous industry domains.

"Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice", Steve Jobs

Therefore, in moving beyond this outdated narrative, GIS professionals must unlock the true potential of their work.

~ By enhancing internal communication, reflecting on the broader impacts of GIS, and promoting the interdisciplinary nature of what they do, GIS professionals will build a stronger, more unified identity.

~ By embracing the dynamic nature of GIS and recognising the profound impact of their work, GIS professionals will nurture a stronger, more supportive, more cohesive community of practice.

~ By truly understanding the achievements of their customers, GIS professionals will continue to nurture innovation, and embrace the remarkable contributions of GIS to society.

So, rather than question it, let us celebrate the transformative power of GIS, confident in its ability to shape a better, more informed world. Together, as an extremely proactive community we must define an identity, not by the percieved boundaries of our discipline, but by the boundless possibilities it provides.