Geospatial Information System Use in Public Organizations : How and Why GIS Should be Used in the Public Sector

This book shows how Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) can be used for operations management in public institutions. It covers theory and practical applications, ranging from tracking public health trends to mapping transportation routes to charting the safest handling of hazardous materials. Along with an expert line-up of contributors and case studies, the editor provides a complete overview of how to use GIS as part of a successful, collaborative data analysis, and how to translate the information into cost-saving decisions, or even life-saving ones.

Nicolas A. Valcik currently works as the Director of Institutional Research and Business Intelligence at the University of Texas at Permian Basin. Previously, Nicolas worked as the Executive Director for Institutional Effectiveness at Central Washington University, the Director for Institutional Research for West Virginia University, and as Associate Director of Strategic Planning and Analysis for the University of Texas at Dallas. In addition, Nicolas held an academic appointment as a Clinical Assistant Professor for Public Affairs for the University of Texas at Dallas. Prior to 1997, Nicolas worked for a number of municipalities, across different departments, as well as for Nortel. Nicolas received a doctorate in public affairs from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2005, a master’s in public affairs from the University of Texas at Dallas in 1996, a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Texas at Dallas in 1994, and an associate’s degree in political science from Collin County Community College in 1994.