The following six keys are the most important factors for a sucessful GIS.
Data Input
As the cost of data input will occupy about 80 percent of the total cost in GIS, the first key should be data input. More attention should be given to selection and classification of required geospatial data for the project taking into consideration of the digitizing method.
Maintenance of Database
The second key is the maintenance of database, particularly maintaining data quality and routinely updating the system.
Consensus of Supporters
Not only top managers but also other administrative staffs and engineers should support the GIS project.
Customizing Sotfware
As the existing GIS softwares provided by vendors are not enoght for practical applications, the users should develop customized software or solution for the problem by building a model and programming an application package.
Data Sharing
Data sharing is one of the important keys to minimize the total cost of data input and also to maximize the use of the database. Political and administrative problems should be solved to promote the data sharing for a successful GIS.
Education and Training
Edcudation and training are also very important for understanding GIS concept, goals and techniques. They should be organized in three levels for makers, professionals and technicians.
Figure 6.3 summarizes the keys for a successful GIS