What is the best approach for developing a new GIS database for a large county?

The best approach for developing a new GIS database for a large county involves interviewing end-users to understand their needs. This approach is fundamental because end-users are the primary stakeholders who will interact with the database. By engaging them in the development process, you can gather valuable insights into their specific requirements, preferences, and challenges, ensuring the resulting GIS database is user-centric and effectively meets their operational needs.

Understanding user needs helps to identify what types of data are necessary, how the data will be used, the required functionalities, and any potential issues users may face. This direct feedback can guide the design and structure of the database, leading to a more efficient and effective system that supports decision-making and enhances operational efficiency in county management.

While expert knowledge and converting geospatial data into a specific model are important components of GIS development, they should ideally be informed by end-user input. Without understanding user needs, a database may not serve its intended purpose effectively, leading to underutilization or frustration from the users.