Utilities Shift GIS from Back-Office Mapping to Grid Strategy

Many organizations remain hampered by siloed geospatial data, unclear ownership, and governance structures that fail to support cross-departmental collaboration. According to Bevin Chau, research director at Info-Tech, viewing GIS as a back-office function prevents firms from establishing the reliable data foundations necessary for predictive analytics and digital grid management.

To bridge these gaps, Info-Tech proposes a four-phase framework that moves utilities beyond basic mapping. The strategy requires leaders to assess current maturity levels across six themes—including data management, workforce skills, and infrastructure—before defining a target state. By prioritizing initiatives based on feasibility and organizational value, utilities can create a structured roadmap that aligns technical investments with long-term resilience and operational reliability.