Executive Summary

The “Good Practices Guide – success in building and keeping an Aboriginal mapping program” profiles practices that lead to success when implementing geomatics programs in Canada.

The project team undertook a literature review including professional and scholarly research on factors for success when putting geomatics programs into operation, both in Canada and internationally. Findings were combined with the pooled knowledge of the report authors, who have over sixty years combined experience in this sector in many communities and organizations. A list of potential success factors was developed and a survey questionnaire based upon these was written. Representatives of Aboriginal organizations across Canada that were running or had operated local mapping programs were invited to fill out the questionnaire and participate in follow up interviews so they could share lessons they had learned while setting up and managing their programs. Their input was used to refine the list and complete a final list of good practices.

Practices and advice are grouped under six headings: getting started; gaining leadership and community support; funding and finances; human resources and training approaches; technology, data, and data networks; and support networks. Under these, specific concrete points of advice on principles for success are provided. Additionally, examples from first hand experiences are shared in a case study format to highlight specific principles in action.

The guide is not intended to provide a single-track road to success. Aboriginal mapping programs are as diverse as the communities themselves, and some principles presented will apply to some communities more than others. Taken as a whole, the guide should be useful to leaders responsible for setting up and managing programs, and for information technicians with responsibilities for mapping.