University of South Carolina
Spatial Data Infrastructure
Designing and implementing a university-wide spatial data system enabling coordinated infrastructure planning and decision-making
Context
Geospatial capability existed in a fragmented, informal state.
A small number of individuals used GIS independently, with no shared infrastructure, governance, or coordination.
GIS was housed within an academic department and disconnected from operational decision-making.
No authoritative datasets or institutional access model existed.
Intervention
Repositioned GIS from an academic function to institutional infrastructure.
Over one year:
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Engaged 50+ stakeholders
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Secured executive sponsorship and $300K annual funding
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Led organizational realignment into the university’s planning/architecture function
Directed implementation of enterprise spatial infrastructure through coordinated architecture, IT alignment, and centralized access.
System Design
Access
Institution-wide GIS access via SSO, eliminating barriers and manual account management Infrastructure
Centralized platform supporting authoritative data, applications, and system integration
Authority & Alignment
Executive-level positioning enabled coordination across departments and resolved fragmentation
Outcomes
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First comprehensive parcel dataset across all campuses and foundation properties
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4,200+ registered users and 59K+ monthly logins
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New users increased from ~700 to 1,500 annually
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Eliminated 30–40 hours/month of manual administration
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Enabled coordination of overlapping capital projects
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Supported contractor collaboration during planning and design phases
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Introduced spatial visibility into facilities and infrastructure operations
Impact
Spatial data transitioned from non-existent at the institutional level to a coordinated enterprise system.
The university now operates with a shared spatial understanding of its infrastructure, enabling coordinated planning, operational visibility, and more informed decision-making.
Related systems:
Governance & Access Model
Geospatial Community of Practice