Large AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) companies have the challenge of managing GIS software access for thousands of software users across multiple countries and business units, each with their own business priorities. Unregulated software growth can result in excessive costs, cyber risks and put up barriers to effective global collaboration. Over the last 2 years Arcadis has been on the journey to establish robust governance for QGIS use across the company, to reduce risks and improve productivity. This work has also prepared the way for QGIS to be scaled more extensively across the company to mitigate vendor lock in and reduce undue friction and costs in project delivery.
This presentation will highlight the software governance challenges that AEC companies face in relation to open-source GIS and how these have been addressed at Arcadis as part of a long-term plan to scale QGIS. The presentation will also cover practical topics such as stakeholder engagement and the impact of AI on effective corporate open-source GIS software management.