California needs to strengthen its use of geographic information systems (GIS) and create a full-time position for a geographic information officer, according to a new report by the Little Hoover Commission.

The commission found that, while state agencies make use of GIS technologies, its use is inconsistent, and lacks coordination and centralization.

“To gain full advantage of this important technology, the Commission makes three recommendations: that the state designate a state Geographic Information Officer to coordinate projects, promulgate standards, and manage shared resources; that the state create a GIS Advisory Council of governmental leaders and other stakeholders; and that the state use GIS to evaluate regional disparities in funding and the delivery of services,” said the announcement.

See the report here: https://lhc.ca.gov/report/mapping-strategy-gis