Question 1

Which assessment do I need: Geospatial Assessment and Progress Score (GAPS) Survey, the ArcGIS Environment Audit, or the ArcGIS Enterprise Audit?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you're trying to figure out. The GAPS Survey works well as a full GIS program review if you want a big-picture view of your operation, including things like staffing, strategy, and data quality. This is often the first step toward strategic planning. The Environment Audit is a better fit if you're planning an investment soon and want a full picture of your current setup. The Enterprise Audit is the most in-depth option, meant for organizations already running ArcGIS Enterprise who are dealing with performance issues or planning an upgrade. Many clients start with GAPS, then move into a more technical audit once they know what to prioritize.

Question 2

How is the GAPS score calculated, and what do we get out of it?

Accepted Answer

We score your program across 8 areas, like staffing, data quality, and how well your systems talk to each other, based on input from your team. We compare that score against similar organizations nationwide, so you get an accurate sense of where you stand instead of a guess. You will walk away with a report your leadership can use to make the case for budget or staffing, while laying the groundwork for GIS planning going forward.

Question 3

What does the ArcGIS Environment Audit actually look at?

Accepted Answer

We review your overall ArcGIS setup, including your licensing, who uses it, how it's used, and what other systems it connects to. If necessary, we can even suggest a future setup tailored to your needs. The end result gives you what you need to build a solid data management plan, even if you decide you aren’t quite ready to move forward with any changes.

Question 4

How is the ArcGIS Enterprise Audit different?

Accepted Answer

This is a closer, more technical look at your existing ArcGIS Enterprise system, focused on performance, stability, and whether things are set up the way Esri recommends. It's built for organizations already running into slowdowns or issues, or getting ready for an upgrade. Instead of just telling you what's wrong, we hand you a prioritized list of what to fix first.

Question 5

Do you look at our database and backup setup too?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both audits include a review of your database performance and how well your data is protected if something goes wrong. We'll flag anything that could cause problems down the road, whether that's during an outage or a future migration.

Question 6

Will the audit show us how our GIS connects with our other systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We review how your GIS ties into other tools your organization uses, like asset management or billing software, and highlight where those connections work well and where there are gaps. This is often one of the most useful parts of the report for GIS planning down the road.

Question 7

Is this just going to lead to a sales pitch for more Cloudpoint services?

Accepted Answer

No. The point of an assessment is to give you an honest, documented picture of where things stand – not to sell you something. Plenty of clients use findings from the report to get buy-in from their own leadership, or to guide the work they do in-house or with someone else entirely. If we can help, we'll say so, but the report is yours to use however makes sense for you.

Question 8

Who actually does the assessment?

Accepted Answer

Our certified GIS professionals lead every assessment and audit. They work with organizations like yours – local governments, utilities, campuses, and public safety agencies – every day, so the recommendations are based on real experience, not a generic checklist.

Question 9

What do we get at the end, and how does this tie into a bigger strategic plan?

Accepted Answer

A clear, written report with our findings, your score (if applicable), and a prioritized list of what to do next. For some audits, that also includes a look at your current setup and a proposal for a future one. Either way, it's built to give your leadership something solid to act on; many clients use it as the foundation for a broader strategic planning effort or GIS master plan.

GIS Planning / Audits & Assessments

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