In the context of producing, validating, and disseminating geospatial data, the use of flowcharts is an essential tool for ensuring process quality and standardizing activities. A flowchart is a graphical representation of the steps involved in a workflow, allowing users to visualize the logical sequence of actions, decision points, and data inputs and outputs.
By structuring a process through flowcharts, technical teams can clearly identify where key procedures take place, where validation is required, and which tasks depend on others before they can proceed. This directly contributes to quality control by reducing the likelihood of omissions, unnecessary repetition, and operational errors.
Objectives of Using Flowcharts in Geospatial Data Projects
- Clearly and visually represent the stages of technical processes.
- Standardize procedures and workflows within teams and across projects.
- Facilitate the identification of bottlenecks, failures, and critical points.
- Support process documentation and traceability.
- Assist in training and onboarding new professionals.
- Serve as a foundation for automating workflows using GIS tools.
- Improve communication among technical teams, management, and clients.
- Strengthen quality control by identifying validation checkpoints.
In projects involving geospatial data—such as shapefile creation, thematic mapping, cartographic database updates, or systems integration—process mapping through flowcharts promotes organization, traceability, and efficiency. This visual representation also facilitates team training, technical documentation, and workflow automation.
In addition, flowcharts are valuable communication tools between technical and management teams because they translate processes into a universal, visual, and objective language. When combined with schedules, checklists, and metadata standards, flowcharts help establish a solid foundation for spatial data governance and increase confidence in the delivered products.
Example: Verification Flowchart for a Shapefile (SHP) Received from a Third Party
- Start
- Receive file
- Preliminary file analysis
- Technical compliance verification
- Generate compliance report
- Decision: Does It Meet the Required Standard?
Yes → Proceed to Save Audited Version (v0)
No → Proceed to Issue Adjustment and Recommendation Report - End
5W2H – Using Flowcharts in Geospatial Data Projects
What?
Visual representation of workflow stages, decisions, and processes involving geospatial data.
Why?
To improve understanding, standardization, and continuous process improvement while reducing errors and rework.
Who?
Geoprocessing technicians, GIS analysts, cartographers, script developers, and project managers.
Where?
In activities involving the collection, processing, analysis, validation, and distribution of spatial data in both public and private organizations.
When?
During project planning, throughout technical execution, and during process review and improvement activities.
How?
Through diagrams (e.g., flowcharts, BPMN models) created using tools such as Lucidchart, Draw.io, Visio, PowerPoint, or even paper-based methods.
How Much?
Implementation costs are low—typically limited to time and software tools—while the benefits are substantial in terms of clarity, efficiency, and the overall quality of geospatial deliverables.