What is the main difference between a traditional GIS and an Enterprise GIS?

The distinction between a traditional GIS and an Enterprise GIS primarily lies in the approach to data management and accessibility. Enterprise GIS is designed to support distributed access and collaborative sharing, which means that multiple users, often from different locations, can access, contribute to, and utilize the geospatial data and applications simultaneously. This collaborative environment supports workflow efficiencies and data consistency across the organization.

In contrast, traditional GIS often operates in a more siloed manner where access to data may be restricted to individual users or specific departments. The capabilities of an Enterprise GIS facilitate broader collaboration among departments and external stakeholders, promoting a more integrated and comprehensive approach to data sharing and management. This is essential in today’s data-driven environments where collaboration enhances decision-making and agility.

While aspects like internet access and user-friendliness do play roles in the usability of GIS systems, they are not the main differentiators. Traditional GIS tools may have user-friendly interfaces or certain advanced features, but they do not inherently encompass the collaborative capabilities that define an Enterprise GIS.