A best practice can be defined as the most efficient and effective way of achieving a goal or objective, improving business results through repeatable procedures that have proven themselves over time for large numbers of people.  For a best practice to be effective, it must allow for the easy transfer of ideas, knowledge, and standards, while at the same time remaining flexible and adaptable to change as business needs and technology change.

It is important to note that the adoption of a best practice by MAGIP is not a mandate for its use, nor is a best practice applicable to every situation. Only in the instance where a best practice is recognized as a standard (Metadata in the Montana GIS Portal, for example) is it required and enforced.  By committing to use a best practice, however, an individual acknowledges the benefits to one's organization and to the Montana GIS community as a whole.

Best Practices and Standards created by the MAGIP Technical Committee are now available for download.

Have an idea that you'd like the Technical Committee to consider for development as a best practice?  Download the Best Practice Topic Submission Form and send it in for review!

To contact the Technical Committee with questions, comments, ideas, or to join the committee, send an email to: magip.mt+tech@gmail.com.