GISCorps Volunteer conducted GIS Needs Assessment for Phreatic

Background

Global Underwater Explorers (GUE) is an internationally recognized NGO specializing in dive training, conservation, and exploration. With a strong focus on team-based, goal-oriented diving, GUE supports global scientific efforts through underwater clean-ups, photogrammetry, biospeleology, and ecosystem surveys. GIS technology aligns closely with GUE’s mission by enhancing underwater mapping, route planning, and spatial data analysis for conservation projects such as Project Baseline and CINDAQ.

Phreatic A.p.S. is a Sardinia-based NGO and a strategic partner of GUE, working primarily in the environmentally stressed Gulf of Orosei and Supramonte plateau. This region is home to vulnerable cave systems with potential freshwater reserves and unique biodiversity. Phreatic’s mission is to protect and advance the understanding of these critical groundwater ecosystems through hydrogeological and biospeleological research.

Phreatic utilizes scientific cartography and 3D photogrammetry in its projects, and GIS is seen as a transformative tool for scaling its impact. Through GIS, Phreatic can geo-rectify cave surveys, quantify recharge and flow rates, and present actionable spatial data to local municipalities for aquifer protection and water management. This capability is critical to their goals of advancing scientific knowledge, influencing conservation policy, and ensuring sustainable access to clean water for local communities.

Following the recruitment, Dawn Abercrombie, a GISCorps volunteer from Georgia who works for TRC Companies Inc. (TRC), was selected for this project.

With Dawn’s support, the use of Esri’s products, and in collaboration with GUE, Phreatic is helping equip the next generation of scientific divers and conservationists with the spatial tools needed to carry out impactful, data-driven environmental stewardship.

Needs/Goals

This project assesses the current state of GIS operations, identifies user needs, and develops a strategic roadmap for future improvements. The assessment includes an evaluation of hardware and infrastructure, software platforms, data management practices, and workflows. A comprehensive user needs assessment captures both functional and non-functional requirements, future goals, and existing pain points.

A gap analysis compares the current state to desired capabilities, identifying deficiencies in data, processes, and skills. Based on these findings, the project delivers targeted recommendations, including, data strategy, process enhancements, and a targeted training plan. An implementation plan outlines a phased approach to execute their objectives.

The Work

The documentation process began with the collection of critical information from key Phreatic personnel through strategic interviews, targeted questionnaires, and a comprehensive review of relevant documents, datasets, and ArcGIS Online content. The information gathered was analyzed and needs, gaps, and issues in key areas were identified. The key areas include:

• GIS Infrastructure
• GIS Data
• GIS Business Processes
• GIS Applications and Solutions
• GIS Training

Conclusion

Phreatic has demonstrated a strong sense of purpose and direction as an organization, with clearly defined objectives and a strategic understanding of how GIS can serve their mission. Their commitment to protecting and researching Sardinia’s vulnerable groundwater ecosystems is commendable, and they have recognized the potential of GIS as a transformative tool in this effort. The key to realizing that potential lies in developing a deeper technical understanding of what GIS can offer and how to effectively manage and execute a long-term implementation strategy.

To date, Phreatic has made meaningful progress by cultivating strategic relationships with Esri, GISCorps, and CINDAQ. These partnerships have enabled them to launch early GIS initiatives and build momentum. Continuing to foster these relationships will be essential to sustaining their growth. However, a significant challenge remains: their core team, while highly passionate and mission-driven, has limited capacity to engage deeply with GIS tools on a consistent basis. Addressing this constraint will require careful planning and a focused approach to project prioritization and resource allocation.

“I just wanted to take a moment to say how much I genuinely enjoyed working with you on this project. Your work on the gap analysis and needs assessment was truly impressive — clear, well-structured, and incredibly thoughtful throughout.” – Jennifer Thomson, Volunteer project diver and coordinator.” – Jennifer Thomson, Volunteer project diver and coordinator

Project completed.