Simplicity is the Solution: Applying the KISS Principle in Geospatial Projects
- Lisa Jackson
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
Keep It Simple, Seriously.
In geospatial technology, complexity creeps in fast—new tools, massive datasets, ever-changing software. Whether you’re mapping broadband access or building workflows in ArcGIS Pro, it’s easy to lose sight of the actual goal.
Here’s what nearly 20 years in GIS has taught me:
The simplest solution is usually the best one.
That’s the core of the KISS Principle—“Keep It Simple, Stupid.”
(Or more kindly: Keep It Simple and Straightforward.)
This mindset isn’t about dumbing anything down. It’s about clarity, efficiency, and function.
Why Simplicity Works
In geospatial projects, simplicity leads to:
Faster onboarding for new team members
Easier updates and maintenance
Clearer communication to non-technical users
Scalable, reusable solutions
A clean, readable script often beats a convoluted tool with ten hidden dependencies.
Real-World Example: Broadband Data Mapping
At my current organization, my team supports broadband data validation across the U.S. Our various workflows involve address data, provider reports, and complex boundaries. Initially, we leaned on automation-heavy scripts—clever but hard to troubleshoot.
Eventually, we scaled back.
We broke tasks into clear, modular steps:
✔️ Import
✔️ Standardize
✔️ Validate
✔️ Export
It’s faster, cleaner, and teachable.
That’s the power of keeping it simple.
How to Tell It's Too Complicated
If your solution…
🗣Requires constant explanations
📁Breaks when one file changes
📜Has poor or missing documentation
🤝Can’t be updated easily by a teammate
…it’s too complex.
Keep It Simple: Tips for Geospatial Work
Start with the end in mind. What’s the actual decision or action?
👨💻Don’t over-engineer. Use only what’s needed.
⚒Name things clearly. Layers, fields, and tools. (and clean up)
🐍Comment your code. Python and SQL included.
🎨Design for handoff. Make it maintainable without you.
🌇Use defaults wisely. Often they’re good enough.
Shift Your Mindset
Geospatial professionals are trained to do more—add layers, build tools, stack analysis. But good design often comes from removing the unnecessary.
👉 Let’s stop trying to impress with complexity.
👉 Let’s start solving problems with clarity.
Final Thought
At GeoLivity, we believe in solutions that serve real people. That means less confusion, fewer steps, and more value.
Simple wins. Every time.
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